Kishu tangerines are small, 2 to 5 centimeters in width, just a bit smaller than a golf ball. They have a slightly squat appearance, with a slight depression at the bottom end. The rind is a glossy, bright orange that fits snuggly around the flesh. The thin rind peels away easily, revealing small, bite-sized sections and a moderate amount of pith. The meaty, juicy segments number between 10 and 12 and are very sweet, measuring 11 to 14% on the Brix scale for sugar content.

Kishu tangerines grow on dwarf-sized trees and are harvested by hand due to their size and delicate nature.