2011/04/28

Hachiju-Hachiya < good luck tea >

One of the most important days for Japanese tea is Hachiju-hachiya (literally, “eighty-eighth night”). It is a movable feast, and decided according to the traditional Japanese calendar.

traditional tea-pickers costume
In 2011, it falls on May 2.

What is so special?

It is believed that drinking green tea made from tea leaves picked on Hachiju-hachiya will bring you good health for the year. So, tea on the day is like “good luck tea”.

Tea festivals are annually held at tea-producing areas including Kyoto and Shizuoka on the day. Full-blown tea season is just kicked off!

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