私たちの町・大台町（おおだいちょう）は、大杉谷を中心とした町一帯がユネスコエコパークに認定されています。町の93%を森が占めており、自然とひとが共に生きる町です。大台町には原生に近い自然が残る日本三大渓谷「大杉谷」があり、日本一の清流「宮川」が流れ、この場所にしかない自然のかたちを守り続けてきました。深い森には何百年もの年月をかけて成長した木々が立ち並び、川にはアマゴが泳ぎ、水のきれいさを象徴しています。大台町の自然のいちばんの特徴は、500種類以上といわれる様々な広葉樹や針葉樹が生育しているということ。このような多様性のある森は、日本でも珍しい環境です。ここにしかない自然をこれからも残していくため、私たちは「森づくり」に取り組んでいます。自生している樹木から種を採取し、苗木を育て、適地適木を見極め、植える。こうして自然にならって森をつくることで、自然もひとも豊かに生きていくことができます。1本の木が立派に育つのはずっとずっと先ですが、大台町で生きる私たちだからこそできることだと考えています。“Odai” productsは、森づくりの一環です。原料となる枝や葉はすべて手作業で採取し、丁寧に時間をかけて精油を抽出。自然の恵みを最大限に引き出しました。大台町の豊かな自然をぜひご体験ください。

Our home, Odai Town, is recognized as part of a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve. As forests cover 93 percent of Odai Town, people lead their lives in harmony with the abundant nature. Odai Town boasts near-pristine forests, which encompass the Osugidani Valley, known as one of the three major ravines in Japan; and the Miyagawa River, which is rated as the clearest class A river in Japan. Deep in the forest, towering centuries-old trees are rooted firmly and freshwater trout swim in the mountain stream as a symbol of purity. The most remarkable characteristic is the fact that over 500 species of various broad-leaved trees and conifers have grown here. It is very rare in Japan for the forest to support such a diverse environment. This unique natural state, indigenous to this region, has been painstakingly maintained. And to further protect this unrivaled natural setting for future generations, we have begun on forest conservation. Collecting seeds from naturally grown trees, raising their seedlings, choosing planting locations, and planting them in the suitable area—through this forest conservation process in accordance with the laws of nature, we can live harmoniously with nature. Although the growth of even one tree requires much patience, this effort is what is now required of us, the people of Odai. Our series of Odai products also makes up part of our forest conservation. By gathering branches and leaves as ingredients and extracting their essential oil carefully, we successfully unveil nature’s rich blessing. Experience the pristine beauty of the abundant nature in Odai Town.