Nanki citrus is a regional specialty of Mihama Town in southern Mie Prefecture, an area blessed with a mild climate that allows citrus fruit to be harvested throughout the year. More than 20 varieties are cultivated here, offering a wide range of flavors, sizes, and seasonal characteristics.
Rather than being limited to a single harvest season, Nanki citrus provides fresh fruit across much of the calendar year. Each variety has its own ideal season, allowing visitors to discover different tastes depending on when they visit.
Amanatsu, a large citrus fruit with a refreshing flavor, is typically available from February through May. From June to September, greenhouse-grown Satsuma mandarins offer a rich, concentrated sweetness. During December and January, high-sugar varieties of Satsuma mandarin are especially popular, bringing to mind the familiar Japanese winter custom of enjoying mandarins while relaxing under a heated kotatsu table.
Other varieties, including Iyokan, are also grown in the region. Various hybrids, such as Kiyomi, Shiranui, Kara, and Summer Fresh, become available during their respective seasons, adding even more diversity to the local citrus harvest.
During the appropriate harvest seasons, visitors can purchase locally grown citrus at fruit stands and sales outlets along National Route 42. These roadside shops offer a convenient opportunity to sample the region’s seasonal produce and take home fresh fruit as a reminder of a visit to southern Mie Prefecture.
With its mild climate, varied citrus varieties, and year-round harvests, Mihama Town is an appealing destination for anyone interested in Japan’s regional fruit-growing traditions.