As the cold winter continues to freeze forward, we’re all waiting in anticipation for spring’s warmth to break through. Did you know, there are places in Japan where the cherry blossoms bloom as early as the end of January? Keep that in mind as we introduce you to some cherry blossom inspired food and drink hitting Japan very soon.

“Cherry Blossom Drink” – Lindt

Lindt is an established premium chocolate brand from Switzerland founded in 1845 loved all over the world. The company will release some limited edition, early-springtime items including the “Lindt White Chocolate Sakura Ice Drink” and the “Lindt Delice Sakura” on February 16th. Enjoy this refreshing cherry blossom drink and feel the vibe of spring early.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88257

“Sakura Mini Bon” – Cinnabon

Cinnamon roll specialist store “Cinnabon” are selling a limited edition cherry blossom flavoured cinnamon roll, the “Sakura Mini Bon,” from February 1st to March 31st. The roll is topped with a gracious amounts of cherry blossom flavoured cream cheese frosting and a crunchy decoration. Enjoy an exquisite balance of subtle cherry blossom and specially made cinnamon.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88270

“Spring Coloured Veggie Pota Soba” – Cafe & Bar BW CAFE

SOBA (buckwheat noodles) CAFE & BARU BW CAFE which sells original soba dishes serve up their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” from February 1st. Their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” uses lots vegetables such as fresh potatoes and corn and one can eat soba with a warm dipping soup that tastes like potage. The dipping soup and ground vegetables go well with soba since it uses a Japanese-style broth. Also, the baked cheese used as a topping adds a mildness and special aroma to the dish. Enjoy this pink-coloured soba that brings to mind cherry blossoms.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87477

“Matcha Milk Sakura Flavour” – Tsujiri

CAFE & BARU BW CAFETsujiri Online Shop will sell a seasonally limited product of an established store in Kyoto, Tsujiri’s “Tsujiri Matcha Milk – Sakura Flavor” with only a limited supply. “Tsujiri Matcha Milk -Sakura Flavor,” is a matcha milk which has the scent of cherry blossoms and the soft flavors of Ujimatcha and milk. It is a seasonally limited flavor which uses matcha from “Tsujiri,” an established store in Uji, Kyoto. The tea masters of Tsujiri selected the Uji Matcha that goes well with milk by blending two kinds of matcha to draw out the flavor of matcha. A cherry blossom leaf powder produced in Japan is added to the soft flavor of milk to give the product its cherry blossoms flavour.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84872

“Spring Bouquet Salad Set” – BOTANIST café

“BOTANIST Tokyo,” the flagship store in Omotesando, is serving a spring themed menu on the 2nd floor “BOTANIST café” from February 1st to March 31st. The “Spring Bouquet Salad Set” uses lots of fruit and vegetables reminiscent of springtime to look like a botanical bouquet. They’re selling a range of other foods and sweets too which taste great and are fun to look at. Everything on the menu is available for this spring only!

Feel the warm breeze of spring early with these cherry blossom inspired foods and drinks.

Hinamatsuri is a festival in Japan which is held on the 3^rd of March to wish for the health and happiness of a girl child and each house displays a set of Hina Dolls on the 3^rd of March. Hina dolls (girl-dolls called Onnabina and boy-dolls called Otokobina) are displayed in each home.

In this article, I will introduce to you some food and drinks that match the Hinamatsuri festival.

“’Snoopy’ Hinadan Kazari” 31 Ice Cream (Baskin Robbins)

Baskin Robbins in Japan are holding an event titled “Girls Festival 2018” from February 15^th to March 3^rd, the day of Hinamatsuri. This year, Baskin Robbins are introducing the cute character Snoopy onto hinadan – doll stands for hina dolls. Each ice cream is topped with sugary faces of Snoopy and Belle to represent a male doll and female doll respectively. There are also three chocolate Woodstock designs. Celebrate a fun and exciting Hinamatsuri with your family!

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/91474

“Hina Roll” Takarazuka Hotel

Takarazuka Hotel will sell “Hinamatsuri Cake” which decorates the Hinamatsuri season gorgeously for three days from the 1^st of March 2018 (Thurs.) at “Lobby Shop” (1F) of the East Building. Two varieties are available – “Onnabina” using strawberry cream and “Otokobina” using chocolate cream and strawberries. Let’s enjoy Hinamatsuri by eating this hotel’s cake.

