Spring in Japan not only brings blooming flowers, but also introduces a wide variety of mouth-watering cherry blossom snacks. In Japan, the blooming of cherry blossom trees marks the arrival of the hanami celebration, which is one of the traditions of the Japanese people to see the beauty of cherry blossoms. In addition to the hanami celebration, the blooming of the cherry blossom trees also signifies a culinary journey of snacks that only exist in spring. Start your culinary journey through the enchanting world of cherry blossom snacks, where sweet and savoury treats combine with delicate flavours and a festive spring atmosphere. Here are some of Traveloka's recommended snacks that you must try while exploring Japan during spring!

1. Sakura Mochi

Sakura Mochi is a classic Japanese snack that perfectly captures the essence of spring. Consisting of chewy rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in cherry blossom leaves, this snack has a unique flavour for first-time travellers. The pleasant contrast between sweet and savoury, coupled with the addition of pink leaves, creates a snack that is perfect to enjoy in spring while watching the sakura blossoms.

2. Hanami Dango

Hanami Dango are traditional rice dumplings that are one of the sakura dishes loved by locals and tourists alike. Made from sweet rice flour, these dumplings come in three vibrant colours of pink, white and green, symbolising the arrival of spring. Hanami dango is often enjoyed with a cup of green tea, adding to the enjoyment of this delicious meal.

3. Sakura Yokan

This delicious dish is a jelly dessert made from agar-agar, sugar and sakura flavouring. Adorned with a charming translucent pink colour, it has a subtle floral flavour that is a treat for the palate. Usually served in a petite box, Sakura Yokan can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a relaxing cup of tea, offering a delightful culinary experience during cherry blossom season.

4. Sakura Onigiri

Onigiri, a traditional Japanese rice ball, is a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. During cherry blossom season, onigiri is often given a delicate pink colour and garnished with pickled cherry blossom leaves. This delicious snack can be filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, including salmon, tuna or vegetables, offering a harmonious blend of flavours perfect for complementing the festive spirit of spring.

5. Sakura Inarizushi

Sakura Inarizushi is a spring snack similar to Sakura Onigiri. The difference lies in the fact that Sakura Inarizushi is enveloped in a sweet and soft fried tofu skin.

6. Sakura Arare

Sakura Arare or Sakura Rice Crisps are one of the crunchy snacks infused with the delicate flavour of sakura and come in a variety of shapes, including cherry blossom designs. It is a fun and light snack option, perfect for enjoying during a beautiful cherry blossom picnic.

7. Sakura Tea

Green tea has a special place in Japanese culture, and during cherry blossom season, you can find various versions infused with sakura flavours. Usually, the tea leaves are combined with cherry blossoms or cherry blossom essence, resulting in a delicate and refreshing drink.

8. Sakura Soda

During the cherry blossom season, some famous soda brands introduce limited edition sakura-flavoured soda drinks. These drinks usually have a soft pink colour and a delicate cherry blossom flavour. This is one of the cherry blossom snacks you should try when visiting Japan during spring.

9. Sakura Manju

Sakura Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet snack usually made from wheat flour dough and filled with a sweet red bean paste known as anko. This sakura-style snack may be dyed a pale pink colour to reflect the typical colour of cherry blossoms. Some recipes incorporate pickled cherry blossom petals into the batter, giving it a delicate floral flavour and adding beautiful flecks of pink.

10. Sakura Sake

To enhance your hanami experience under the cherry trees, some breweries in Japan produce unique sakura-flavoured soda products. In addition, sakura sake is also made by certain breweries. While some breweries often launch beer cans decorated with sakura-themed designs, the contents are usually regular beer despite their elegant appearance. For an authentic taste of sakura beer, you can visit Sankt Gallen, a microbrewery located in the Kanagawa region south of Tokyo.

11. Sakura Kit Kat

Kit Kat is famous for its distinctive local flavours in Japan, and the sakura season is no exception. Kit Kat Sakura has a white chocolate base flavour infused with the essence of cherry blossoms, complemented by a crunchy wafer interior. The packaging also often features beautiful cherry blossom designs, making it one of the signature spring snacks in Japan.

12. Sakura Pocky

Offering a fun twist on a beloved Japanese snack, Sakura Pocky features pink chocolate-covered biscuit sticks with a hint of delicate cherry blossom flavour. The treat is loved by children and adults alike, and tourists often make Sakura Pocky one of their spring souvenirs after travelling to Japan during the season.

13. Calbee Sakura Prawn Crackers

If you love Japanese snacks, then you might be familiar with Calbee. Known for their potato chips and various other snacks, they also offer cherry blossom-inspired snacks. You'll easily find cherry blossom-flavoured prawn crackers at convenience stores everywhere.

14. Sakura Candies

For those with a sweet tooth, a wide variety of sakura-themed sweets are available at convenience stores. These candies come in a variety of shapes, from chewy to hard, with cherry blossom or plum flavours. Candies featuring ume plums in the picture are usually sweet and sour, offering a pleasant blend of flavours.

15. Plum Blossom Furikake

While not usually enjoyed as a snack, ume furikake can instantly elevate ordinary rice to a delightful culinary experience. Furikake is a Japanese dried seasoning designed to be sprinkled over rice, vegetables and fish. In fact, you can get creative and use it as a finishing touch to a variety of dishes, be it pasta, tofu, sandwiches or wherever your culinary imagination takes you. When spring arrives, some companies produce furikake with the addition of a unique cherry blossom flavour.

There you have it, a delightful culinary wonderland that awaits you during cherry blossom season in Japan! With their beautiful appearance and unique flavours, sakura snacks offer a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of hanami.

So, are you ready to experience this magic first-hand? Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotel. Visit Traveloka for more information! Download the app now and start planning your unforgettable hanami adventure under the enchantment of sakura flowers and delicious cherry blossom snacks!