Ehime Mikan — Citrus Capital of Japan

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

mikancitrusmandarin orangesfruit pickingagriculture

Ehime Prefecture produces 20% of Japan's mikan (mandarin oranges), making citrus the region's defining agricultural product. The mild Setouchi climate, well-drained hillside orchards, and abundant sunshine create ideal growing conditions. Mikan harvest season runs October–March, when orchards offer all-you-eat picking experiences, fresh-squeezed juice stands appear everywhere, and citrus-flavored products flood shops.

Ehime grows over 40 citrus varieties beyond common mikan, including iyokan, ponkan, dekopon, and the premium Kara mikan (¥1,000+ per fruit).

Opening Hours

Fruit-picking farms: typically 9:00–16:00 (reservation required). Fresh juice stands: open during farm/station hours, roughly 9:00–17:00.

Closed: Fruit-picking season October–March only. Outside this season, orchards are not open for picking.

Entrance Fee

Fruit-picking: ¥500–800 for 30-minute all-you-can-eat experience. Fresh juice: ¥300–500/cup. Premium citrus varieties ¥500–3,000+ per fruit.

Best Season

October–March for mikan harvest and fruit-picking. Peak fresh flavor in November–January. Dekopon and premium varieties available December–February.

Visit Duration

30–60 minutes for fruit-picking experience. Allow 15–20 minutes at juice stands. Best combined with other Ehime sightseeing rather than as a standalone destination.

Getting There

Access Information

Mikan orchards throughout Ehime, concentrated near Matsuyama, Imabari, and Yawatahama. Fruit-picking farms: ¥500–800 for 30-min all-you-can-eat (Oct-Mar season). Fresh juice stands at Matsuyama Airport, major train stations, ¥300–500/cup.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Premium citrus varieties:** Beyond standard mikan, Ehime produces luxury citrus: (1) Kara mikan — thick-skinned, intensely sweet, ¥1,000–2,000 per fruit, available Dec-Jan. (2) Beni madonna — seedle