“Sakurasaku” Furumachi Koji Seizojo

The koji (rice malt) amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) specialized store, “Furumachi Koji Seizojo” will sell a renewed version of the spring-limited amazake “Sakurasaku” (the quantity of the product has been increased from 300ml to 500ml) to meet their customers’ demands. This koji amazake has a cherry blossom leaf taste like sakuramochi (cherry blossom flavored mochi with bean jam inside).

“Hina Chirashizushi” Washoku Mendokoro Sagami

Washoku Mendokoro (Japanese noodle restaurant) Sagami will sell Hina Chirashizushi (scattered sushi) as a Hinamatsuri limited menu from the 1^st of March to the 3^rd of March. The menu includes vinegar rice, snow crab, tuna, salmon, a thick omelet, cherry blossom denbu (pink fish flossed) and shrimp. It is a custom in Japan to eat chirashizushi when the Hinamatsuri festival is held. Japanese people eat this dish with the wish that their children will not go hungry in the future and it is thought that shrimp extends longevity.

“Hinamatsuri cakes.” An online shopping site specializing in cakes Cake.jp

The online shopping site specializing in cake “Cake.jp” started selling Hinamatsuri cakes from the 15^th of February. Many cute cakes that have decorations of Hina Dolls will be sold including cute standard round-shape cakes and diamond/fan-shaped cakes. The cakes they sell are suitable to be bought as a gift since they can be shipped.

“Disney Girls Collection” Ginza Cozy Corner

Ginza Cozy Corner will sell small cake sets using the designs of Disney characters from the 15^th of February 2018 to the 3^rd of March. “Disney Girls Collection” is a box that includes cakes using the motifs of “Minnie Mouse,” “Alice,” “Tinker Bell,” “Disney Marry,” “Miss Bunny,” “Lady” and “Clarice” and each piece has a different taste.

“Hinamatsuri MIX” papabubble

The “art candy” shop from Spain, Barcelona “papabubble” will sell “Hinamatsuri MIX” from the 10^th of February 2018 (Sat.) to the 4^th of March (Sun.). Five cute patterns including a peach flower pattern, sakuramochi pattern and bonbori (paper lantern) will be sold and a very popular apricot peach flavor will be added.

“Hinamatsuri Image no Gentei Lunch Menu” Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu will sell limited lunch menu items using the motif of Hinamatsuri at the Japanese cuisine restaurant, “Shunsai” and “A bientot” located on the 25^th floor from the 1^st of February 2018 (Thurs.) to the 3^rd of March (Sat.). Original chirashizushi, clam, hishimochi (star-shaped rice cake) and arare (cubic rice crackers) which bring luck will be served. Let’s enjoy eating the special menu items while viewing the view of Tokyo from the floor 100 meters, above ground.

Why not celebrate Hinamatsuri with you family.

Japan’s cherry blossom season is almost here! While it’s most definitely a beautiful sight to see the flowers during the day, we also recommend making a trip to see them at nighttime too.

Here’s a list of 7 spots you should stop by in Tokyo to see the illuminated cherry blossoms this year.

Chidorigafuchi Moat

kiyotakaさん(@kiyotakakubo)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 11, 2017 at 7:58午前 PDT

Chidorigafuchi is known as one of the best locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. When the Yoshino Cherry trees are in full bloom along the grand moat, many people turn up to see the spectacle whether it’s a weekday or weekend. You can rent a boat and sail along the moat while gazing at spring’s awakening.

Rikugien Garden

Kimihiro Kawanoさん(@kimihiro_kawano)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 7, 2017 at 5:13午前 PDT

The lush Rikugien Garden is a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station. It’s a typical example of a garden from the Edo period where the daimyo lords would stroll, and is famous for its Shidarezakura, or “Cheal’s Weeping Cherry” trees. There is a tea house in the garden where you can enjoy snacking on traditional Japanese wagashi and drinking tea. The Bunkyo Green Court and other commercial facilities also neighbour the garden, making it a fun day out for the family.

Meguro River

Meguro River is a famous cherry blossom location in Tokyo, where cherry blossom trees line almost 4km along the river. Simply take a stroll and take in scene, and take some photos at the hugely popular photo spot along the bridge.

Ueno Park

Kelly Marie Johnsonさん(@tooqute2nv)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 12, 2017 at 10:27午後 PDT

Ueno Park is just 2-minutes on foot from Ueno Station. As well as having an art gallery, museum, and zoo, Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, with both locals and tourists gathering to soak up the mesmerizing foliage.

