Although Japan is not known for having a large agriculture industry, Japan grows many varieties of plants, for food and other uses. More than 400 species of plants, one half of them food crops, are grown in Japan. Japan has introduced many crops. Some of the indigenous ones are wasabi (Japanese horseradish), fuki (butterbur), kuri (Japanse chestnut), kaki (persimmon), and hakka (mint).

Some of Japan's important food staples are soybeans, wheat, barley, and corn. Japan is known for its rice patties. Radishes and Chinese cabbage are produced abundantly. So are cabbages, cauliflower, onions, cucumber, tomatoes,and lettuce. Mandarin oranges and apples are the most important fruit crops,along with peaches, grapes, chestnuts, pears, and persimmons. As it might be guessed, green tea is also grown.

Mushrooms, which are in great demand, are cultivated artificially. Azuki beans, also popular, are eaten on ice cream. A type of sweet potato is used to make one of the more unique types of ice cream. Rushes are grown for tatami mats.