Sakura is a beautiful variety of cherry blossoms that bloom in Spring. They are infinitely gorgeous in shades of pinks and whites, and Japan sees an influx of tourists every Spring; people from all over the world fly to Japan for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

And in the recent few years, the Japanese have been using sakura as an enhancing ingredient. You’d be surprised how sakura can be consumed in so many ways!

Generally, sakura is used as a flavour, as a light pink food colouring or as a garnish in modern cuisine. Here are 8 Sakura Foods You Must Try During The Cherry Blossom Season.

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#1 THE SAKURA MOCHI

A light pink-coloured rice cake, the sakura mochi envelops a pickled cherry blossom. The sakura mochi is a popular sweet that is predominantly eaten during Springtime and at flower viewing parties. The leaf is also usually pickled in salt to lengthen the dessert’s shelf-life.

Here in Singapore, you can purchase the sakura mochi at Dezato Dezato at J Cube!

Dezato Dezato 
J Avenue, #02-95, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 6566 7128
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Hub Japan

#2 SAKURA DAIFUKU

Somewhat similar to the sakura mochi, the sakura daifuku is a small dessert that is made up of Japanese glutinous rice cake that has been infused with sakura, and is stuffed with a sweet filling (usually red or white bean paste).

Photo Credit: YouTube

#3 SAKURA WAGASHI

Wagashi is a generic term for traditional Japanese desserts, and the sakura wagashi spots a beautiful appearance. Japanese often send them to family or friends as a seasonal greeting or gift.

In Japan, you can also find sakura wagashi served at restaurants, temples, and teahouses during Spring. For those of us in Singapore, you can find sakura wagashi at the Minamoto Kitchoan at Takashimaya.

Minamoto Kitchoan
391-A Orchard Road, Takashimaya Department Store, #B206-1, Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6735 1315
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Ito En

#4 SAKURA TEA

When we talk about sakura tea, this refers a combination of dried sakura leaves and sencha leaves. Just imagine unwinding to a hot cup of sakura tea after a long day of work—this will definitely sooth your senses and revitalise your weary soul.

Photo Credit: Le Manger

#5 SAKURAYU

The direct translation of Sakurayu is “cherry blossom tea”. As compared to the regular sakura tea, Sakurayu is a Japanese infusion that is made of seeping, pickled cherry blossoms soaked in water.

Preparation of the pickled cherry blossoms involves picking cherry blossom petals that are thereafter pickled in plum vinegar and salt before being dried. Also, did you know that the Sakurayu is usually served at weddings as it symbolises the ‘beginning’?

Photo Credit: Noon Post

#6 SAKURA ANPAN

Relying on the same concept of anpan (Japanese soft bun with sweet fillings), the sakura anpan is bread that is filled with a sweet bean paste combined with cherry blossoms.

If you cannot get your hands on a sakura anpan, why not try to make your own version of the Sakura Anpan at home? Give this recipe by Washoku a shot, and let us know how your baking goes!

Photo Credit: Proudly Petite

#7 SAKURA MACARONS

Macarons have always been the rage in Singapore, and this small and delicate dessert complements the fragile Sakura flower perfectly. Used as a flavouring for the macaron shell, the sakura flower is also used as a topping for the macaron, which makes it such a gorgeous sight to behold.

For those who are feeling slightly adventurous, consider baking your own Sakura macarons with this recipe from Bento Monsters!

If you are not feeling too confident of your baking skills, fret not, because TWG Tea and the Bonheur Patisserie have sakura macarons up for grabs during the cherry blossom season.

TWG Tea
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #02-21, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6735 1837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Bonheur Patisserie
#B1-72, 252 North Bridge Rd, Raffles City Robinsons, Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6336 3104
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Japanese Cooking 101

#8 HANAMI DANGO

A popular sweet during the cherry blossom season is the Hanami Dango—a sweet Japanese Mochi dessert which has three chewy Dango balls skewered on a stick.

They are mildly sweet, but very very pretty.

Cherry Blossoms in Japan are a phenomenal sight. It is the kind of moments that will stay forever etched in your hearts and minds, and it will make you crave for more.

‘Hanami’ is the activity of cherry blossoms viewing, and it happens annually in Japan. The full bloom periods differ from city to city, but the average bloom period is one week and slightly more, if you are lucky.

