Product
Kankitsuzan Honey
Golden Drops Infused with the Memory of Enoura
In 2024, we began beekeeping in Kankitsuzan as part of a broader initiative to study the local ecosystem. Over the course of a year, we have steadily advanced this project. As honey bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers, they also serve as pollinators, playing a vital role in plant reproduction. This biological activity plays an indispensable role not only in the circulation of natural ecosystems but also in the practice of agricultural production. Through this coexistence with honey bees, we have gained a deeper understanding of the rich biodiversity and seasonal rhythms of Kankitsuzan. We are pleased to share with you the precious honey gathered by these bees.
Our Vision Behind Kankitsuzan Honey
Features of Honey Bees
Honey bees, members of the family Apidae, are social insects that live in colonies numbering from several thousand to tens of thousands. Their roles are clearly divided: queens lay eggs, workers gather nectar and maintain the hive, and drones exist to mate. Nectar is transformed into honey by mixing it with enzymes and evaporating moisture. This honey sustains the bees and is also treasured by humans as a natural sweetener. As bees move from flower to flower, they pollinate plants—an essential process for both ecosystems and agriculture.
In recent years, however, the global decline in bee populations due to pesticides, environmental degradation, and disease has raised serious concerns about the impact on ecosystems and food production. To envision a sustainable future, we must understand the ecological role of bees in places like Kankitsuzan, where citrus has been cultivated without pesticides for over a decade.
Western and Japanese Honey Bees
Two primary species of honey bees are found in Japan: the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the native Japanese honey bee (Apis cerana japonica).
Western honey bees, introduced from Europe and Africa during Japan’s Meiji period (1868–1912), are gentle and highly productive. They thrive on single floral sources, making them ideal for producing pure monofloral honeys such as acacia and lotus. At Kankitsuzan, we currently raise Western honey bees, particularly suited for collecting citrus honey.
Japanese honey bees are native to native species unique to Japan and are more sensitive to environmental stress, making them more difficult to manage. However, they are well adapted to Japan’s diverse natural environment and produce multifloral honey with complex, layered flavors. We plan to introduce Japanese honey bees to our apiary in the coming year.
A Natural Superfood: Sweetness and Wellness Combined
Honey is a gift from nature, cherished across cultures since ancient times—not only for its delicate sweetness and aroma but also for its health benefits.
Unlike refined sugar, honey is gentle on the body and rich in simple sugars like glucose and fructose, making it quickly absorbable. It also contains a balanced blend of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes.
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey has long been used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. More recently, varieties such as Manuka honey have attracted attention for their remarkable antimicrobial power. The highlight of Kankitsuzan Honey is its citrus monofloral variety. With the refined aroma of neroli and a sophisticated sweetness, it offers a rare and elegant experience.
Bees and the Environment
Bees are more than just honey makers—they are vital contributors to the natural world. As they collect nectar and pollen, they facilitate pollination, enabling plants to bear fruit and reproduce. This process supports wild flora and plays a crucial role in global food production. Without bees, many crops and ecosystems would be seriously threatened.
However, honey bee populations have been declining globally due to pesticide use, climate change, deforestation, and other environmental pressures. One alarming phenomenon, known as Colony Collapse Disorder, involves the sudden disappearance of bees from their hives. This is a stark sign of environmental imbalance that could have significant consequences for our lives.
Protecting bees is directly tied to protecting our future. To build a society that lives in harmony with nature, we must pay attention to even the smallest voices within the ecosystem.
Kankitsuzan Honey
Seasonal Honey Profiles
April – Multifloral Honey (Cherry Blossom & Rapeseed)
A soft, mellow flavor with the elegant aroma of cherry blossoms and a hint of rapeseed freshness.
May – Monofloral Honey (Citrus)
Crisp, sweet, and refreshingly tart with the graceful fragrance of neroli.
June – Multifloral Honey (Chestnut)
Bold and earthy, featuring rich sweetness balanced by subtle bitterness and astringency.
July– Multifloral Honey (Japanese Mallotus & Japanese Prickly Ash)
A well-balanced honey with a refreshing sweetness and a spicy note reminiscent of sanshō pepper.
Product Name: Kankitsuzan Honey
Net Weight: 100g
Ingredients: Raw Honey (Produced in Enoura)
Price: ¥2,000 – ¥2,500 (incl. tax)
* Price may vary depending on the type of honey harvested
Release Date: June 2025
Available at: Stone Age Cafe (Enoura Observatory), Official Online Store, etc.
