Tōkurō ginkgo nuts are a well-regarded variety of ginkgo nuts known for their large size, consistent appearance, excellent flavor, and good storage qualities. The variety was named after Tōkurō Inoue, whose home in the former Hozumi Town, part of what is now Mizuho City in Gifu Prefecture, once had an original tree believed to be around 300 years old.
That original tree reportedly fell during a typhoon in 1914 and subsequently died. Today, trees believed to preserve the authentic lineage include a specimen estimated to be around 160 years old within the grounds of Sairenji Temple in Tadaegoshi, Mizuho City, and another approximately 100-year-old tree owned by Machiji Sumigama in Magari, Hashima City.
Tōkurō is a relatively late-bearing variety, and its nuts reach full maturity in mid-to-late October. Among currently cultivated ginkgo varieties, it is particularly notable for its large size, averaging approximately 4.1 grams per nut.
The nuts have an attractive glossy surface and a remarkably uniform size. Their delicious flavor and ability to keep well after harvesting have earned them a strong reputation in the market.
Tōkurō ginkgo nuts are in season during October and November. They are a distinctive autumn specialty of Gifu Prefecture and can be enjoyed in a variety of Japanese dishes. Their rich flavor and substantial size make them an appealing ingredient for anyone interested in seasonal Japanese cuisine.