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On November 5th and 6th, Nihonmoto team embarked on a special adventure: a trip to the Yuzu farms nestled on the slopes of Tsurugi Mountain, one of Japan’s premier locations for cultivating Yuzu. Fast forward to November 16th and 17th, and our team found ourselves once again engaged in the hands-on process of harvesting, but this time Nihonmoto team had the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the final stages of the Yuzu harvest, where we joined local farmers in carefully handpicking and packing the fruits that would soon make their way to Oita and beyond.

The days were chilly but bright as we set off on the morning of November 16th, making our way to the Yuzu orchards perched high on the slopes of Tsurugi Mountain.

The Yuzu trees were heavy with fruit, their branches almost bending under the weight of the ripe, golden orbs. It was clear that the harvest was going to be a good one. The Yuzu fruit we gathered was fragrant and vibrant, with the unmistakable zing of citrus in the air. It was a hands-on experience that brought us closer to the heart of the product we so deeply respect at Nihonmoto. There is no substitute for the freshness of fruit that’s been picked at its

peak, and the Yuzu we harvested that day was as fresh as it gets. Packing for Oita: A Job Well Done- Once we had gathered the Yuzu, the next step was packing. We moved to a large packing station where the harvested Yuzu would be sorted, cleaned, and packed into cartons for shipment. It was fascinating to watch the process unfold — the Yuzu fruits were carefully examined for quality, ensuring only the best made it into the boxes. Each fruit was then carefully placed in cartons, ensuring it was securely packed to avoid bruising during transport. Over the two days, the team of Nihonmoto packed approximately 600kg of Yuzu. As we sealed the final boxes, ready for shipment to Oita, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment.

The Yuzu harvested on November 16th and 17th is now on its way to Oita, and soon, it will be available in our Yuzu products. From juice to zest, from peel to pure essence, we take great pride in offering the freshest Yuzu possible. For orders, inquiries, or more information on our Yuzu products, feel free to reach out to us. This is just the beginning of another amazing Yuzu season, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.

The Magic of the Second Day- The second day of harvesting was where the real magic happened. We woke up early, energized by the work of the day before. With the sun climbing higher, we set out for a new section of the farm, where the yuzu trees were heavy with ripe fruit. This time, we felt more connected to the land and the process. Plucking each yuzu by hand and gently placing it into our baskets was incredibly satisfying. As a team, we moved through the orchard, laughing and sharing in the joy of the harvest—it felt like a celebration of the season and the hard work of the farmers.

One of the most rewarding moments was emptying our small baskets into large containers, carefully stacking the yuzu to avoid bruising. Watching the baskets fill up quickly, knowing we were gathering the fruits of months of care, felt like a true accomplishment. By the end of the day, the trees stood bare, their fruits now safely packed away, ready for sorting.

A Dream Come True- By the end of our two-day experience, the Nihonmoto Team had gained a deeper understanding of yuzu than any research could offer. The fruit was no longer just a product we imported—it had become part of our journey, infused with the spirit of the land and the farmers who cultivated it.

The kindness of the farmers, the beauty of the land, and the richness of the experience went far beyond anything we imagined.

As we left the Tsurugi Mountains, we felt like we had lived a dream—a dream that had connected us to the essence of yuzu in the most authentic way possible.

Now, every yuzu product we share with the world carries not just the zesty flavor of the fruit, but the passion, dedication, and love that go into every harvest in the Tsurugi Mountains. This experience deepened Nihonmoto’s commitment to bringing the best of Japan’s yuzu to the world – and we’ll always carry the memory of this incredible harvest with us.

The Nihonmoto Team at the Yuzu Farm in Tsurugi Mountains, Tokushima Prefecture- As a company dedicated to sharing the finest yuzu products, our visit to the Tsurugi Mountains was an opportunity to connect with the heart of yuzu farming. The steep slopes and challenging terrain of these mountain farms create the perfect environment for yuzu, known for its intense flavor and aromatic zest.

The Harvesting Experience- On our way to the farm, we nestled high in the mountain ranges, where the air was fresh, and the view was nothing short of breathtaking. Arriving at the farm, we were struck by the breathtaking views and rows of carefully tended yuzu trees. Harvesting here is no easy task. The excitement in the air was palpable as we each grabbed small baskets and headed to the trees. The steep incline made every step deliberate as we carefully plucked ripe yuzu by hand. Nihonmoto Team learned how to identify the perfect fruit, ripe yet firm, and the precision required to harvest without damaging the delicate skin. It was a dance between timing and care, ensuring each fruit was picked at its peak.

Lessons from the Farmers- The farmers shared their deep knowledge with us—explaining the steep farming methods that help with drainage and ensure the yuzu receives just the right balance of water and sunlight. They also talked about the careful pruning techniques, natural pest control, and sustainable practices passed down through generations. Working side by side with them, Nihonmoto Team began to understand the care that goes into growing each fruit. This hands-on approach ensures that Tsurugi yuzu remains one of Japan’s most prized citrus fruits.

As the day drew to a close, we looked back on the fruits of our labor. By the end of the first day, we had gathered a significant amount of yuzu, but the excitement for the next day was already building. Harvesting was just the beginning—we were eager to return and continue experiencing the joy of working in this extraordinary mountain environment.