Q-pot. has revealed its new “SAKURA Romantic Tea Party” line-up which is set to be served at Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 1, 2020 for a limited time.

The cherry blossom pink coloured and flavoured line-up includes a glamorous afternoon tea set, limited-edition parfaits, plated goodies, drinks, and more. “Romantic” is the key word for this beautiful Japanese springtime assortment.

Romantic SAKURA Parfait w/ Drink – ¥1,850 (Tax Included)

The tall Romantic SAKURA Parfait is layered with a mix of both Japanese and Wesrern flavours, built up delicious with cherry blossom cream cherry blossom petal-laced jelly, houjicha tea sauce and more, all of which is topped off with cherry blossom cookies and meringue.

Romantic SAKURA Mont Blanc Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)

This plate of delight features a soft mont blanc made with cherry blossom bean paste cream, rich matcha chocolate, Japanese waguri chestnut, and chestnut cream. Q-pot. CAFE offers a selection of original macarons too which you can pick from including strawberry, chocolate, lemon, and melon. Feel the call of Japanese spring with this romantic cherry blossom mont blanc.

Romantic SAKURA Afternoon Tea Set w/ Drink – ¥2,400 (Serves 1) (Tax Included) *Photo shows tea set for two

Simply put: a colourful pink and romantic afternoon tea set.

The top tier is decorated with cherry blossom St. Honoré cakes made with gorgeous cherry blossom cream, peach bavarois, strawberry cookies, and rich cream ganache-filled biscuits.

The bottom tier includes fat croissants filled with duck pastrami and cucumber that has been dressed with white wine vinegar. They’re served together with a white asparagus cream potage soup and skewered olives, mini tomatoes and pickles, creating a truly gourmet addition to your afternoon tea experience.

Romantic SAKURA Berry Blossom Tea (Hot/Iced) – ¥750 Each (Tax Included)

There’s also a cute pink cherry blossom tea that can be served hot or iced. It’s made using Q-pot CAFE.’s popular “Flower Garden” flavour which has a refreshing after taste as well as a floral and fruity sweet scent. Added to it is cherry blossom and raspberry flavouring which mixes deliciously with the milk.

Hanami Party Plan – ¥3,000 Per Person (Tax Included) *Reservation-only

You can also book a special hanami party plan which adds a sparkling beverage to the afternoon tea set together with a a cherry blossom card and a crunchy meringue. You must reserve for 2+ people, making it perfect for enjoying together with a friend or special someone.

 

It’s not long until March now, meaning springtime, cherry blossoms, and Hanami flower-viewing is just around the corner in Japan. Why not celebrate romantically at Q-pot CAFE.?

Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi is a new cafe opening in the Sanjo area of Kyoto on February 22, 2020, that is centred entirely on fermented foods.

The name “Haccomachi” derives from the Japanese word Hakko (Hacco), meaning fermented, and Komachi (Comachi), meaning a beautiful woman. The cafe hopes for people to incorporate fermented foods into their livesーsomething which is rooted in Japanese food cultureーand live comfortably.

The cafe’s logo showcases the making of kōjiーa type of mould used in the fermentation process of certain food products in Japan, like soybeans. The logo hope to pass down this long upheld tradition.

 

Hakko fermentation is a major part of Japan’s food culture. Since ancient times, the sweetness and umami brought about by the enzymes in the fermentation process have served to accompany many foods in the country, such as miso, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and so onーall traditional condiments used in the Japanese kitchen that are still fundamental today.

 

The menu at Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi features a line-up of fermented foods made in Kyoto, including those from Kyoto-based soybean makers Fujiwara Shokuhin, Sawai Shoyu Honten which has produced the same high quality soy sauce for decades, sake brewery Kitagawa Honke which has been around since the Edo Period, and more.

 

A Small Look at the Menu

Lunch Menu

Haccomachi Special – Fermented Lunch Plate: ¥1,690

This lunch plate is an assortment of hors d’oeuvre made with fermented condiments, tandoori chicken that has been pickled to elevate the umami, marlin fish, soup, and more.