Tokyo Midtown

head lococoさん(@kololon0426)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 4, 2015 at 4:28午前 PDT

Head on over to Toshimaen, an amusement park, for a fun day out and stay after-hours to experience their "Sakura Nights" where a fantastic display of 500 cherry blossom trees will be lit up from sundown. Enjoy a hanami where the cherry blossoms turn even more enchanting at night. Immerse yourself in the experience even more by snuggling under a kotatsu with the park's "Enkai Plan."

Yaesu Sakura-dori, Nihonbashi

arisaさん(@aririichan)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 9, 2017 at 6:36午後 PDT

Spanning the length from Tokyo Station's Yaesu North Exit to Kayabacho are 150 cherry blossom trees. The area from Sotobo-dori to Showa-dori will become pedestrian paradise as it will be lit up once night falls. Whether you roll up during the day or at night, you'll get your fill of springtime while you're in the center of Tokyo metropolis. What's better is that you can walk there from Tokyo Station.

Did any of these cherry blossom spots peak your interest? Make sure you get to experience multiple illuminated locations if you're in Tokyo this spring.

Hoshino Resort is an accommodation brand which has more than 30 accommodations throughout Japan including “onsen” accommodations called, “Kai,” resort hotels called, “Resonale,” and Japanse-style resort hotels called “Hoshinoya.” In this article, I will introduce to you some experience-based plans to enjoy the spring season produced by “Hoshinoya.”

Hoshinoya Karuizawa “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018”

“Hoshinoya Karuizawa” located it Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa will hold a three-day and two-night program of enjoying the nature in Karuizawa without carrying any digital gadgets called “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018” from the 1^st of March, 2018 to the 20^th of July. Most people in this modern age are using PCs and smartphones daily and some of them are building up stress inside their mind. This program offers an experience of enjoying the nature of Karuizawa and playing with horses so as to release the stress of the participators.

Detailed information:

https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/experience/datsudigital-2018/

Hoshinoya Tokyo “Tokyo / Yozakura Fune Asobi”

“Hoshinoya Tokyo” will hold an activity titled, “Tokyo Yozakura Fune Asobi” where participators can enjoy the night view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat and going on a night cruise from the 25^th of March to  the 10^th of April. The boat will depart from Nihonbashi (bridge) which is 5 minutes by car from Hoshinoya Tokyo and pass Sumida River, Tajima Coast and Oyokogawa where they can view beautiful cherry blossoms. This is a 60- minute boat tour. The contrast between cherry blossoms and the night view of Tokyo is magical and superb. Also, participators can wear light-colored clothes and do up their hair. Let’s enjoy the night view and the cherry blossoms viewed from a boat while eating a bento box-lunch of “Shin Kaika” and drinking nihonsyu (Japanese sake).

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/86754

Hoshinoya Fuji “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner”

“Hoshinoya Fuji” located in Yamanashi Prefecture will offer “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner” which is an experience based on a “Dutch-oven dinner” course from the 16^th of March 2018 to the 30^th of June. This dinner is a spring version of the dinner course that uses “venison” and “brawn” and other spring ingredients. The course is very healthy since it uses lots of wild vegetables and spring vegetables.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/fuji/dining/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Takeno Yusan”

“Hoshinoya Kyoto,” an accommodation located in Arashiyama, Kyoto with a beautiful river-view, will hold a program called, “Takenoko Yusan” where you can harvest takenokos (bamboo sprouts), then learn how to cook them and eat them from the 25^th of March 2018 to the 15^th of April. In this program, you can enjoy harvesting takenokos in mountain bamboo groves where you cannot normally enter. After harvesting takenokos, you can enjoy eating dishes using the takenokos you harvested at your evening meal at Hoshinoya Kyoto. Then, on the next day, you can participate in the workshop held by the head chef of Hoshinoya Kyoto and learn how to cook takenoko. It is a program where you can enjoy learning about the harvesting of takenoko which is a standard ingredient of Kyoto cuisine.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/experience/takenoko/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Okuarashiyama no Hanami Toryu”

This is also a program offered by Hoshinoya Kyoto. Four cherry-blossom viewing activities will be held from the 25^th of March 2018 to the 15^th  of April. You can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama by participating in the event called, “Harutsuyu no Noyusan,” an early-morning hiking where you can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama from the observation deck, “Sakurabune” where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat, “Sakura Chakai” where you can enjoy a tea party in front of Yamazakura and “Yozakura Dinner” where you can enjoy eating dinner in front of the lit up cherry blossoms of Okuarashiyama.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru”

They will hold an accomodation-based spa program “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru” from the 1^st of March 2018 to the 31^st of May. “Mizube no Kojitsu” is a two-day and one-night personal spa program” based on Eastern medicine. Also, this program includes another program of learning how to make healthy Japanese desserts from artisans. Moreover, they will offer a time where the  participants can refresh their body and mind by offering herb roots/tree bark teas, acupuncture treatment and a lecture on body exercise.