Visitors from all over the world plan the trips way in advance based on forecasts, in hopes to catch a glimpse of Japan’s prettiest flowers in its full bloom. And if you are thinking that just seeing the flowers alone doesn’t sound all too exciting, you are very wrong.

From rowing a boat in the parks to indulging in cherry blossoms delicacies, Here’s Why You Should Visit Japan During Cherry Blossoms Period. It is an experience that you will never forget.

STROLLS & JOGS

Strolls and jogs ain’t just strolls and jogs anymore when you have a view to enjoy while doing your everyday activity.

During cherry blossom period, Japan is undisputedly the best place in the world for otherwise predictable activities, such as strolling hand-in-hand with your lover. The Japanese embrace this Nature they are blessed with; often taking leisurely strolls in between work and on the weekends, and stop by a park or two to get precious photos taken. It is also a wonderful time to walk the dogs!

Exercising may be a chore, and jogging isn’t for everyone, but it will be if you are greeted by sakura trees that line your trail. Suddenly, all that burning-calorie activity seemed enticing more than it is compelling. Change into your running gear, and get ready for a “sakura marathon” around the city.

FAIRYTALE-LIKE PARKS

Sakura trees are planted everywhere in Japan, and when the flowers are in full bloom, the parks in Japan transform into a fairytale-like wonderland. Seas of pinks and whites await you; sakura of different species line the parks endlessly.

Taking a walk in just any park is wondrous, to say the least. There is not a single dull moment for every step you take brings you closer to the quintessential Japan in its glorious nature.

Some of the world’s most incredible and priceless sights are Japanese parks with sakura trees in full bloom; you’d have to see it to believe it.

SUNRISES AGAINST THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Nothing gets us out of bed like a good breakfast and fresh coffee. And sunrises.

Not just any sunrises anywhere, but sunrises against sakura trees. There is much to talk about this spellbindingly beautiful sight, and we live for fleeting moments like these; but seeing it once is better than listening to a thousand stories.

“Cherry Blossoms in Japan are a phenomenal sight. It is the kind of moments that will stay forever etched in your hearts and minds.”

You have to go to Japan to catch the mighty sun rise and its rays piercing through the cherry blossoms; just one morning, and you will have memories of a lifetime.

PICNICS IN THE PARKS

Spring activities in Japan during the cherry blossoms period are aplenty, and picnic is one of them.

Preparing for a picnic in Japan isn’t rocket science. Convenient stores (or kombini) are everywhere, and you just have to grab a few packed sandwiches, sushi platter and ready-to-eat desserts and you are good to go.

The parks in Japan are extremely picnic-friendly. Pick your favourite cherry blossom tree, lay your mat, and enjoy an unadulterated afternoon with your family and friends while you sit back and partake the sakura’s beauty.

BOAT RIDES

Many parks in Japan offer boat rides in Spring. There are options for solo rider, as with options for couples and families.

The permitted area is usually surrounded by sakura trees, and it will be an experience that is second to none. Ride through the breezy day and enjoy hanami in a “space” you could call your own, even if it was just for that little while.

SAKURA DESSERTS

The Japanese go all out to glorify their sakura. As if admiring them with our eyes just don’t do enough justice to the flowers, the innovative and ever creative Japanese have a penchant for incorporating sakura into desserts these days!

Why let the flowers die in vain when we could let both our eyes and mouths enjoy its goodness? Spring in Japan is made different with a multitude of sakura-inspired desserts—think sakura-flavoured mochi, sakura chocolates, sakura infused cream…

It is a whole new level of Japanese sweets, and it is every reason to love the cherry blossoms period!

Many people visit Japan just for hanami, and you might want to plan and book your trip early to avoid disappointment. Read our post on the Forecast for Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2017—Where & When To See Them.

Hanami in Japan, or Cherry Blossom viewing, is one that we look forward to every year; and we believe it is the same for you.

During that short couple of weeks, one of the world’s most coveted flower displays awaits—the blooming of Japan’s spellbindingly beautiful Sakura. They happen all around Japan at different periods of time, and that means hanami in several different cities and places.

Sakura is synonymous with Japan, and if you haven’t experienced hanami, you are missing out in life. Nothing feels quite as ethereal as marvelling at the beauty of these stunning flowers. Each blossoming period lasts for an average of two weeks, and the cherry blossoms look best on the final week of blooming, where they are at their fullest.

