Imari pears, a specialty of Imari City in Saga Prefecture, are a popular pick among the city's hometown tax gifts, prized for their juicy, crisp texture and a sweetness that fills the mouth. As the fruit reaches peak season, the city is holding its Hosui Pear Festival on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, at four JA Imari direct-sale locations. Michi-no-Eki Imari "Imari Furusato Mura," one of the venues, will also open a temporary hometown tax reception desk for the occasion.
Hosui Pear Festival, August 29–30
The two-day festival runs Saturday, August 29, through Sunday, August 30, 2026, with freshly picked Hosui pears on sale at four locations across the city.
Hosui pears are known for a good balance of sweetness and gentle acidity, with a juicy, flavorful bite — one of Imari's signature tastes of the season.
Anyone craving a delicious pear, wanting to enjoy Imari's seasonal flavors, or looking for a fruit that makes a great gift is welcome to visit the festival.
Event Overview
Dates: Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026
Venues: Four JA Imari direct-sale locations
- Imari Pear Sorting Center — 2450 Okawano, Okawa-machi, Imari, Saga Prefecture (Google Maps)
- Michi-no-Eki Imari "Imari Furusato Mura" — 2754-9 Ideno, Minamihata-machi, Imari, Saga Prefecture (Google Maps)
- Shiki no Sato Okawa — 1883-1 Okawano, Okawa-machi, Imari, Saga Prefecture (Google Maps)
- Matsuura no Sato — 4922-1 Matsuura-machi, Imari, Saga Prefecture (Google Maps)
Products on sale and hours may vary by venue.
Temporary Hometown Tax Reception Desk
To share Imari's pears with even more people, a temporary hometown tax (furusato nozei) reception desk will open at Michi-no-Eki Imari "Imari Furusato Mura" for the duration of the festival.
Imari's regular hometown tax lineup includes specialties such as Imari pears, Imari beef, and Imari ware pottery, but the temporary desk will handle Hosui pears only.
Visitors can use the occasion to enjoy a taste of Imari through the hometown tax program.
Enjoy the Best of Summer in Imari
Grown under plenty of summer sun, Imari pears taste a little different when enjoyed close to where they're grown.
Whether for a family or friends' outing, a summer memory in the making, or a gift for someone special, August 29 and 30 offer a chance to experience Imari, the home of these pears, at its best.
