Ehime Mikan: The Mandarin Orange Kingdom of Japan's Leading Production Area

Ehime Mikan: The Golden Fruit of Japan's Leading Production Area

Ehime Prefecture is Japan's leading Satsuma mandarin production area, accounting for over approximately 20% of national production. The warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea, steeply sloping farmland, and abundant sunshine provide optimal conditions for mikan cultivation, producing mikan with high sugar content and exquisite balance with acidity.

Spectacular Views of Mikan Orchards

Terraced mikan orchards spread across steep slopes throughout Ehime Prefecture (particularly around Matsuyama, Imabari, Yawatahama, and Uwajima), with mountain slopes turning orange from autumn through winter being the "original Ehime landscape." The combination of trains running through the terraced orchards and the sunset at "Shimonada Station" is a popular photography spot.

Diversity of Citrus

In Ehime, in addition to Satsuma mandarins, diverse citrus fruits including Iyokan, Kanpei, Beni-madonna, Setoka, and Dekopon are cultivated. Enjoying different citrus varieties each season is the true pleasure of Ehime.

Mikan Picking Experience

Mikan picking experiences can be enjoyed at mikan farms throughout the area during harvest season (November–December). The experience of all-you-can-eat freshly picked mikan on the spot is popular as agritourism.

Access

Mikan farm experiences possible throughout Ehime Prefecture. Processed mikan products are also abundantly sold at Matsuyama city and roadside stations throughout Ehime.