 

Dinner Menu

Spare Ribs On The Bone in Miso Yuan Yaki: ¥1,490

This hearty portion of spare ribs are marinated in a miso, mirin, and soy sauce mix. Taste the full umami flavour of the juicy meat.

Namerō Miso Salmon in Yoghurt Sauce: ¥770

The salmon is served namerō style, a type of tataki or pounding method, in miso. The yoghurt has both a refreshing and rich flavour.

Homemade Komekoji Rice Malt Sweet Sake Yoghurt: ¥470

The splitting of the sour yoghurt serves to elevate the sweetness of the sake. This is a drink that even those who don’t like sweet sake are sure to enjoy.

 

Cafe Menu

Miso Pound Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream: ¥550

The miso pound cake is a collaboration with Japanese confectionery company Sarasa, which has 6 branches of cafes and shops in Kyoto. It’s made using komekoji rice malt powder provided by an old-fashioned Japanese shop (菱六もやし). The umami of the miso is intensified, and the cake stays moist thanks to the powder. It’s served with a dollop of refreshing vanilla ice cream.

Blackcurrant & Vanilla Sweet Sake Affogato: ¥550

A unique spin on the affogato dessert which has you pouring hot sweet sake over tangy and refreshing blackcurrant sherbet and rich vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the mix of the hot sake and the cool ice cream.

 

Discover the Japanese tradition of fermentation at Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi, opening February 22, 2020.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyoーwhich is both a museum and hotelーhas announced its plans to serve up cherry blossom themed food at its numerous restaurants this spring beginning in March.

 

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is situated along Meguro River, which is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo during springtime and Hanami season. To chime in this year’s sakura season, the hotel’s restaurants are preparing a selection of gourmet cherry blossom food and desserts.

Sakura Dining – From ¥7,000 (Before Tax/Service Charge) @ RISTORANTE “CANOVIANO” / Serving: March 20, 2020 – April 5, 2020

Dine in style at RISTORANTE “CANOVIANO” where they’re serving up their ‘Sakura Dining’ course. Based on the idea of a cherry blossom bento meal, the heapfuls of veggies conjure up the image of the budding flowers of springtime.

Sakura Lunch – ¥5,000 (Before Tax/Service Charge) @ RISTORANTE “CANOVIANO” / Serving: March 16, 2020 – April 10, 2020

An assortment of hors d’oeuvres such as the “Cherry Blossom Carpaccio,” “Sakura Ebi Pasta,” and other spring-inspired delights.

Sakura Afternoon Tea – ¥4,000 (Before Tax/Service Charge) @ New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” / Serving: March 14, 2020 – April 12, 2020

Treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea with cherry blossom bon bon chocolates, panna cotta, and moreーand wash it all down with a cup of floral cherry blossom tea. Available this spring only.

SAKURA LADY – ¥1,200/ Shizuku Sakura drops – ¥1,000

KANADE TERRACE also has two cherry blossom cocktails: the “SAKURA LADY” (¥1,200) and “Sakura Drops” (¥1,000). These drinks are inspired by blooming cherry blossoms and dancing cherry blossom petals. The “SAKURA LADY” is a gin-based White Lady cocktail.

Sakura – ¥600 (Tax Included) @ PATISSERIE Lien 1928 / Serving: From March 1, 2020

This luxurious dessert is surrounded by white chocolate and is made up of strawberry biscuit topped with strawberry jam and cherry blossom cream, creating a tempting and extravagant fragrance of strawberries and cherry blossom flowers. It also contains a bit of jelly with Japanese sake in it which adds a full-bodied flavour to the overall dessert.

 

Experience Japanese spring in luxury this year at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.

JALPAK, a division of Japan Airlines (JAL), has announced a very special collaboration with the anime series Love Live! Sunshine!!.

Titled “Go And See Saint Aqours Snow in Hakodate!” (Saint Aqours Snowに会いに函館へ行こう！), the travel plan offers fans of Love Live! Sunshine!! to visit Hakodate, the setting of episodes 8 and 9 of the anime series. Hakodate was also newly-entered into Anime Tourism 88’s “Real Life Anime Locations I Want To Visit” for 2020. The plan comes in two packages: the “JAL Dynamic Package” which departs from locations across Japan, and the “JAL Inbound Dynamic Package” which departs from Thailand.

