Hon-Sakaki

Japanese Hon-Sakaki

Genuine Japanese hon-sakaki, grown on our own farm — a rarity on today's market.
Prices adjust to demand and stock, so quality stays uncompromised.

Our Belief

For the altar, only the genuine.

Japan's oldest traditions deserve Japanese hon-sakaki.

Most sakaki on the market today is imported from overseas, or is in fact hisakaki — a different plant altogether. Because it is offered to the gods, we deliver only genuine hon-sakaki, grown in Japan on our own farm, with the respect the tradition deserves.

Difference

Hon-sakaki, Hisakaki & Shikimi — Know the Difference

Not everything sold as 'sakaki' is the same. The one true plant for the Shinto altar is hon-sakaki; the substitute hisakaki and the Buddhist shikimi are different species with different uses.

Hon-sakaki

The true Shinto sakaki

Cleyera japonica

◯The orthodox sakaki used at altars, for tamagushi and at shrines
◯Large, thick, glossy deep-green leaves
◯Grows mainly in western Japan; hard to cultivate north of Kanto

Hisakaki

A substitute

Eurya japonica

―A different species — its Japanese name can be written 'not-sakaki'; widely sold as a substitute
―Smaller, serrated leaves with a strong scent
―Common north of Kanto; many are imported

Shikimi

For Buddhist rites

Illicium anisatum

―A different plant offered at Buddhist altars and graves; never used in Shinto ritual
―Poisonous throughout, with a distinctive strong scent
―Wavy leaves — similar at a glance, fundamentally different

Rarity

Japanese hon-sakaki: a rare treasure

95%

of sakaki in distribution is not grown in Japan

~5%

is Japan-grown today — an ever-shrinking, precious share

99%

of florists' altar sakaki is actually hisakaki

Genuine Japanese hon-sakaki is now nearly impossible to find on the open market. Sakakikaen delivers it, reliably, from our own farm.

Sources: Wakayama Pref. Forestry Promotion Division / Ota Floriculture Auction 'Kaken Techo 2013'

Today's Prices

Today's Reference Prices

Prices reflect today's demand and current stock. The lower the stock, the higher the price — order early.

Today's Reference PricesDemand today: Normal

35cmHome altars
¥1,000per bundle
40cmLarger home altars
¥1,430per bundle
45cmShops & large altars
¥2,050per bundle
50cmCompany altars & shrine use (tamagushi)
¥2,930per stem
55cmShrines & ceremonies (tamagushi)
¥4,190per stem
60cmLarge altars & dedications (tamagushi)
¥6,000per stem

Prices incl. tax, shipping (refrigerated courier within Japan) not included. 'Peak-season price' is the price we actually charge in high-demand periods such as New Year and Obon. Sizes 50 cm and above are sold per stem, for shrine tamagushi use.

How It Works

Demand-based pricing

Demand for sakaki rises around the altar-change days on the 1st and 15th, and in seasons such as New Year and Obon. Because prices follow demand, quieter days are the best time to buy.

Normal

Best value

Ordinary days

Comfortable prices on quiet days.

Altar-change

Slightly higher

1st & 15th of each month

Demand rises for the traditional sakaki replacement.

Peak season

Premium

New Year, festivals, Obon

The busiest times for offerings.

Subscriptions stay fixed

With a subscription, your contract price is locked in — fresh hon-sakaki delivered on schedule, unaffected by peak-season changes.

Try a single bundle of genuine hon-sakaki.

Supply is limited. For orders and quotations from overseas or in bulk, please contact us.