Embracing the Chill of Daikan: The Heart of Winter

Embracing the Chill of Daikan: The Heart of Winter

Hello everyone, I’m Keko, one of the online staff members. 🌱

As we step into January 20, 2025, we arrive at Daikan (大寒), or "Greater Cold," a significant moment in Japan’s 24 solar terms (二十四節気). This period, sitting between Shōkan (小寒) and Risshun (立春), marks the coldest time of the year. Despite the chill, it is also a time of quiet beauty, where nature rests deeply in preparation for the renewal of spring.

Daikan invites us to appreciate the stillness of winter and find warmth in simple pleasures—like a comforting cup of Japanese tea.

A Tea to Warm the Soul: Kukicha (茎茶)
During this frosty season, I often turn to kukicha, or stem tea. Made from the stems and twigs of the tea plant, kukicha offers a unique, nutty sweetness and a lighter flavor profile that feels perfect for this time of year.

How to Brew Kukicha:

Tea Leaves: Use 1-2 teaspoons (5 grams) per cup.
Water Temperature: Heat water to 80°C (176°F).
Brewing Time: Steep for 1-2 minutes.
Kukicha’s mellow and slightly roasted notes pair wonderfully with simple winter snacks like sesame crackers or dried persimmons. Its low caffeine content also makes it ideal for enjoying in the evening, offering a moment of relaxation after a chilly day.

Daikan’s Quiet Beauty
One of Daikan’s micro-seasons is "Hikage nobiru" (日影伸る), which translates to “the sunlight begins to lengthen.” Though the days remain cold, the subtle lengthening of daylight offers a hint of the approaching spring.

To honor this season, I enjoy sipping my tea near a sunny window, soaking in the precious winter light. It’s a moment to reflect on the beauty of nature’s cycles and appreciate the calm before the busyness of spring.

Creating a Winter Tea Ritual
Daikan is the perfect time to embrace a tea ritual that warms both body and spirit:

Choose a favorite tea that resonates with the season.
Take your time preparing it, enjoying the aromas and the sound of boiling water.
Sip slowly, letting the warmth spread through you as you take in the peaceful winter landscape.

Let’s embrace the heart of winter with gratitude for its stillness and the cozy warmth of tea.

Back to blog