Exclusive Merchandise – Folder

Exclusive Merchandise – Hakodate “Saint Snow” Acrylic Stand

Those to take part in the tour will receive some exclusive Love Live! Sunshine!! collaborative merchandise. Guests will stay at Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, where the Aqours members stay in the anime series. They will get the full Hakodate experience just like the members.

Hotel Image

The package also includes a digital stamp rally held across 11 locations where the Aqours and Saint Snow characters appear, and you’ll get to wear the same pyjamas the members wear in the animeーwhich aren’t available anywhere else as of yet.

 

Jump into the world of Love Live! Sunshine!! and feel like you’re really living the anime series!

Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo boasts the most incredible location, sitting by the side of Nakameguro, one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for seeing the cherry blossoms in spring.

 

This year, the coffee roastery’s “Sakura Season” is set to begin on February 15, when its cherry blossom-inspired merchandise collection is released, along with a line-up of pink beverages and food.

The official Starbucks sakura merchandise ranges from tumblers and mugs to a key ring, handkerchief, and more, for a total of 10 items.

Strawberry Chia Oolong – ¥900

Poppun Sakura Jasmine Tea – ¥950

Floating Blossom – ¥900

Six beautiful beverages from last year’s Sakura Season at Starbucks are also making a return from the Teavana™️ brand, made with delicate and soft cherries, hibiscus, and tea leaves as refreshing as green grass.

Clockwise From Left: Gianchetti & Sakura – ¥880 / Mini Panettone Sakura – ¥680 / Cornetti Sakura – ¥380 / Maritozzo Sakura – ¥540

Italian bakery Princi®︎ is also heading to Japan for the first time to serve up Italian food culture to people at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo. Enjoy the floral taste of cherry blossoms done in a Princi®︎ way.

 

Heading to Tokyo for Hanami and the cherry blossoms? Then make a stop at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo for this year’s Sakura Season.

We’re keeping the cherry blossom theme running here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON as we approach spring. Today, we’re showcasing something for those planning a trip to Tokyo for the cherry blossom and Hanami season: 5 must-try cherry blossom foods and desserts served at hotels across Tokyo.

 

Sakura Strawberry Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Tokyo Strings

Sakura Strawberry Afternoon Tea – ¥4,800

The fraisier is a strawberry cake said to represent the coming of spring in France. At Rhythmos, a cafe and bar at InterContinental Tokyo Strings, it’s served in a glass so you can see all the delicious insides, from the round-sliced strawberries to the beautiful green pistachio mousseline cream. The pure white crémet d’Anjou has a fluffy texture and is mixed with refreshing and sour strawberry and raspberry sauce which elevates the flavour of the fromage blanc.

 

Other treats to pick from include the cherry blossom ganache tart which has a faint cherry blossom fragrance, cherry blossom and strawberry cream-stuffed macarons, strawberry daifuku, and more―all with spring flavours and colours.

 

The savoury line-up too offers some elegant and unique items. There’s the sandwich wraps which include cherry blossom leaf-topped grilled chicken with a lining of shredded dried plum, strawberry ceviche with grilled scallops, and much more.

 

▶︎Sakura Strawberry Afternoon Tea

Running: March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020

Location: Rhythmos Café and Bar (InterContinental Tokyo Strings)

Time: 14:00-18:00 (Last Orders 16:30)

Price: ¥4,800 per person

Official Website: https://intercontinental-strings.jp/?updatelang=yes

 

InterContinental Tokyo Strings

Address: 2-16-1 Konan, Minato Ward, Tokyo

Official Website: https://intercontinental-strings.jp/?updatelang=yes

 

For more details, check out our previous article here: Cherry Blossom Themed Menu to be Served at InterContinental Tokyo Strings in Spring 2020

 

 

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea

On the top plate is a collection of four pink and white desserts. This includes some tempting macarons which are filled with a cherry blossom ganache. The macarons themselves are vanilla flavoured, packed with cherry blossom cream, and have prints of delicate cherry blossom flowers on them.

