Travel Tips ｜ Local Food
Jabara
A single rare indigenous citrus tree
“Jabara,” an indigenous tree growing in Kitayama since ancient times, is said to dispel evil spirits. In Wakayama, which is known as the citrus kingdom, citrus breeding is actively practiced, but Jabara is a natural citrus fruit that grows in the wild through natural cross-pollination. Its sour and bitter taste creates a unique flavor, and it was used as a natural edible vinegar for dishes such as sanma sushi and kohakunamasu (pickles made from white radish and carrot slices). As Jabara fruit was not produced for sale, by 1977 there was only one tree left. However, Jabara attracted attention as a citrus tree that could revitalize the region due to its rarity, and so now its cultivation and product development are being actively pursued.(Photo provided by Kitayama Village)
Healthy blessings from nature
This rare fruit was nurtured by the climate of Kitayama, which is deep in the mountains. The region was not suitable for growing oranges or lemons to be eaten fresh because the surrounding mountains keep temperatures very low in winter. However, unusually for citrus trees, Jabara is cold tolerant. It is thought that Kitayama’s unique climate and the jabara’s characteristics have made Kitayama the only place in Japan where Jabara trees can grow in the wild. Another characteristic of the Jabara trees grown in Kitayama is the fact they produce high quality fruit containing few seeds.
©Kitayama village
Jabaraizu product of Jabaraizu Kitayama
For more information about Jabara, please contact Kitayama village tourist information center.
| Adress | 〒647-1604 Inside Roadside Station Okutoro, 335 Shimooi, Kitayama-mura, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Japan |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Every Thursdays |
| Traffic Access |
By public transportation : From “Kumano City Station” on the JR Kisei-Honsen-line, take the Kitayama Village Bus and get off at “Okutoro Koen”. By car : From Osaka/Wakayama, around 90 minutes’ drive from Kamitonda IC. |
| Parking | Available（ free ） |
| Contact | Kitayama village tourist information center TEL：0735-49-2324 Web：https://www.vill.kitayama.wakayama.jp/kanko/ |
* Information is subject to change. Please be sure to check with the site/facility before heading out.
