Japan's Most Famous Fall Foods

Foodies rejoice. Japan is searching for new engines of economic growth as traditional exports like autos and electronics face increasing competition from Asian rivals.

As part of that ambition, the government is hoping to double the amount of agricultural and other food exports over the next seven years.

Find out what some of Japan's most famous fall produce are.

Matsutake, kaki or gingko nut anyone?

By Kaori Enjoji
Tokyo Bureau Chief, CNBC Asia Pacific 

Posted 22 October 2010

Matsutake in peak season in mid-October.

One perfect stem before peak harvest can cost more than 10,000 yen. Imports from China and South Korean cost one-tenth.

With names like Aurora, Renaissance and Niagara, branding produce is part of the Japan’s national agenda to revive the rural economies where they are harvested.

The gingko leaf is a symbol of longevity in Japan and many Confucian cultures.

The pale green gingko nut adds seasonal color to fall Japanese dishes -  often used sparingly as one nut can cost 20 yen.

Nashi, or Japanese pears, bear no resemblance in shape or taste to western pears.

At 200 yen per slice, grilled salmon is a household staple.

From sweet to savory, chestnuts crop up in many dishes between October and the end of New Year festivities.

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, has its own distinct culinary traditions, including Tamba chestnuts.

“Fruit tomatoes” the size of golf balls command a premium for their high sugar content.

Kaki persimmons are now sometimes spotted in urban supermarkets around the world.