Annual Events in Japan
Hachiju-hachiya: A Special Day for New Tea
Hachiju-hachiya is the 88th day after Risshun, the day on which spring begins in Japan’s lunar calendar, and falls somewhere between May 1 and May 3. Hachiju-hachiya sees the start of a period of stable weather when there are no more frosts. This day is regarded as important for marking the boundary between spring and summer, and with no danger of damage by frost, this is the day when the harvesting of shincha (“new tea”) starts on tea plantations. During the harsh days of winter, the new shoots store nutrients and then slowly start to grow with the arrival of spring. This gives them a high nutritional value and a delicious taste. The year 1686 marks the date when this uniquely Japanese way of guarding valuable tea plants from frost damage was first introduced. With its refreshing aroma and sweetness, why not try a cup of shincha?
