Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Hida Takayama lies Okuhida OnsenGo, a haven nestled in the embrace of the Kita Alps, renowned for its historical significance and picturesque beauty.
Hida Takayama's unique geography, characterized by its lush forests and pristine mountain streams, provides the perfect environment for the cultivation of sansho pepper. While Wakayama Prefecture is renowned as the primary producer of sansho in Japan, the verdant hills of Okuhida in Gifu Prefecture boast a long history of sansho production, giving rise to the esteemed "Hida Sansho."
For generations, local farmers have carefully tended to the sansho trees, selecting only the finest specimens with the most robust aroma and flavor. These trees, cultivated within a limited area of just 5 kilometers, have become cherished symbols of Okuhida's culinary heritage, with records dating back to the Edo period documenting their presentation to the Tokugawa Shogun.
At the helm of this culinary tradition is Hida Sansho Co., Ltd., led by the visionary Mr. Kazuhiko Naito, whose dedication and passion have been instrumental in revitalizing the local economy and promoting the legacy of sansho pepper. Through innovative processing techniques and unwavering commitment to quality, Hida Sansho Co., Ltd. has elevated sansho to a luxury brand, cherished by food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
With its triple signature of aroma, spiciness, and numbness, Hida/Takahara Sansho has earned acclaim as an authentic and certified product, symbolizing the rich heritage of the region.
As the aroma of freshly ground sansho fills the air, one cannot help but marvel at the harmony of flavors that await. From traditional Japanese dishes such as eel and yakitori to modern creations like pasta and pizza, sansho pepper adds a delightful kick of flavor and complexity, elevating each culinary creation to new heights.
In every sprinkle of sansho, one can taste the essence of Hida Takayama – a land shaped by its natural bounty and steeped in centuries of tradition. As the mountains of the kita Alps loom overhead, the spirit of Okuhida OnsenGo continues to thrive, its culinary legacy serving as a testament to the enduring connection between nature, culture, and cuisine.