Mint was once widely cultivated, mainly in southern Okayama Prefecture.
From 1873 to 1941, Japan was the world’s leading producer of mint. Okayama Prefecture reportedly ranked second in domestic production, after Hokkaido.
Mint was also cultivated as a specialty product in Kurashiki, but the number of farmers declined during the period of rapid economic growth, and mint cultivation fell into decline.
“Kibi no Kuni Future Plan” looked back on the history of mint cultivation in Kurashiki and succeeded in bringing it back. The group develops products using the mint it grows and sells them at its Kurashiki City store, “Kurashiki Hakka,” and through its online shop.
Here we introduce the history of mint cultivation in Kurashiki and the efforts to revive it.
The information presented was current when this article was published in February 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Kurashiki Hakka”?
Overview of “Kurashiki Hakka”
“Kurashiki Hakka” is a shop selling products made using mint grown in Kurashiki.
It is operated by Kibi no Kuni Future Plan LLC.
It is a charming retro building about 100 meters west of the Kurashiki City Art Museum. Originally a private home built during the Taisho era, it was remodeled in the signboard-architecture style when it was used as a clock shop in the 1950s, giving it its present appearance.
The official name of Kurashiki Hakka is “Kurashiki Hakka Display Center.”
Its old-fashioned name reflects the history of mint once being widely cultivated in Kurashiki. The interior has wooden pillars and beams, creating a calm atmosphere.
Glass equipment used to distill mint catches the eye.
Kibi no Kuni Future Plan
Kibi no Kuni Future Plan LLC is an organization that works on community development by making use of Kurashiki’s resources and specialty products.
It began around 2010, when people involved in community development in Kurashiki started working as the predecessor organization, Moto Kurashiki Future Plan. After learning about the history of mint cultivation in Kurashiki, they began growing mint and developing products.
They established an LLC in 2015 and began selling products at Kurashiki Hakka.
Products from “Kurashiki Hakka”
What kinds of products are available?
Products available at Kurashiki Hakka include essential oils and air fresheners.
Dried mint is steamed in a distiller and separated into water and oil. The extracted oil is the essential oil. It is concentrated with menthol, the component responsible for its refreshing scent.
Air freshener is made by diluting essential oil with purified water. It comes in a bottle fitted with a spray nozzle.
You can purchase products not only at the store but also through the Kurashiki Hakka online shop.
Below are the prices of products available at Kurashiki Hakka.
| Product | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Essential oil (3 ml) | ¥2,970 |
| Essential oil (5 ml) | ¥4,620 |
| Air freshener | ¥1,100 |
How to use the products
You can add essential oil to an aroma diffuser and enjoy its fragrance.
When cleaning, wiping tables or floors with water mixed with essential oil is said to help repel insects.
Air freshener is said to help repel insects, so you can use it as an insect repellent when going outdoors.
Spray it on a handkerchief or mask to enjoy a refreshing sensation.
The history of mint cultivation in Kurashiki
Was Japan once the world’s leading mint producer?!
One theory holds that full-scale mint cultivation in Okayama began during the Edo period.
Mint cultivation spread throughout Japan, and from 1873 to 1941, Japan was the world’s leading mint producer. Hokkaido ranked first in domestic production, with Okayama in second place.
Mint was also widely cultivated in Kurashiki.
In 1967, a mint variety called “Shubi” was developed at an agricultural experiment station in Kurashiki.
However, the decline in the agricultural population during the period of rapid economic growth and the influx of synthetic menthol from overseas led to the decline of mint cultivation. The experiment station also closed.
Mint cultivation was swept away by industrialization and the globalization of markets.
The revival of mint cultivation in Kurashiki
In the 2010s, wild mint was discovered in Okayama Prefecture.
Moto Kurashiki Future Plan, the predecessor of Kibi no Kuni Future Plan, researched the origins of the wild mint at the library of Okayama University’s Faculty of Agriculture.
The history of mint cultivation in Kurashiki came to light.
In an effort to use a once-thriving industry to revitalize the region, they began cultivating mint on a trial basis. Mint cultivation in Kurashiki was revived.
Production stabilized, and in 2015 they began selling products at Kurashiki Hakka.
From the Writer
The author had no idea that mint had once been cultivated in Kurashiki.
Rediscovering an industry that had once been forgotten and bringing it back to life feels like a monumental project. We are often told to value the natural environment, but individual awareness alone has its limits, and creating systems is important.
Establishing activities that contribute to environmental protection as businesses can build a society where economic activity and environmental protection go hand in hand.
I look forward to Kurashiki Hakka’s business becoming known around the world and an eco-business model emerging from Kurashiki.
Kurashiki Hakka (Kurashiki Hakka Display Center) details
| Name | Kurashiki Hakka (Kurashiki Hakka Display Center) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-10-11 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | None |
| Regular closing days | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Kurashiki Hakka |
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