Itou region boasts the largest production of persimmons in Japan
In the hills upstream of the Kinokawa River, which flows through the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture, there is an area that boasts the largest persimmon production in Japan. In autumn, the area is beautifully decorated with large coloured persimmons.
The climate, characterized by large differences in temperature between day and night, favours cultivation of high quality persimmons that are sweet and brightly tinted.
The persimmon leaves are also used in cooking. Sushi using vinegared rice and mackerel fillets wrapped in persimmon leaves, is a popular local dish.