On the lower tier are crunchy pie sandwiches filled with a cream cheese that is laced with cherry blossom leaves, while the bottom tier is an assortment that includes refreshing shrimp, grapefruit and asparagus sandwiches, and more.

 

▼Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea

Running: February 17, 2020 – April 12, 2020
Time: 12:00-18:00
*On weekdays between January 6, 2020 to February 28, 2020, the afternoon tea will be served from 14:30-18:00 due to the holding of the sweets buffet
Location: Le Jardin at Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo
Prices: Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea ¥4,000 / With Welcome Drink ¥4,500

 

Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo

Address: 2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo

Official Website (English): https://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/

 

For more details, check out our previous article here: Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in Japan: Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo’s Beautiful Floral Menu

 

 

Sakura Picnic Basket at Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Steak House “The Oak Door”

Sakura Picnic Basket – ¥5,500

The Oak Door is noted for its use of high quality ingredients prepared in a dynamic way. This spring, they have the perfect pick to give you that feeling that the Japanese Hanami season is here with a cherry blossom picnic basket. This stylish selection has the lot: food, dessert, glasses, and cutlery. The burgers bear pink buns which are stuffed with prime beef patties, pastrami beef, and veg. They also have skewered vegetables too like radishes. Seeking that springtime sensation? Then order your very own Sakura Picnic Basket!

 

▼Sakura Picnic Basket at Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Steak House “The Oak Door”

Running: March 1, 2020 – Mid April 2020
Time: 9:00〜22:00

Price: ¥5,500

Location: The Oak Door (Grand Hyatt Tokyo Floor 6F)

 

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Address: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo

Official Website (English): https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/grand-hyatt-tokyo/tyogh/offers

 

Gorgeous Springtime Cherry Blossom Set at Keio Plaza Hotel

At eight of Keio Plaza Hotel’s restaurantsーwhose menus span traditional Japanese dishes, French food, Chinese cuisineーthey are cooking up their own unique cherry blossom servings.

“Kadode” Lunch & Dinner – ¥15,500 @ Soujuan

A traditional kaiseki-style Japanese course consisting of a bounty of luxury ingredients like Japanese Black wagyu beef, caviar, and more.

“contente” French Lunch – ¥9,000 @ Duo Fourchettes

You need only look at the dishes served at Duo Fourchettes to understand the level of quality and beauty that goes into their dishes. This French lunch line-up is packed with plenty of seasonal spring ingredients, and there’s even a succulent strawberry-packed dessert to indulge in.

 

▼Gorgeous Springtime Cherry Blossom Set at Keio Plaza Hotel

Running: March 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020
Prices:
“Kadode” Lunch & Dinner – ¥15,500 @ Soujuan
“contente” French Lunch – ¥9,000 @ Duo Fourchettes

 

Keio Plaza Hotel
Address: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Official Website (English): https://www.keioplaza.com/

 

 

Spring Sakura Sweets & Pastries at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

At the “Bakery & Pastry Shop,” which is managed directly by the hotel, they have a beautiful choice of desserts perfect for Hanami flower-viewing.

Sakura Opera – ¥610

This three-layered cake is made up of matcha joconde biscuit, adzuki and cherry blossom butter cream, and strawberry jelly. It’s also topped with white chocolate by French premium chocolate company Valrhona.

Spring Milk Cream – ¥320

The pastry of these eclairs are made with plenty of milk and are filled with a homemade cherry blossom milk cream. The cherry blossom petals on top are pickled in salt to give a slight salty bite, contrasting deliciously with the sweetness of the cream.

 

▼Spring Sakura Sweets & Pastries at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

Running: March 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020
Time: 10:00-20:00
Location: Bakery & Pastry Shop at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Prices:
Sakura Opera – ¥610
Spring Milk Cream – ¥320

 

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Address: 2-6-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Official Website (English): https://www.tokyo.grandnikko.com/eng/

 

 

Which of these picks has your mouth watering the most? If you’re travelling to Tokyo for the springtime cherry blossoms, why not book at one of these hotels and start your trip with a delicious sakura treat?

