Arida Mandarin Oranges: Savoring the Sweet-Tart Bounty of Japan's Top Citrus Region

The Arida region centered on Arida City and Arida District in Wakayama is one of Japan's premier mandarin orange producing areas, known for its warm climate and terraced orchards on mountain slopes. "Arida Mikan" has been renowned nationwide since the Edo period, still appearing in produce stores across Japan as a high-quality brand.

Spectacular Mandarin Orchard Scenery: Terraced Fields Turning Golden

From late October through December, the mountains along the Arida River glow golden with ripening mandarin oranges. The stone-walled terraced fields carved into steep slopes are beautiful as agricultural landscapes, and have been selected for the "Top 100 Terraced Fields of Japan." The views from farm roads are breathtaking.

Mandarin Orange Picking Experience

From autumn through winter, many orchards in the Arida region offer mandarin orange picking experiences. Having farmers teach you picking techniques while harvesting fully ripened mandarins straight from the tree is a special pleasure. Many plans include all-you-can-eat on site.

Arida Mandarin Gourmet

Local gourmet featuring mandarins is also abundant: mandarin juice, mandarin jelly, mandarin-kneaded bread, mandarin daifuku mochi — the variety is rich as you'd expect from the producing region. The road station "Meike Furusato-kan" offers a comprehensive selection of local products.

Access

10-20 minutes by car from JR Kisei Main Line Fujinami or Arida Station. About 1.5 hours by car from Osaka.