Detailed information：http://hoshinoyakyoto.jp/#/spa/spa01

Hoshinoya Taketomijima “Iriomote Jungle Butler / Haru”

“Hoshinoya Taketomijima” located on Taketom Island, Okinawa will hold an activity tour which a jungle guide of Iriomote Island (a person who knows well about the island” will guide the participants around the island. The content and schedule of the tour can be decided at will with the jungle guide. You can experience the tropical jungle of Iriomote Island while staying at Taketomi Island where the traditional culture of Okinawa still remains such as red tile, shiisa (lion shaped monuments) and white sand roads.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/taketomijima/

Let’s enjoy the gorgeous accommodation plans of Hoshino Resort.

Wintertime closure draws close, and soon the cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) will be in full bloom in Japan.

Today, we will take a look at last year’s regional data for Japan’s cherry blossom front.

*Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

bradbury3404さん(@bradbury3404)がシェアした投稿 – 1月 26, 2018 at 3:05午前 PST

Visit Okinawa to see the cherry blossoms bloom early from January
Okinawa’s cherry blossom season runs from January through February. The hikanzakura flower is one different from the Japan’s mainland cherry blossom and glares a deep pink colour like peaches and Japanese ume. Its characteristic is its tendency to bloom downwards.

Hanami in Okinawa is celebrated differently than mainland Japan. You won’t see people setting up chairs to eat picnics and drink sake in Okinawa. Enjoy your Hanami in Okinawa by strolling through the tunnels of cherry blossom trees and taking photos.

2016 – First Bloom: January 14th | Full Bloom: February 8th
2017 – First Bloom: January 18th | Full Bloom: February 4th

すずきみわさん(@miwaaa_3)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 16, 2017 at 8:57午前 PDT

The nation-wide peak bloom time in Japan is March.

Fukuoka
The Kyushu region of Japan has warm weather, so fully bloomed cherry blossoms appear earlier there than in Tokyo. “Nishi Park” in Fukuoka is a recommended spot by locals to enjoy Hanami where almost 1,300 cherry blossom trees stand beautifully. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every Fukuoka citizen has been to Nishi Park at least once.

2016 – First Bloom: March 25th | Full Bloom: April 5th
2017 – First Bloom: March 23rd | Full Bloom: April 1st

かんさん(@kanzawahiro)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 13, 2017 at 5:39午後 PDT

Kyoto
Kyoto is generally more crowded during the sakura season because of tourists and sightseers. The streets of Kyoto have a deep-rooted history, and the spectacular view of them lined with cherry blossom trees is a popular sight to see. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms at night, a completely different Hanami experience, as temples and such are lit up as night falls.

2016 – First Bloom: March 31st | Full Bloom: April 7th
2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th

440さん(@y440sfiar)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 22, 2017 at 4:29午後 PDT

Osaka
Each year, the cherry blossoms in Osaka bloom around the same time as in Kyoto. Osaka Castle Park was chosen as one of the 100 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, where you can encounter a fascinating sight of both a castle and cherry blossoms in the same place.

2016 – First Bloom: March 30th | Full Bloom: April 6th
2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th

ayaka obaraさん(@city_ayaka)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 10, 2017 at 8:17午前 PDT

Nagoya
There are many Hanami spots to visit in Nagoya, from inner-city parks to tree-lined streets and avenues. There are also food stalls set up so you can enjoy food and flowers to your heart’s content.

2016 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 6th
2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd

@inspiring_shot ⚘(fm 24/09/16)さん(@inspiring_shot)がシェアした投稿 – 1月 23, 2018 at 7:20午後 PST

Tokyo
Tokyo is absolutely brimming with fantastic Hanami spots, a lot of which are very close to train stations, making them easily accessible. The hugely popular Meguro River and Inokashira Park are always bustling with people around this season.