ART LAB KYOTO is the new museum shop set to open at Kyocera Museum of Art on March 21, 2020 in line with the revamp currently undergoing at the museum, with design work being co-created by Japanese architects Jun Aoki and Tezzo Nishizawa.

Kyoto is known as a hub of Japanese culture, managing to maintain traditions while constantly evolving. ART LAB KYOTO will embody everything about this idea when it opens after the museum’s revamp. The spacious shop will not only sell merchandise related to the exhibitions, but books and goods related to art from Kyoto both traditional and contemporary, items in collaboration with external artists, original and exclusive sweets, and more. ART LAB KYOTO will also host events promoting the diversity of art and culture in Kyoto.

American gourmet popcorn brand Garrett Popcorn Shops® has revealed its new cherry blossom pink coloured, strawberry and white chocolate flavoured popcorn “Very Berry White Chocolate,” along with the new “Garrett Sakura Tin”ーboth of which will be released tomorrow on February 15 in limited quantities.

Very Berry White Chocolate: Small ¥580/Medium ¥1,030/Large ¥1,670/Jumbo ¥3,300/Quarter Tin ¥1,700/1 Gallon Tin ¥4,300/2 Gallon Tin ¥8,250

Also released for spring last year to overwhelming popularity, the “Very Berry White Chocolate” popcorn takes Garrett Popcorn’s fruity, sweet and sour “Strawberry Caramel Crisp™” flavour, coats it in sweet white chocolate, and sprinkles it with strawberry flakes to create a truly succulent strawberry treat, which is made even more delicious with the milk white chocolate. Its pink colour also brings to mind images of Japan’s cherry blossoms.

Garrett Sakura Tin/Quarter Tin: From ¥1,130

The Garrett Sakura Tin has been sold every spring since 2014, and makes a return once again for 2020, covered in beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.

 

The pink-on-pink combination is a great Valentine’s Day present, for a springtime movie nightーwhatever takes your fancy!

Tokyo’s interactive art museum teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, located in Toyosu, consists of several exhibition spaces where visitors become part of the art by moving through them. After opening in July 2018, 1.25 million visitors from 106 countries and regions visited within one year. The museum is famously known for its large mirror-walled room of water with an interactive projection mapping display where visitors move barefoot through the water to influence the beautiful display on the water’s surface.

 

With the coming of spring, teamLab Planets is giving two of their attractions a sakura makeover. The new attractions will run from March 1 to April 30, 2020.

The Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers exhibition, where visitors are showered in beautiful flowers which grow and change overtime, will be replacing the flowers with cherry blossoms for spring. 

The famous attraction Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity, where visitors move through water barefoot, will also be transforming for spring. The koi fish projection mapping will be replaced by an infinite number of cherry blossoms, which will gently fall apart as you move through the water and reform elsewhere. 

 

As spring arrives in Japan and the cycle of life is born again, teamLab’s world of digital art is the perfect place to explore changing seasons and the beautiful cycle of nature. 

Every year, Starbucks Coffee Japan serves up its seasonal “Sakura Season” drinks menu, a limited-time offering of special cherry blossom flavoured drinks for the spring. This year’s Sakura Season at Starbucks begins on February 15, and they’ve revealed the first of several upcoming batches of drinks and merchandise.

 

Sakura Milk Pudding Frappuccino® & Sakura Milk Latte ー Japan Only

The first two drinks of the Sakura Season menu are a gorgeous light pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms. They’re available at Starbucks in Japan only.

 

The Sakura Milk Pudding Frappuccino® is made like a Japanese pudding, scented with fresh cherry blossom leaf extract. The milk base is mixed with a cherry blossom and strawberry sauce, and it’s all topped off with cream and decorations made to look like flower petals. The pink gradation in the cup also calls to mind the beautiful dance of falling cherry blossom leaves.

 

The Sakura Milk Latte is a subtly sweet, no-coffee beverage made with a combination of cherry blossom and strawberry suace as well as warm milk. It’s still cold out right now, so this is the perfect treat to warm you up for the coming spring.

