To celebrate the partial opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, Fukui’s renowned umeshu maker Benichu has released this special Cupchu umeshu set. Each set contains four 150ml cups, each representing one of the beautiful destinations along the new JR route:

• Spring: Cherry blossom viewing at Asuwagawa Riverside (see illustration)

• Summer: Beach fun at Matsubara

• Autumn: Open-air hot springs among autumn leaves at Awara Onsen

• Winter: The snowy spectacle of Echizen Fuji

Can’t remember them all? Just look at the stork on each cup—enjoying cherry blossoms, swimming, soaking in the hot springs, or walking through the snowy mountains. It’s adorable, and soon you’ll want to follow along! Sipping umeshu as you “ride the rails” is fantastic marketing.

Now for the taste: The aroma is fresh, lively, and slightly tart with a hint of green plum. On the palate, it’s light and crisp—unusually refreshing for umeshu. The sweetness is moderate to low, just enough to satisfy without being cloying, and the plum’s acidity is just right to cleanse the palate. A touch of young plum astringency in the finish leaves you wanting another sip. At 10% ABV, a single cup offers a gentle buzz, and finishing with the large Benio ume at the bottom of the cup is the perfect finale! This is a perfectly balanced, single-serving umeshu—just right!

Benichu is a “trendy” name in umeshu, founded in Fukui in 2000, and is known for innovative packaging and flavors. Their main products are made with premium Benio plums from Fukui, focusing on low- or no-sugar recipes that highlight the vibrant acidity of ripe plums—ideal for those who love plum flavor but don’t like it too sweet.

The set of four cups comes in beautiful packaging, making it a wonderful gift. Open the box, share with friends, reminisce about your travels, and enjoy a simple, relaxing gathering—just what everyone needs these days. Highly recommended!