Kadsura japonica is a cultivated, dioecious, ornamental plant in gardens, with edible fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked.

It is an evergreen with deep green, glossy leaves that turn slightly red in autumn.

In common with other plants in the family Schisandraceae, this species can be monoecious although it is often reported as dioecious, and may change sex expressions over time.

[9] It is found in the tropical and subtropical habitats and can be grown as an indoor plant.

Extracts from this plant are also used for traditional Japanese washi paper making.