Tokyo Handaen (東京繁田園茶舗), a Japanese tea specialty shop with locations in Asagaya and Ogikubo in Suginami, Tokyo, has opened reservations for its long-standing signature product, the "Reservation-Only New Tea Hachijuhachiya" (ご予約限定新茶 八十八夜). Reservations are being taken in-store, via the online shop, or by phone through Monday, April 20, with orders shipping from around May 15.
About the "Reservation-Only New Tea Hachijuhachiya"
The Hachijuhachiya new tea has been the shop's most popular product since it was founded in 1947. Each year from mid-April, owner Minoru Handa travels to tea fields in Kagoshima, Shizuoka, and Kyoto to personally assess that season's weather conditions and the state of the tea leaves. The finest first-flush teas selected and endorsed by producers across the country are then blended — layering the fresh, vibrant umami characteristic of new-harvest tea — and finish-processed at a partner factory in Uji-Tawara, Kyoto.
The name "Hachijuhachiya" refers to the 88th day counted from the first day of spring (Risshun), which falls around May 2. Tea harvested around this time has long been regarded as an auspicious item associated with longevity and good health.
Customers who purchase this product will also receive information about the "Limited Warehouse Tea Nama-Nama Shincha" (限定蔵出し茶 生なま新茶), an exclusive offering delivered around October 10 each year.
About the Limited Warehouse Tea
In the Edo period, before modern tea processing and distribution existed, new tea harvested in Uji was transported to Edo Castle in sealed jars. To protect the tea from summer heat along the way, it was stored in mountain passes and warehouses during the hotter months and unsealed around November for enjoyment. This tradition gave rise to what is known as "kura-dashi-cha" (warehouse tea).
Tokyo Handaen's "Limited Warehouse Tea Nama-Nama Shincha" follows that spirit: new tea harvested in May is stored as unprocessed rough tea (aracha) at low temperatures, aged through summer, and then roasted and finished in early autumn. The result is a sencha that retains a hint of the new tea's freshness while gaining depth and a gentle softness from the aging process.
Lineup
This year, a new 90g design flat bag has been added to the range, giving customers more options to suit different needs.
Size options:
- 90g flat bag: ¥1,800 (tax included)
- 200g can: ¥4,000 (tax included)
- 200g aluminum bag: ¥3,600 (tax included)
- 300g aluminum bag: ¥5,200 (tax included)
Bundle sets are also available. See the online shop for full details.
The new 90g flat bag features pseudo-gold printing that evokes the glowing golden fields of a tea farm in season. It comes with a zipper closure, making it suitable for everyday home use as well as gift-giving.
The classic 200g can offers a more formal presentation, ideal as a gift.
Economy packaging versions are also available for everyday home use or refill purposes.
How to Reserve
Reservations are accepted in-store, through the online shop, or by phone. The deadline is Monday, April 20, and shipping begins around May 15. As this is a reservation-only product, it will not be available for walk-in purchase.
Store Information
Asagaya Main Store
1-14-16 Asagaya-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
3-minute walk from Minamiasagaya Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) / 8-minute walk from the south exit of Asagaya Station (JR)
Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Closed: Sundays
TEL: 03-3314-4187
Ogikubo Store
5-28-7 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from the south exit of Ogikubo Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / JR)
Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Closed: Wednesdays
TEL: 03-3392-0607
Online shop: https://handaen.official.ec/
International online shop: https://www.tokyohandatea.com/
