Celebrate Hachijuhachiya on May 1st with Choya Green Tea Umeshu 🌿

As the cool whispers of early spring give way to warmer days, Japan welcomes Hachijuhachiya—the 88th Night—a cherished seasonal marker that holds deep cultural significance. Falling this year on May 1st, Hachijuhachiya is more than just a date on the calendar. It marks the ideal time to begin harvesting the year’s first flush of green tea leaves, believed to bring longevity, good fortune, and unmatched flavor.

Traditionally, tea picked on this day is considered especially precious, as it captures the very essence of spring’s renewal. In tea-producing regions like Uji, Shizuoka, and Sayama, locals celebrate with tea-picking festivals and community gatherings, honoring a ritual that dates back centuries.

This year, bring that celebration to your glass with Choya Green Tea Umeshu—a masterful fusion of heritage and flavor. Made with 100% Japanese premium ume fruit and Kyoto’s finest Uji tea leaves, this exquisite liqueur delivers a refreshing aroma, elegant sweetness, and a clean, crisp finish.

At the heart of this seasonal delight is Choya’s Komireisen technique, a low-temperature brewing method that gently draws out the fresh, sweet essence of Uji tea without any bitterness. The result is a smooth and sophisticated beverage that captures the soul of Japanese springtime in every sip.

Whether you're enjoying it chilled, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda, Choya Green Tea Umeshu is the perfect way to celebrate Hachijūhachiya and the beauty of Japan’s tea culture.