 

Sakura Milk Pudding Frappuccino®: Tall ¥590 (Before Tax) *Tall size only

Sakura Milk Latte: Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570 (Before Tax)

Running: February 15, 2020 – February 25, 2020

*The Sakura Milk Latte will be served until March 12, 2020

Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan (while supplies last)

 

Reusable Cherry Blossom Cups ー Japan Only

Starbucks introduced its reusable cups to help reduce plastic waste, and now you can get them in these stylish new cherry blossom designs. If you’re still using disposable plastic cups, then make that important step today and get your own reusable cup.

 

SAKURA 2020 Reusable Cup (473ml) & Bag Set – ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

SAKURA 2020 Reusable Cup (473ml) – ¥350 (Before Tax)

Release Dates:

SAKURA 2020 Reusable Cup (473ml) & Bag Set: February 15,  2020

SAKURA 2020 Reusable Cup (473ml): February 19, 2020

Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan (while supplies last)

 

SAKURA Season Merchandise ー Batch ①

The theme of the first batch of Sakura Season 2020 merchandise is “Spring Breeze.” The design captures the image of cherry blossom petals falling from the gentle spring breeze, the warm days, and hope. The line-up includes not only tumblers and mugs, but a picnic mat with a cherry blossom print, and more. Enjoy your coffee with one of the reusable cups or tumblers and feel good about doing your part to reduce plastic this spring.

 

Batch ①

Release Date: February 15, 2020

Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan (while supplies last)

 

Starbucks’s cherry blossom filter makes flowers blossom in your photos!

Experience the cherry blossoms early before they bloom with the Starbucks Sakura 2020 (Japanese: #スターバックスさくら2020) filter. You don’t even have to download an app to use it.

To get access to the filter, simply scan the QR code in a Starbucks branch, tap the button, and take your springtime photo!

The filter lets you choose between the three most common cherry blossom trees in Japan: the Yoshino cherry, yae-zakura, and shidare-zakura.

 

Starbucks Sakura 2020 Filter (#スターバックスさくら2020)

Running: February 15, 2020 – March 12, 2020

Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan

HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a ryokan accommodation in the centre of Tokyo, has announced an exciting new plan for guests this spring season. Titled “Tokyo Yozakurabune Asobi,” the plan gives guests the chance to enjoy city’s cherry blossoms under the night sky from the seat of a rickshaw and from a boat ride. It’s running from March 25 to April 10 this year.

 

Observe Tokyo’s nightscape and cherry blossoms from the Sumida River

The departing site for the boat ride is located at Nihombashi Pier, just a 5-minute car ride from HOSHINOYA Tokyo. This 60-minute night cruise begins at the pier before floating across the Sumda River. Passengers will be able to to set their gaze on a multitude of Tokyo’s many beautiful cherry blossom spots, including along the coast of Tsukuda and along Oyokogawa River, amongst others.

 

While aboard the boat, you can enjoy tucking into a spring coloured hanami bento box and sipping on sparkling Japanese sake. Your meal will provide the perfect accompaniment to the enchanting sights your eyes will be treated to, from the dusk-basked cherry blossoms to the reflection of the city lights on the water surface.

 

Hanami flower viewing on a boat – a tradition since the Edo Period

When Tokyo was known as Edo, its former name used until 1868, the city thrived as a Mizu no Miyako, or “Water Metropolis” due to its sophisticated water transportation system which enabled the carrying of people and goods. During this time, the people of Edo enjoyed the waterside in many different ways. One of these was Fune Asobi, or “pleasure boating,” where people would enjoy the nature along the shore throughout the four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms would bloom along the Sumida River where some of the official buildings of the Tokugawa Shogunate were located. The Bakufu also incentivized pleasure trips of the masses, and so people would enjoy Hanami, or flower-viewing, from the boats.

 

HOSHINOYA Tokyo has recreated this experience to not only pay homage to the activities of Edo, but to let people enjoy a luxurious time away from everyday life.

