What to Eat in July

Cherries in Japan are lovingly known as "Red Ruby" or "Red Jewels" due to their bright red peel, plump shape and juicy flesh.  As they are difficult to grow and preserve over summer in Japan, cherries are only available during a limited time and are a fruit that perfectly symbolise the start of summer for locals.

Here's where you can get your hands on the sweet fruit. 

Cafe 909 is a new dessert place in town which serves shaved ice which is otherwise known as kakigori, a popular Japanese treat in the summer. The cafe uses seasonal fresh fruit mixed with condensed milk to create a sweet but refreshing syrup. Over the summer months, expect not only fresh cherry flavour but also blueberry and honeydew.

Location: 2 Chome-7-1 Kita 1 Jonishi, Kutchan cho, Abuta gun, Hokkaido

Eat the freshest cherries by going fruit picking this month. Walk around the fruit orchards and pick the plumpest cherries to take home with you. Great as a day trip out.

Location: Niki Fruits Park, 16 Chome-121 Higashimachi, Niki-chō, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaidō 048-2411

Keep a look out for a new cherry ice cream flavour at Niseko Gelato during this month. With the fruit being in season, many locals will begin to think of creative ways to incorporate the sweet fruit into their menu. Last month, with asparagus being in season, Niseko Gelato came up with their Organic Asparagus and Hidaka Fresh Cheese (Fromage Blanc) Gelato.

Location: 79-45 Motomachi, ニセコ町 Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1544

Hungry for more? Check out our restaurants listing.