The Best Japanese Strawberry Varieties

The Best Japanese Strawberry Varieties

It’s been a while since we first introduced Japanese strawberries to our customers—and we’d like to think we were among the first to offer this many varieties overseas. Some people ask, “Why is an Uni shop importing strawberries?” The answer is simple: it’s what our customers want.

At Hokkaido Uni Shop, we’ve always listened closely to what excites our customers—and Japanese fruit, especially strawberries, has become a seasonal luxury that people around the world crave. These aren’t just fruits—they’re expressions of craftsmanship, seasonal beauty, and flavor perfection.

With over 40 varieties of Japanese strawberries cultivated across the country, it can be overwhelming to know the difference. So, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three most popular and sought-after varieties based on our research and customer feedback: Amaou, Awayuki, and the emerging favorite, Amarin.

1. Amaou (あまおう) – The King of Sweetness

 

  • Origin: Fukuoka Prefecture
  • Flavor: Sweet and rich with a balanced acidity
  • Appearance: Deep red, large, and round
  • Why It’s Loved:
    Amaou gets its name from “Aka–Marui–Ookii–Umai” (Red, Round, Large, and Tasty). It’s juicy, firm, and visually stunning—making it perfect for gifting, dessert plating, or simply enjoying fresh.
  • Best Season: December to April

2. Awayuki (淡雪) – The Elegant White Jewel

 

  • Origin: Kagoshima, Saga, Nara, Kumamoto
  • Flavor: Mild, soft sweetness with low acidity
  • Appearance: Pale pink to white skin, white-to-light-orange flesh
  • Why It’s Loved:
    Often referred to as the “white jewel” of strawberries, Awayuki is delicate, photogenic, and luxurious. Its firmer skin makes it ideal for travel or gift presentation.
  • Best Season: December to April

3. Amarin (あまりん) – The New Sweet Standard

 

  • Origin: Saitama Prefecture
  • Flavor: Exceptionally sweet, minimal acidity
  • Appearance: Bright red skin, light red flesh
  • Why It’s Loved:
    A relatively new variety, Amarin was developed over 19 years by crossing Yayoi Hime and Fukuharuka. It has a beautifully conical shape and high sugar content—designed for those who want strawberries as sweet as candy.
  • Best Season: December to May

Honorable Mention: Tansuki (丹雪)

 

  • Origin: Kagoshima Prefecture
  • Flavor: Gentle sweetness with a snowy-white appearance
  • Why It’s Loved:
    Rare and charming, Tansuki strawberries resemble snowflakes and change to a faint blush when ripe. They're more than fruit—they're visual poetry.

So....Which one is Recommedned?

They are all exceptionally sweet and juicy strawberries and we have received a lot of great feedback from our customers. If you ask which is the best? Then our answer is  the best we've found so far is Amarin, which offers an average sugar content of 25, while others are somewhere around 15-20 at most. Its sweatiness is next to none and offers more length for the far harvest. 

It's usually only available for domestic market and very limited to the outside of Japan due to the popularity but Hokkaiod Uni Shop make it available for you to enjoy at home! 

How to Order Japanese Strawbery.

Order Japanese Strawberries Now all available at Japanese Strawberries 
For inquiries: hokkaidounishop@gmail.com

© Hokkaido Uni Shop. All rights reserved.

Back to blog