Special Products of Inagi City: Pears

Inagi Pear

When it comes to Inagi's proud local products, the first that comes to mind is "Inagi Pears."

The pears grown in the city are rich in juice, very sweet, and have a crisp texture that is also highly praised.

During the season, various pears are sold directly at the pear orchards in the city, attracting many people from outside the city, creating a lively atmosphere.

Inagi pears are also appreciated as gifts and are shipped nationwide by delivery.

Harvest Season Guidelines

Direct Sales Office

Farm Produce Direct Sales Location Map

In mid-August, banners are raised high at the pear direct sales shops.
There are nearly 70 direct sales outlets for agricultural products in the city.
Every year, people from both inside and outside the city gather to purchase pears, grapes, vegetables, and more, creating a lively atmosphere.
You can view the Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office Map (PDF version) on the following page.
The latest information on Inagi pears is available on the "Official Website of the Inagi Pear Producers Association."

• Inagi Agricultural Products Direct Sales Store Map
• Official Website of Inagi Pear Production Association(External Link)

[Request] Regarding Street Parking

Many direct sales outlets will open from August to October, which is the harvest season for pears and grapes in the city.
Many people, including those from outside the city, are visiting, but there has been a significant increase in street parking by those arriving by car.
Parking on the street not only causes traffic congestion and obstructs emergency vehicles, but also hinders the passage of pedestrians and others, leading to traffic accidents.
When visiting the direct sales office, please use public transportation as much as possible. If you come by car, we kindly ask you to park in coin parking and be considerate of the nearby residents.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that as many people as possible receive Inagi City's specialty products.

History of Pear Cultivation in Inagi City

The history of pear cultivation in Inagi City is long-standing, said to have begun about 300 years ago during the Genroku era when Mr. Heiemon Masuoka and Mr. Sajiemon Kawashima, officials of Naganuma Village, brought back and planted pear saplings of the "Awayuki" variety from Yamashiro Province (now the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture).
By the mid-Meiji period, full-scale commercial cultivation had been established. Currently, pear production exceeds 1,000 tons, making it the largest pear-producing area in Tokyo, continuously leading pear cultivation within the city. There are about 20 varieties cultivated, but nowadays, four varieties—Inagi, Niitaka, Housui, and Kousui—account for 90% of the total production.
Previously, pears grown throughout the Tama River area were sold as "Tama River Pears," but to differentiate from other cities, in 2006 the regional brand "Inagi Pears" was registered and certified by the Japan Patent Office.
In recent years, the situation surrounding urban agriculture has become very challenging due to the decrease in agricultural workers, the shortage of successors, and natural disasters caused by global warming. However, the research and efforts of pear-producing farmers, along with the desire to protect the valuable traditions established by their predecessors, are passing on the nationally renowned "Inagi Pear" brand to the next generation.

Related Information

• Special Products of Inagi City: Grapes
• JA Tokyo Minami Website(External Link)