A Fragrant Miracle Born in the “Tibet of Shikoku”
Nestled deep in the lush mountains of Naka-cho, Tokushima Prefecture, the Kito region—often referred to as the “Tibet of Shikoku”—is the birthplace of Kito Yuzu, one of Japan’s most iconic and aromatic varieties of Citrus junos. Surrounded by peaks over 1,000 meters high and receiving some of the highest rainfall in the country, this remote area has become synonymous with top-quality yuzu.
With a population of just around 1,000 residents and more than 60,000 yuzu trees, Kito is not only a citrus haven but also a story of agricultural innovation and community resilience.
The Climate That Creates Exceptional Yuzu
The Kito region is distinguished by its dramatic geography and extreme climate conditions:
- Elevation: Yuzu trees are cultivated at 300–500 meters above sea level.
- Temperature Range: Winter soil temperatures drop to -10°C, while summer temperatures exceed 40°C.
- Rainfall: The highest annual precipitation in Shikoku; also holds national records for short-term rainfall.
These stark contrasts result in thick-skinned fruit with rich oils, intense citrus fragrance, and a beautifully balanced flavor profile of gentle acidity and refreshing sweetness.
Kito Yuzu Characteristics
- Fragrance: Refreshingly mild yet deeply aromatic; essential oils are especially concentrated in the peel.
- Flavor Profile: Subtle tartness balanced with a natural sweetness.
- Texture: Thick rind, abundant pulp and juice, with few blemishes.
- Season: Peak harvest from October to December.
Popular Uses
- Juice for ponzu, cocktails, or grilled fish.
- Zest for soups, pickles, confections, and desserts.
- Whole fruit used in traditional yuzu-kama (hollowed yuzu filled with ingredients).
From One Tree to an Entire Industry
The story of Kito Yuzu began with a single, beautiful yuzu tree discovered by Akiyuki Kaname, known as the “father of Kito Yuzu.” In the aftermath of Japan’s post-war forestry collapse, he and others saw yuzu as a path forward. Over decades of experimentation and community cooperation, that single tree became the foundation of a nationally renowned industry.
Today, one-third of Kito’s 600 households are involved in yuzu cultivation. Their passion and craftsmanship have positioned Kito Yuzu as the benchmark for quality yuzu in Japan.
A Story of Patience and Innovation
Traditionally, yuzu trees required 18 years to bear fruit, earning them the saying:
“Peaches and chestnuts in 3 years, persimmons in 8, but yuzu in 18—the big fool’s tree.”
This long gestation made yuzu impractical for large-scale farming. However, in the 1960s, agricultural pioneer Hiroshi Usuki introduced a revolutionary method by grafting yuzu onto hardy trifoliate orange (karatachi) rootstock, reducing the fruiting time to just 3–5 years.
This innovation, shared through the Kito Yuzu Research Association, transformed Kito into Japan’s first consistent yuzu supplier, and laid the groundwork for nationwide distribution.
In 1977, the Association was awarded the Asahi Agricultural Prize, solidifying Kito Yuzu’s reputation as the gold standard for yuzu.
Recognitions & Global Reach
- 2017: Kito Yuzu received Geographical Indication (GI) status from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
- The GI status officially recognizes that the terroir of Kito—its soil, rainfall, and altitude—is uniquely suited for cultivating superior yuzu.
- Thanks to advanced storage and greenhouse technology, Kito Yuzu is now available year-round and exported globally.
Preservation Techniques
- Evaporation-based humidity control keeps fruit fresh with just 3–6% shrinkage.
- Juice is hand-pressed within 24 hours of harvest to preserve aroma and flavor.
- All parts of the yuzu—from seeds to peels—are used in a zero-waste, circular farming model.
Fragrance Beyond the Kitchen
The captivating fragrance of Kito Yuzu is one of Japan’s most recognized natural aromas, alongside sakura (cherry blossom) and matcha (green tea). Its essential oils, found not only in the peel but also in the leaves and branches, are widely used in:
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Aromatherapy and bath products
These value-added industries support sustainable income for farmers and help revitalize rural communities.
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