Sakura-themed Snacks & Drinks in Japan

With Sakura season here, Japan has launched an array of delicious Sakura/cherry blossoms-themed food and drinks, as it does every springtime. The cherry blossom flowers are known for imparting a delightful yet distinct floral flavor that provides a sophisticated essence to any seasonal food or drink. They're available in a wide range of options, from bright springtime cocktail choices to Starbucks Sakura latte drinks. This large selection of goodies also spans the snack arena, with options like a Sakura Kit Kat and Sakura cakes.

These incredible Sakura-themed snacks and drinks in Japan are found at hanami festivals, convenience stores, food stalls, and other various places. With limited flavor combinations and treats featuring unique ingredients like Sakura syrup and plum vinegar pickled plum Sakura blossoms, Japan knows how to highlight cherry blossoms while in season. To experience this season with all your senses, we've created a guide to the best Sakura drink and snack options in Japan.

Delicious Sakura Snacks and Drinks From Top Japanese Brands

Many of Japan's top food and beverage brands offer seasonal Sakura goodies to help consumers more fully experience the magic of cherry blossom trees. These highly anticipated items are available in various flavors, from sweet to savory. You'll also find a plethora of Sakura drink options, from teas to sodas and even Sakura latte choices. With brands such as Starbucks, Royce, and Pocky providing exciting options for consumers, the excitement for the release of new Sakura treats continues to grow each year.

These Sakura drink and snack choices are only available for a limited period - beginning around March each year. The release of these tasty treats follows the blooming period of the flowers, so it may be slightly earlier or later each year. Typically, these food and drink items are only available until May, but as they're made in limited quantities, they often run out quite quickly.

In Sakura season, you can enjoy the beauty of the flowers while reveling in their symbolism, which varies from birth to death, impermanence, love, and romance. Consider which meaning best applies to your life while indulging in the top treats featuring cherry blossoms below.

1. Royce

One of Japan's most famous chocolate brands is Royce, a company that began crafting chocolate in Hokkaido that could compete with European options. The initial chocolate from Royce was released in 1985 in hand-wrapped packaging.

About seven years later, the first store directly managed by Royce opened, unveiling a new product—cookies. From there, the company continued to expand to mail orders, overseas stores, and additional factories. Royce is known for offering delectable "silk-like smooth chocolate'' in unique flavors, such as potato chips and chocolate, along with its sophisticated packaging. The primary philosophy behind Royce's chocolate is high-quality ingredients sourced globally to provide the best product possible.

Sakura Cream Cheese Nama Chocolate

Nama chocolate is a unique offering in Japan, typically crafted with fresh cream and cacao. It's similar to a ganache, providing a smooth, creamy consistency. In Japanese, nama means raw, meant to describe the pure quality and freshness of the chocolate. This type of chocolate is known for its delightful melt-in-your-mouth consistency and richness, which is uncommon within regular chocolate bars. For the Sakura season, Royce has released a Sakura cream cheese nama chocolate, which provides a cherry blossom aroma accented by rich white chocolate, tangy cream cheese, strawberry, and Sakura flavor.

Sakura Chocolate-Filled Steamed Buns

These delectable steamed buns feature a soft, pillowy exterior that transitions into a rich white chocolate and cherry blossom filling. Each bun can be heated in a steamer or microwave for a more exciting experience. Consumers can purchase these seasonal buns in a box that contains five delightful steamed buns.

2. Yoku Moku

The inspiration for the Japanese dessert company Yoku Moku came from the founder (Noriichi Fujinawa), a chocolatier who had the opportunity to visit the Swedish town of Jokkmokk. In this town, Fujinawa tasted his first European butter cookie, prompting him to wish to create his own version utilizing high-quality ingredients. This led to the creation of Yoku Moku in 1942. The company continues to be recognized for its delightful confectionery offerings due to its quality ingredients and flavors.

Double Chocolat au Sakura

These langue de chat cookies (long, crispy, thin wafers) feature a decadent white chocolate filling with a scrumptious cherry blossom powder and almond aroma. With these ingredients, you can expect a nutty, floral taste sandwiched between buttery, crunchy cookies in every double chocolat au Sakura. The company recommends pairing these cookies with oolong tea.

3. Eggs 'n Things

This Hawaiian restaurant was first opened in Waikiki in 1974 by Jerry and Jean Fukunaga. It has since spread throughout Hawaii and Japan, with locations in Ginza, Harajuku, and Kyoto Shijo. Eggs 'n Things has revolutionized the restaurant world, particularly surrounding pancake cuisine. With breakfast available all day long and Hawaiian-inspired eats, this restaurant chain provides a fun way to enjoy pancakes.

Sakura Soft Cake 

One of their seasonal offerings includes an uber-fluffy pancake with the delicate aroma and flavor of Sakura. On top of each pancake is an abundance of mascarpone cream and Sakura chocolate. Sakura cherry blossom syrup is served on the side of each pancake, along with multicolored dango (a popular Sakura treat in Japanese culture).

Sakura Milk

Warm, lightly sweet Sakura milk is also available for a limited time at Eggs n' Things locations. This warm beverage, crafted over medium heat, has a delightful cherry blossom scent and is topped with whipped cream for a more decadent drink. It's ideal for breakfast or whenever sweet cravings occur during the day.

Sugoi Mart Sakura Collection

Perhaps you prefer to indulge in Sakura drinks or snack treats at home. If that's the case, Sugoi Mart's Sakura Collection can aid in providing ample options. With Sugoi Mart's collection, you can consume already prepared foods, such as baked goods crafted from cherry blossom syrup or Sakura powder. You can also craft a homemade cherry blossom latte recipe or a Sakura and lemon juice cocktail/mocktail. Whether you prefer pre-made goodies or making your own, you'll find all the necessary Sakura products, foods, and beverages at Sugoi Mart.

Sugoi Mart offers other non-edible Sakura products, including plushies, Starbucks Japan tumblers and mugs, tissue box covers, noodle stoppers, bags, mini towels, and more. Celebrate the cherry blossom season while you can, as products are created in limited quantities and are not restocked when gone. Shop Sugoi Mart's collection today to stock up on cherry blossom goodies to more fully immerse yourself in this season of renewal!