Seasonal Japanese Fish Calendar for Sushi Lovers

Japanese sushi follows the seasons (shun, 旬). A fish at its peak is fattier, sweeter and cheaper. Knowing the calendar helps you order well — at an omakase counter or a belt chain.

Season highlights. Spring: sayori (halfbeak), tai (sea bream), clams. Summer: aji, kanpachi, anago. Autumn: sanma, saba, salmon roe. Winter: buri (kanburi), hirame, bluefin toro, fugu.

The calendar

Season	Fish and seafood at their best
Spring (Mar–May)	Madai (sea bream), sayori (halfbeak), hotaru-ika (firefly squid), clams such as hamaguri and torigai
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Aji (horse mackerel), kanpachi (greater amberjack), anago (conger eel), shima-aji, iwashi (sardine)
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Sanma (Pacific saury), saba (mackerel), katsuo (autumn bonito), ikura (salmon roe)
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Buri (kanburi), hirame (flounder), bluefin tuna toro, kohada, fugu

Seasons vary by region and year. Farmed fish such as salmon and hamachi are available all year. Uni seasons depend on species and area — see uni guide.

Autumn: now

It is September, so look for sanma, autumn mackerel and fresh salmon roe. Katsuo (bonito) returns fattier in autumn, known as modori-gatsuo.

Winter: the big season

Many sushi lovers consider winter the best season: kanburi (fat winter yellowtail), kan-birame (winter flounder) and peak bluefin toro. See hamachi and kanpachi and tuna cuts.

Ask "what's in season?" (shun no sakana wa?) at any counter. It's the best question you can ask a sushi chef.

At chains: seasonal specials on the tablet usually follow this calendar — a quick way to eat in season cheaply.

Import rules affect what's available. Since 24 August 2023, Hong Kong has banned seafood from ten Japanese prefectures. Some seasonal fish may come from other regions or countries.

Common questions

What is shun?

The peak season for an ingredient.

What is the best sushi season?

Winter, for many chefs.

Where else can I look?

See our sushi fish guide.

Compiled by our editorial team from Japanese seafood and sushi references, chain and restaurant menus, and Hong Kong food safety guidance, retrieved September 2026. Seasons vary by region and year. General information only, not medical or dietary advice.