 

1: Peer at the nighttime cherry blossoms and Tokyo’s evening scenes from your pleasure boat

Your boat ride will take you to the best spots to see the cherry blossoms on that particular day. As night falls, you’ll also get to see some of Tokyo’s most famous tourist spots light up, like Tokyo Skytree and Eitai Bridge. Riverboat Mizuha, who operate the boat, will provide guests with a guide who will give them an insight into the history of the bridges, towns, and surrounding sights.

 

2: Overhead cherry blossoms fill your vision on the rickshaw

Experience Hanami like never before with HOSHINOYA Tokyo’s rickshaw ride. Your journey begins at the ryokan and ends at Nihombashi Pier. This one-way 30-minute trip will take you to some  breathtaking cherry blossom sites, including Edozakura-dori Street which is home to many historical buildings such as the Bank of Japan.

 

3: Hanami bento and sake provided by a longstanding shop

In the evening, enjoy tucking into a decorative Hanami bento made by Shin-Kaika, a long-standing restaurant in Kanda Myoujinshita by Kanda Myoujin Shrine. The colourful and light-tasting assortment includes cherry blossom pink sea bream kombu, as well as sushi rice seasoned with kurozu. Your meal will also be paired with delicious sparkling Japanese sake. On the way back, you can also enjoy matcha and tea-flavoured confections.

 

Optional: Rent a springtime kimono and have it fitted on you

For those looking to spend and even more special time out this spring in Japan, they can rent a silk kimono and have it fitted onto them. You select it beforehand and it is put on you at HOSHINOYA Tokyo. They will also do your hair and makeup. And if you have it all fitted early, you can spend the day walking around Tokyo seeing the cherry blossoms. You must book to choose and have a kimono fitted.  Prices start upward from ¥50,000 per person.

Spring is set to blossom early at Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo, where they will begin serving their “Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea” at Le Jardin, a lobby lounge, from February 17. Three new cherry blossom sweets will also be sold for the spring season only from March 1 at the hotel’s Pastry & Cheese Shop, which bakes up fresh bread, cheese, desserts, and more.

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea

The Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea returns to Hotel Chizanso Tokyo after its huge reception last year. This cute pink assortment is stacked high with cherry blossom flavours and seasonal ingredients.

On the top plate is a collection of four pink and white desserts. This includes some tempting macarons which are filled with a cherry blossom ganache. The macarons themselves are vanilla flavoured, packed with cherry blossom cream, and have prints of delicate cherry blossom flowers on them.

On the middle tier are crunchy pie sandwiches filled with a cream cheese that is laced with cherry blossom leaves, while the bottom tier is an assortment that includes refreshing shrimp, grapefruit and asparagus sandwiches, and more.

Cherry Blossom Roll Cake

Baked fresh in the Pastry & Cheese Shop are these incredible cherry blossom roll cakes that look almost ornamental. They are part of the “Seasonal Cake ~SAKURA~” series of three desserts being sold at the shop for a limited time. The roll cakes are stuffed with fresh cream which is filled with black beans and cherry blossom paste. They are also finished with a little salt. This is an absolute must-eat during spring in Japan this year, a treat that reminds one of the cherry blossoms during the Hanami (flower-viewing) season.

Cherry Blossom Cube

The second dessert is the cute checked Cherry Blossom Cube, a pink and white sponge laced with strawberry and cherry blossom syrup. The butter cream is also made with cherry blossom, and the whole thing is topped with almond and white chocolate.

Cherry Blossom & Pistachio Panna Cotta

Finally, we have the white vanilla and cherry blossom panna cotta which is made with a rich pistachio bavarois and cherry blossom jelly. It’s topped with a pickled cherry blossom bud, and the bavarois has sliced strawberries on it made to look like petals.

 

But that’s not all for springtime at  Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo. A walk through their gardens gifts your eyes to a variety of different cherry trees, like the kawazu-zakura and Taiwan cherry, which bloom early, as well as the Yoko cherry, miyabi-zakura, and Yoshino cherry, which blossom between February and April. There are 120 trees to see spanning 20 types of cherry blossom; enjoy them during the early hours when they are basked in the morning light, or at night when they are lit up with beautiful illuminations. And don’t forget the row of cherry trees that line Kandagawa from Edogawabashi Stationーthe closest station to the hotel.