Atago. - A mid-season, russet skin Asian pear. Origin: Seed from self-pollination of Nijisseiki collected in 1917, however fruit characteristics of resulting tree suggested a cross of Nijissiki x Imamura Aki. Named Atago in 1927 after the region of Japan by this name, and introduced in 1928 by Ninomiya-Engei Testing Center. Fruit: large, round, slightly asymmetrical, golden brown russet; flesh crisp, juicy, less astringent than Imamura Aki, ripe about 3-4 weeks before Ya Li; harvested in mid-September in Niigata; good storage life. Tree: diploid (2n=34), mid-size stature and abundant fruiting. -- from I.Kajiura and Y.Sato. 1990. Recent progress in Japanese pear breeding and descriptions of cultivars based on literature review. - Bulletin of the Fruit Tree Research Station (translated from Japanese by S. Wada, 12/2007).
Extra large, noticeably sweet and juicy fruit with a golden brown skin. Tree has moderately vigorous growth and is productive. Harvest is late season. A cross between Nijisseiki and Imamura Aki and is superior to Niitaka. Atago has a long and profuse bloom period, making it a good choice as a pollenizer. Very little thinning required for large fruit. Fruit hangs well on the tree. -- Fowler Nurseries Catalog, 2007.
Ripe in mid October. Recent introduction, attractive russet tan skin, productive and late ripening, it stores very well. Crisp juicy flesh with a hint of spice, especially eaten with skin on. -- G. Moulton and J. King. 2006. Fruit Handbook for Western Washington: Varieties and Culture.