Cherry blossoms are not just admired for their beauty in Japan—they are also celebrated in seasonal cuisine and sweets. Every spring, cafes, bakeries, and convenience stores introduce a variety of sakura-flavored treats, blending the delicate floral essence of cherry blossoms with traditional and modern flavors. The taste of sakura is subtly floral, slightly sweet, and sometimes salty, making it a unique ingredient in both Japanese and Western-style confections.
This guide explores the must-try cherry blossom-flavored foods and drinks in Japan, available during the spring hanami season.
1. Sakura Mochi (桜餅)
What is it?
Sakura mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet made of pink-colored sweet rice (mochi) filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf. The contrast between the sweet filling and the slightly salty sakura leaf creates a unique and balanced flavor.
Where to try it?
- Traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops
- Department store food halls (depachika)
- Tea houses during hanami season
Best paired with:
Matcha (green tea), which complements the sweetness of the mochi
2. Sakura Latte (桜ラテ)
What is it?
A creamy, lightly floral latte made with steamed milk and a sakura-infused syrup or powder. Some versions include cherry blossom petals or pickled sakura flowers on top for an elegant touch.
Where to try it?
- Starbucks Japan (seasonal menu)
- Independent cafes and coffee shops
- Convenience stores (konbini) with seasonal drink selections
Best paired with:
A buttery sakura cookie for a perfect afternoon treat
3. Sakura Anpan (桜あんぱん)
What is it?
Anpan is a soft, fluffy Japanese sweet bread filled with red bean paste. The sakura version contains a cherry blossom-flavored white bean paste (shiro-an) and is often topped with a salted sakura flower for a hint of savory contrast.
Where to try it?
- Traditional bakeries like Kimuraya in Tokyo (the birthplace of anpan)
- Supermarkets and convenience stores during spring
Best paired with:
A cup of hojicha (roasted green tea) to enhance the nutty and floral notes
4. Sakura Pocky (桜ポッキー)
What is it?
Pocky, Japan’s famous chocolate-coated biscuit sticks, comes in a limited-edition sakura flavor every spring. The coating is often a mix of cherry blossom essence and white chocolate, creating a subtly sweet and floral taste.
Where to try it?
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Supermarkets and department stores
- Souvenir shops at train stations and airports
Best paired with:
A cup of hot milk tea for a comforting combination
5. Sakura Yokan (桜羊羹)
What is it?
Yokan is a traditional Japanese jelly-like dessert made from sweetened red bean paste and agar (a type of seaweed gelatin). The sakura version has a delicate floral aroma and is sometimes topped with preserved cherry blossom petals.
Where to try it?
- Traditional wagashi shops
- Temple tea houses during spring hanami events
- Souvenir shops in Kyoto and Nara
Best paired with:
A cup of sencha (Japanese green tea) for a traditional experience
6. Sakura Kit-Kat (桜キットカット)
What is it?
Japan is known for its unique Kit-Kat flavors, and sakura Kit-Kats are one of the most popular seasonal treats. The white chocolate coating is infused with cherry blossom essence, creating a light floral sweetness. Some variations combine sakura with matcha for a more complex flavor.
Where to try it?
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Narita and Haneda airport souvenir shops
- Don Quijote stores across Japan
Best paired with:
A cup of iced matcha latte to balance the sweetness
7. Sakura Daifuku (桜大福)
What is it?
Daifuku is a soft and chewy mochi stuffed with sweet fillings. The sakura version includes cherry blossom-flavored white bean paste and sometimes a whole salted sakura flower inside.
Where to try it?
- Traditional sweet shops and tea houses
- Department store food sections
- Konbini during the sakura season
Best paired with:
A warm cup of genmaicha (roasted rice tea) for a toasty contrast
8. Sakura Soba (桜そば)
What is it?
Sakura soba is light pink buckwheat noodles infused with cherry blossom leaves. Unlike sweet sakura treats, this dish has a subtle floral aroma and is served either hot or cold with traditional dashi-based dipping sauce.
Where to try it?
- Specialty soba restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Traditional ryokan inns during spring
Best paired with:
A side of tempura to enhance the delicate flavors
9. Sakura Ice Cream (桜アイスクリーム)
What is it?
A creamy sakura-flavored ice cream with a delicate floral taste, sometimes mixed with matcha or vanilla. Many ice cream shops and soft-serve stands offer seasonal cherry blossom flavors in spring.
Where to try it?
- Ice cream shops in tourist areas like Asakusa and Kyoto
- Hanami festival food stalls
- Department store dessert sections
Best paired with:
A crispy sakura-flavored waffle cone for added texture
10. Sakura Umeshu (桜梅酒)
What is it?
A special type of plum wine (umeshu) infused with cherry blossoms, giving it a floral and slightly tart flavor. Some variations include whole preserved sakura flowers floating in the bottle, making it a beautiful drink for spring celebrations.
Where to try it?
- Traditional izakayas and sake bars
- Liquor stores and department store sake sections
- Souvenir shops in Kyoto and Nara
Best paired with:
Sakura senbei (cherry blossom rice crackers) for a sweet-and-savory contrast
Conclusion
Japan’s cherry blossom season is not just for viewing—it’s also a time to indulge in seasonal flavors. From the classic sakura mochi to modern sakura lattes and Kit-Kats, there are endless ways to enjoy the delicate floral taste of cherry blossoms. Whether you’re exploring street stalls at a hanami festival or shopping in a Tokyo department store, these unique sakura treats are a must-try for anyone visiting Japan in spring.
For the best experience, try pairing sweet and savory sakura flavors with traditional Japanese teas or seasonal drinks, creating a perfect springtime tasting adventure.