Every year, many flock to Japan just for hanami, and you might want to plan and book your trip early to avoid disappointment. Here, we share with you the Forecast for Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2017—Where & When To See Them.

#1 AOMORI

Cherry blossoms period: 22 April 2017 to 04 May 2017

Aomori is a wonderland for nature lovers, and Hirosaki is the best spot for viewing the cherry blossoms.

Imagine cherry blossoms surrounding the historic Hirosaki Castle, against a backdrop of blue mountains. Experience a dream-like adventure here as you stroll around the castle while enjoying the hanami experience.

#2 FUKUOKA

Cherry blossoms period: 25 March 2017 to 10 April 2017

Fukuoka is located on the Northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is most popularly known for their ancient temples, beaches and trendy shopping malls.

The Fukuoka Castle is the recommended spot to view the cherry blossoms. Some other spots to admire the flowers are Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park and the Atago Shrine.

#3 HIROSHIMA

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

After the infamous and disastrous atomic bomb destroyed most of Hiroshima, a lot of effort was put into rebuilding the city to what it is today.

You can visit the Peace Park, then head down to Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima Castle. These places and sites are surrounded by cherry blossom trees and are very popular for hanami.

#4 HOKKAIDO

Cherry blossoms period: 29 April 2017 to 5 May 2017

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture of Japan. And it is huge, with plenty of cherry blossoms trees all around.

The one place you must go to is Hakodate’s Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort with its grounds entirely filled with hanami spots. And there is Matsumae Castle, the only castle in Hokkaido but it is stunning in Spring with all the sakura.

#5 KYOTO

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

Kyoto is a place to explore all the historical and cultural wonders of Japan, and cherry blossom trees are almost all over the ancient capital. It is one of the best Japanese destinations for hanami.

Maruyama-koen is undoubtly the most popular spot, followed by Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace Park). Shirakawa (the most popular street in Gion) is always stunning too with its lines of cherry blossoms trees.

#6 NAGOYA

Cherry blossoms period: 26 March 2017 to 10 April 2017

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth most populated city and a place where culture fuses with art.

The world flocks to Yamazakigawa Riverside, where these cherry blossoms bloom stunningly on both sides of the river. But of course, the blooms at Nagoya Castle is one sight to behold too. Tsuruma Park is also Nagoya’s best city park for hanami.

#7 NARA

Cherry blossoms period: 28 March 2017 to 11 April 2017

As one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, Nara is located just an hour away from the city of Osaka and Kyoto.

Nara Park may be famous for their deer, but it is also home to about 1700 cherry blossom trees all around and is Nara’s best sakura viewing spot. To catch a more historical and scenic view, head down to the Heijo Palace, where it is surrounded by more sakura trees.

#8 TOKYO

Cherry blossoms period: 26 March 2017 to 11 April 2017

Tokyo, oh Tokyo; our favourite Japanese city. There are endless things to do her—shop until you drop, eat to your heart’s content and sip coffee all day every day.

And in April, weeping sakura fill the city with an irresistible charm, and it was one of the best things we had ever experienced. All your hanami dreams will come true at Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, Meguro River, Ueno Park and Aoyama Cemetry.

#9 OKINAWA

Cherry blossoms period: Mid January to Week 2 of February

Okinawa is an island located in the Southernmost part of Japan. It has a generally more tropical climate due to its geographical position.

The Hanami period starts the earliest here before it moves up north. And its cherry blososm trees are quite unlike what you’d expect—not the pale pink flowers, but brighter, rounder blossoms called Hikan-Zakura (which grows best in warm, humid climate). View these breathtaking flowers at Nago Chuo Park, Nakijin Castle or Yogi Park.

#10 OSAKA

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

The Kitchen of Japan, Osaka, is one city that we are all familiar with, yes?

The iconic Osaka Castle is arguably the best spot for hanami in early April. You can also head to Kema Sakuranomiya Park, where nearly 5000 cherry blossom trees line the Okawa River, spanning a length of a few kilometres.How about a picnic under the sakura trees?

How about a picnic under the sakura trees? Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is a large public park that once served as a flower exhibition in 1990, and today, the park has hundreds of sakura trees planted all over.

Note: The above dates are an approximation based on the past five years’ cherry blossoms periods. It is hard to predict the exact days as weather forecasts are ever-changing. It is, however, important to book your air tickets and accommodation months in advance to avoid exorbitant peak period prices, and to secure your necessary rooms and hotel stays.