Ogon no Mura – The Golden Village of Yuzu

Nestled deep in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture on Japan's island of Shikoku, Ogon no Mura ("The Golden Village") is far more than a food producer – it is the driving force behind the preservation and promotion of one of Japan's most celebrated citrus fruits: Kito Yuzu.

The company was founded with a simple but ambitious vision: to revitalise the remote Kito region through yuzu cultivation and create a sustainable future for local farming communities. Today, Ogon no Mura works closely with local growers, cultivating and processing Kito Yuzu entirely within the region, from orchard to bottle.

Kito's mountainous terrain, pure river water, abundant rainfall and dramatic temperature differences create ideal growing conditions for yuzu. These unique environmental factors produce fruit renowned throughout Japan for its intense fragrance, vibrant acidity and exceptional quality. In recognition of its distinctive origin, Kito Yuzu was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017, protecting its reputation in the same way that Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano are protected in Europe.

What sets Ogon no Mura apart is its commitment to preserving the fresh character of the fruit. Their yuzu juice is hand-squeezed and bottled within 24 hours of harvest, capturing the bright aroma and complexity that have made Japanese yuzu highly sought after by chefs and food lovers around the world.

Beyond producing exceptional yuzu products, Ogon no Mura continues to invest in the future of the Kito region. By creating value-added products, supporting local farmers and introducing Kito Yuzu to international markets, the company helps sustain a rural community while sharing one of Japan's finest citrus traditions with the world. Today, their products can be found in Japan, Europe and beyond, bringing the distinctive flavour of Kito Yuzu to kitchens across the globe.