"Hokumei" by Hiraoka-en

Hiraoka-en has a plantation of about 3.3 hectares in Shimotomi, Tokorozawa City, Saitama. This area was developed by Kawagoe-han(local government) to make new vesitable fields in the beginning of Edo Period(1694～). Even now you can find things that will recall Edo Period: the farmland is divided in long rectangles; unique formation of the space composed of a thicket, cultivated land, residential site, and a grove. This area was registered as a historical heritage of Japanese agriculture in 2017.

‘Hokumei’ is cultivated in this historic plantation. It is a brand developed by Saitama Tea Research Institute in 1992. It has an aroma of young leaves. Its sweetness harmonizes with its astringency. The pale green color of the infused tea will give you fresh impression.

The next generation owner Mr. Tadahito Hiraoka is passionate about making wakoucha(Japanese black tea). This year he made a novel wakoucha that smells and tastes slightly like caramel, using eaves eaten by vermin. ‘Hokumei’ goes well with sweets such as chocolate, cake, and Japanese-style confection. Sweetness and astringency will enhance each other.