Sakura Flavors: A Sweet Taste of Spring

Sakura Flavors

As soon as Valentine’s Day passes, Japanese shops start stocking up on one of the season's most beloved trends – sakura (cherry blossom) flavors! With cherry blossoms starting to bloom soon, you don’t have to wait to enjoy them—you can already indulge in the sweet and slightly tangy flavors inspired by the delicate petals.

There are countless sakura-inspired treats to try, but here are some of the most interesting ones:

Traditional Sakura Snacks

1. Sakura Mochi

   
   

   Sakura mochi is a must-try during cherry blossom season. This soft, sticky rice cake features pink-colored rice wrapping and a filling of sweet red bean paste (anko), and it's often wrapped in a salted sakura leaf. There are two main types: the Kanto-style Chomeiji mochi, which is made from flour dough, and the Kansai-style Domyoji mochi, which is made from glutinous rice flour. The cherry blossom leaf serves as both a fragrance booster and a natural preservative for the mochi.

   
   

2. Sakura Manju

   
   

   These delicious dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste. What makes sakura manju special is the salted cherry blossom on top, made from the double-petaled yaezakura. After salting, the flowers retain their natural color and fragrance, adding beauty and a lovely floral aroma to the treat.

   
   

3. Sakura Onigiri

   
   

   Sakura onigiri, or cherry blossom rice balls, are popular picnic snacks, especially during Hanami (flower viewing) festivals. The rice is cooked with salted cherry blossoms, giving it a unique pink hue and and a light floral aroma. Shaped into classic triangles or fun designs with molds, these onigiri are often wrapped in pickled cherry blossom leaves, adding an extra layer of flavor. 

   
   

4. Sakuracha (Sakura Tea)

   
   

   Sakura tea, or sakuracha, is a traditional drink made by steeping salted cherry blossom petals in hot water. This drink, often served at special celebrations like weddings, has a gentle floral aroma and a hint of saltiness, making it a lovely way to celebrate the season of blossoms. 

   
   

Modern Sakura Snacks

If you're looking for something new and unique, you’ll find plenty of sakura-themed snacks in stores like Kaldi and Starbucks.

1. Starbucks Sakura Drinks

   
   

Starbucks' seasonal sakura drinks are a clear sign that spring is near. This year, they’ve blended the sweet taste of peaches with the delicate floral notes of cherry blossoms in their latest creations. Other cafés have also joined in, offering sakura-inspired lattes and desserts, so you can enjoy the flavors of spring anywhere—even at a budget-friendly price from convenience stores!

2. Other Sakura Specialties

   
   

As spring arrives, big brands release their limited-edition sakura-themed snacks and drinks, and this year is no exception. If you're a fan of beer, Asahi offers sakura-themed packaging, perfect for enjoying during hanami. The beer remains the same, but the packaging adds a festive touch.

KitKat never fails to surprise with its seasonal flavors. In recent years, they’ve delighted fans with a variety of sakura-themed flavors, including Sakura Sake, Sakura Kinako, Sakura Matcha, and Sakura Mochi. As of now, it’s still unclear whether a new flavor will be released this year or if past favorites will make a comeback. Either way, these seasonal treats are always a highlight of spring!

Pocky has also joined the sakura craze, offering a sakura & matcha flavor. This combination brings together the sweet floral notes of sakura with the earthy richness of matcha, making it a perfect spring snack.

Oreo has its own version of the sakura trend, with a crispy cookie filled with the subtle flavors of cherry blossoms. These special-edition Sakura Oreos are a delightful way to enjoy the season’s flavors in a familiar treat.

Meiji, one of Japan’s biggest food makers and home of the beloved Apollo chocolate, has announced an exciting spring release on X—Apollo Sakura Strawberry & Matcha! Starting on the 28th, this limited-edition treat combines sakura-scented strawberry chocolate with rich matcha chocolate, all filled with a sweet white cream center. Each bite offers a perfect blend of all springtime flavors!

3. Unique Sakura Snacks from Kaldi

   
   

If you're looking for unique sakura-flavored treats, one of the best places to visit is Kaldi, the famous imported goods and novelty store. During my visit there, I discovered a variety of interesting sakura snacks that are perfect for celebrating the season. Kaldi is known for offering a wide selection of limited-edition products, and their sakura-themed goodies are always a highlight. 

Feel the arrival of spring with the delicate taste of cherry blossoms. With so many treats to choose from, you can savor their beauty before they bloom and continue to enjoy their flavor even after the petals fall. Start indulging now and discover all that's waiting for you.

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