When it comes to Japanese dried fruit, few things come close to the rich, sweet flavor and silky texture of Saijo persimmons. If you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone—Saijo persimmons are a rare variety that even many Japanese locals treasure as a hidden gem. But once you try one, it’s hard to go back to anything else. Today, let’s take a flavorful journey to Izumo, Shimane, where a passionate farm called Kakitsubo turns this luxurious fruit into a once-a-year delicacy: semi-dried Saijo persimmons.
What Is a Saijo Persimmon?
The Saijo persimmon is a rare Japanese fruit known for its super-sweet flavor and meltingly soft texture. Its unique shape, featuring four distinct grooves, makes it instantly recognizable to fruit enthusiasts. Grown primarily in limited regions of western Japan, the Saijo is often called “the sweetest persimmon in Japan.”
In fact, in the 2012 Vegetable Sommelier Summit—a major fruit competition in Japan—Saijo persimmons from Izumo in Shimane Prefecture won the top prize, earning the title of Japan’s best persimmon.
Meet Kakitsubo: Japan’s Leading Saijo Persimmon Farm
Located in the fertile, misty lands of Hirata, Izumo, Kakitsubo is a specialized Saijo persimmon farm with a proud heritage. With over 7 hectares of dedicated Saijo orchards, Kakitsubo is one of the largest and most respected producers of this rare fruit in Japan.
But it’s not just about quantity. Kakitsubo is committed to quality over everything, managing their orchard 365 days a year to ensure each fruit reaches its peak ripeness before it becomes a luxurious handmade dried persimmon.
A Dried Persimmon Unlike Any Other
Kakitsubo’s signature product is a semi-dried Saijo persimmon, made only from their own carefully grown fruit. These dried persimmons are moist, rich, and tender, offering an entirely new texture—not too hard, not too soft, but perfectly chewy and smooth.
If you’ve never liked dried persimmons before, this is the one to change your mind. It has become especially popular among younger women in Japan, who enjoy it as a natural, guilt-free snack or dessert.
No Sugar, No Additives—Just Natural Sweetness
While most persimmons have a natural sugar level of around 16%, Kakitsubo’s Saijo persimmons consistently exceed 20% in sugar content. Thanks to careful year-round farming and the ideal terroir of Izumo, the fruit develops an exceptional depth of sweetness—no added sugar needed.
These dried fruits are made with zero additives, no coloring, and no preservatives, allowing the natural beauty and taste of the Saijo persimmon to shine through.
Handmade with Care, One by One
Each Saijo persimmon has a unique shape with four grooves, making it difficult to peel mechanically. At Kakitsubo, every single fruit is peeled by hand, and dried with close attention to humidity and temperature to create the perfect semi-dried texture.
This labor-intensive process means they cannot mass-produce their dried persimmons—every batch is limited, seasonal, and incredibly precious.
A Rare Treat, Perfect for Gifting (or Keeping for Yourself)
Whether you're looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, Kakitsubo’s dried Saijo persimmons deliver. Many customers love them for everyday snacking, but they’re also beautifully packaged for gifting, and appreciated for their genuine luxury and authenticity.
Why Saijo Persimmons Are So Rare
Unlike other persimmon varieties, Saijo persimmons are mostly grown only in Japan’s Chugoku region, with Izumo being one of the few regions where they truly thrive. The reason? A unique combination of soil, slope, and climate, all thanks to ancient geological uplift that created perfect farming conditions.
And unlike other fruits, Saijo persimmons must be cared for all year long—from post-harvest pruning in winter, flower care in spring, shading in summer, to the final harvest in fall.
This dedication results in a fruit so sweet and rich, even people who say they don’t like persimmons fall in love with Saijo.
From Disbelief to Devotion: The Farmer’s Story
Interestingly, the head farmer at Kakitsubo didn’t even like persimmons at first. But the moment he tasted a ripe Saijo persimmon, everything changed. He was so moved by its flavor that he decided to devote his life to growing this incredible fruit and sharing it with the world.
Today, his passion is poured into every single dried persimmon produced at Kakitsubo.
How to Enjoy Kakitsubo’s Dried Saijo Persimmons
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Eat it straight as a natural dessert
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Slice and add to cheese boards or salads
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Pair with tea, wine, or sake for a gourmet touch
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Use in baking or as a topping for yogurt and granola
Where to Buy
These delicious semi-dried Saijo persimmons are available in limited quantities and usually ship at room temperature, making them easy to store and enjoy anytime.
Keep an eye out online or at Japanese specialty shops offering premium dried fruits—especially in fall and winter when they are most often released.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a natural, handmade Japanese treat that’s healthy, rare, and absolutely delicious, Kakitsubo’s dried Saijo persimmons are a must-try. Grown with love in the heart of Izumo and made with nothing but time, sunlight, and care, this is a sweet you’ll never forget.
