Top quality Japanese pepper grown only in Okuhida

Most of the Japanese peppers cultivated and growing wild in Japan are Asakura Sansho and Grape Sansho, but the Japanese pepper grown in Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, located in the Takahara River basin at the foot of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps) in Gifu Prefecture, is a variety called “Takahara Sansho”. Takahara Sansho is characterized by its small fruits and contains more refreshing citrus aroma than other varieties, and is chosen by professional chefs at famous eel restaurants and long-established restaurants across the country.

An excellent Japanese pepper tree with a strong fragrance that grows naturally in Okuhida mountains, soil, and water. It can be said to be a blessing of nature created by the unique climate of the highlands. There is a record that during the Edo period, the feudal lord of Hida County presented it to the Tokugawa shogun, and it is said that it has been known as a local specialty since ancient times. The local people have carefully protected and nurtured the proud Japanese pepper trees for generations.