Spring is arriving soon in Japan, and with it comes the highly anticipated cherry blossom season! Beyond just admiring the rosy blooms, there’s a way to indulge in the season’s signature flavor. From traditional sakura-flavored snacks to limited-edition sweets from favorite brands, there’s no shortage of unique and delicious cherry blossom treats to savor.
Below, we have found the best cherry blossom-flavored treats to try in Japan, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while experiencing the magic of springtime in the land of the rising sun!
Sakura Mochi
One of the most iconic cherry blossom-flavored Japanese treats, sakura mochi is made with a pink-colored rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. If you explore different parts of Japan, you may find different styles of sakura mochi, such as Kanto‘s flat version made with shiratama-ko (rice flour), which you can find in Tokyo, and Kansai‘s chewier mochi ball made with domyoji-ko (glutinous rice flour).
Sakura Manju
A traditional Japanese sweet similar to mochi, sakura manju is a steamed or baked bun made with wheat flour. The dough can be white or pink, then filled with sweet bean paste. It may also include chopped, salted sakura flowers or leaves.
Sakura Senbei
Sakura senbei is made by mixing pickled cherry blossom petals with rice cracker batter, which is then baked or grilled until crispy. It is a popular springtime souvenir or snack, often enjoyed with green tea or sake. Various brands offer their own versions of sakura senbei, which may come in different shapes and sizes.
Starbucks Sakura Menu
Starbucks is known for releasing seasonal drinks, and it’s no surprise that they’re welcoming spring with open arms. They’ve recently released this year’s sakura menu, and it’s as pink as can be! Notably, the Sakura Sakusaku Frappuccino is made with a delicious strawberry-flavored ice blend with sakura jelly and topped with crunchy macaron pieces. Other sakura-inspired treats this season are Sakura Soy Latte, Sakura Donut, and Sakura Chiffon Cake.
Tully’s Coffee Cherry Blossom Collection
Another popular coffee shop in Japan, Tully’s Coffee doesn’t fall behind when it comes to sakura-themed offerings. This year, the cafe chain has teamed up with the Tom and Jerry brand for an adorable sakura menu, featuring coffee and milk tea drinks infused with a delightful blend of cherry blossom and strawberry flavors. The menu also features cherry and strawberry donuts and mousse cakes.
Lindt Sakura-Scented Pistachio Chocolat Drink
Renowned chocolatier Lindt surprises us this spring by offering sakura-inspired treats that go beyond chocolate. The Sakura-Scented Pistachio Chocolat Drink incorporates the delightful flavors of pistachio, creating a striking pink and green presentation that exudes the spirit of the season. You can also try their Délice macarons infused with sakura and pistachio, providing the perfect sweet treat to match the drink.
Pocky Sakura Matcha Pretzels
Pocky, a beloved sweet snack brand in Japan produced by Glico, has released the seasonal Sakura Matcha flavor just in time for spring. These delectable pretzel treats are a unique blend of subtle cherry blossom flavor and rich, bittersweet matcha chocolate, resulting in a gentle and distinctive taste that encapsulates the essence of Japan.
Kit Kat
Kit Kat is a well-known chocolate brand loved globally, but in Japan, they take it to a whole new level with their unique and exclusive flavors. One of the most popular is the sakura-themed Kit Kat, which comes in several delightful varieties. The Sakura Mochi Kit Kat, for instance, is a sweet and delicate treat, while Sakura Sake Kit Kat combines the subtleness of cherry blossoms and the crisp flavor of sake.
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