The Tamashima area of Kurashiki City is one of the areas where fruit growing is especially thriving, even in Okayama, the Kingdom of Fruit.
The Yashima district, located northwest of Shin-Kurashiki Station, has long been a peach-growing area. In spring, peach blossoms blanket the mountain slopes in pink.
We spoke with the head of Nanba Nouen, who left his salaried job to take over the family business, about the new initiatives he is pursuing as a young grower.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Nanba Nouen
The history of Nanba Nouen began more than 60 years ago, when the current owner’s grandfather started growing peaches in the Yashima district of Tamashima, Kurashiki City. Since then, the farm has continued growing peaches with a focus on sweetness.
In 2019, the founder’s grandson, third-generation owner Nanba Shoji, took over the family business.
After graduating from university, he worked as a bank employee for six years before leaving his salaried job and entering the world of agriculture.
Since taking over the family business, he has begun growing lemons and other crops in addition to peaches, and has also been actively selling directly through mail order and setting up stalls at markets held in various locations.
Today, Nanba and his parents grow six peach varieties in a peach orchard of about one hectare (approximately 100 meters square) and three lemon varieties in a lemon orchard of about 20 ares (approximately 45 meters square).
Fruit trees grown
Nanba Nouen grows the following fruit trees and varieties.
Peaches
The farm grows five varieties, from very early-ripening to late-ripening, as well as winter peaches that are shipped toward the end of the year, for a total of six varieties.
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Hanayome | A very early-ripening variety. It is small and has a charming appearance. The flesh is soft, with a good balance of sweetness and acidity; it is juicy and has an elegant aroma. |
| Hikawa Hakuho | An early-ripening variety. The skin is deep red, and the flesh is juicy, with little fiber and plenty of juice. |
| Hakuho | Known for its fine-textured, soft flesh and well-balanced sweetness and acidity. It also keeps well and is popular as a delicious peach. |
| Shimizu Hakuto | A white peach representative of Okayama Prefecture, known for its rich aroma. The skin is an elegant milky white, and the flesh is juicy and sweet. |
| Hakurei | A variety developed in Okayama Prefecture, known for its large size, high sugar content, and mild astringency. |
| Winter peach | A rare variety harvested from November through December. Compared with summer peaches, it is smaller and firmer, but has a strong sweetness and aroma and is popular as a year-end gift. |
Very early-ripening
A variety with a very short period from flowering to harvest
Early-ripening
A variety with a short period from flowering to harvest
Late-ripening
A variety with a long period from flowering to harvest
Peach harvesting continues from June through August (excluding winter peaches).
Lemons
The farm grows three lemon varieties.
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Lisbon | A variety with a strong aroma and acidity, offering the classic lemon flavor. |
| Eureka | A high-yielding variety with a strong aroma and acidity. |
| Meyer | A variety with little acidity or bitterness and a distinctive, slightly sweet aroma. |
Lemon harvesting continues over an extended period, from autumn through the following spring.
Processed fruit products
Growing peaches and lemons inevitably results in off-grade fruit that cannot be sold as is.
To make effective use of this fruit, Nanba Nouen is also focusing on developing processed products, including white peach amazake.
We asked Nanba Shoji, third-generation owner of Nanba Nouen, about his approach to fruit growing and product development, as well as what he hopes to try next.
Nanba Nouen details
| Name | Nanba Nouen |
|---|---|
| Address | 2038-1 Yashima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-1351-3819 |
| Website | Nanba Nouen |
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