2016 – First Bloom: March 21st | Full Bloom: April 2nd
2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd

tubakiさん(@tubaki929)がシェアした投稿 – 12月 30, 2017 at 3:24午後 PST

Flowers bloom from early April in the Tohoku region
The cherry blossoms come out much later in the Tohoku Region compared to other regions around Japan. In places where the sea level is high, you can also enjoy the flowers in May. One of the most famous locations is Miharu Takizakura in Fukuoka Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s 3 biggest cherry trees and a designated national treasure, the tree stands at a towering 12 meters tall, and the cherry blossom bloomed branches stick out almost double that on each side. This 1,000 year old tree is a must-see.

2016 – First Bloom: April 10th | Full Bloom: April 14th
2017 – First Bloom: April 11th | Full Bloom: April 16th

ikuさん(@heart_iku19)がシェアした投稿 – 5月 8, 2017 at 4:26午前 PDT

Cherry blossoms appear late April in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, you can look forward to seeing a variety of different sakura, from the nation-wide Yoshino Cherry to the deep-pink Sargent’s cherry and chishimazakura, whose colour changes across the cherry blossom season from the first bloom to full bloom. And if you’re lucky enough to be there when snow falls out of season, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to see a magical scene of snowy sakura.

2016 – First Bloom: April 28th | Full Bloom: May 3rd
2017 – First Bloom: May 3rd | Full Bloom: May 7th

Did you enjoy this list? If you’re travelling to Japan for Hanami then be sure to use this article for reference.

‘Hanami,’ the Japanese tradition of flower-viewing, is a must-do when visiting Japan in springtime. Today, we’re taking an early look at some of the best spots to see Japan’s cherry blossoms during the hanami season in March.

Mitsuike Park (Kanaga Prefecture)

POMMEMOMさん(@pomme.0526)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 12, 2017 at 4:00午前 PDT

Covering an area of 29.7 hectares, this huge park is also known as “Hyakuju no Mori” for its lush greenery. The trees are surrounded by three ponds, which is where the park gets it name “mitsuike” from (3 ponds), and Yoshino Cherries bloom flowers, gorgeously decorating the waterside. The beauty of Mitsuike Park made it one of the 100 most famous locations for cherry blossoms in Japan. There are 70 varieties of cherry blossoms that flower the environment, from campanulata, which bloom from the start of February, to rarer types such as the yellow ‘ukon’ sakura and yokohamahizakura.

Kawazuzakura (Shizuoka Prefecture)

東海えりかさん(@erika_tokai)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 20, 2017 at 7:49午後 PST

The ‘kawazuzakura’ is a natural crossbreed of campanulata and the early-blooming Oshima cherry. This breed has a reputation for flowering before other cherry blossoms. Almost 8,000 trees decorate the Kawazu River around town. The kawazuzakura was also chosen as Shizuoka Prefecture’s number 2 cherry blossom, making this a popular spot for hanami.

Sakuma Dam Park (Chiba Prefecture)

sunny_ohbaさん(@sunny_ohba)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 14, 2017 at 3:47午後 PDT

Sakuma Dam is a place of relaxation and refreshment upstream Sakuma River where you can enjoy hiking and camping amongst daffodils, ume and azalea. Many cherry blossoms bloom there including the early-bloomer kawazuzakura, Yoshino cherry, shidarezakura, and yaedazakura, making a great spot for hanami and a location where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period.

Kyunakagawamizube Park (Tokyo)

KuRoDaさん(@msp72_)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 28, 2017 at 1:58午後 PST

This park is maintained as a place for relaxation where cherry blossom loving locals plant cherry trees. This one’s also home to the kawazuzakura, and since a wide variety of trees are planted, you can enjoy the cherry blossom season even longer. It’s popular as a hidden, tucked-away gem of a location as it rarely appears on maps.

Hirano Shrine (Kyoto)

@kuumillがシェアした投稿 – 3月 13, 2016 at 7:20午前 PDT

Hirano Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms, a symbol of the enshrined gods’ vitality, which have been around since the Heian Period. It’s home to 400 trees comprised of 60 types of cherry blossoms. Expect to see the ‘momozakura’ which comes out at the beginning of March, as well as the famous ‘sakigake-sakura.’ The Yoshino will bloom at the end of April, followed by rare varieties that will flower one after the other. Hirano Shrine is Kyoto’s 5^th most popular hanami spot.

Rokugi-en (Tokyo)

Rika Hoshiさん(@karishiho)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 4, 2017 at 8:25午前 PDT

Kigugi-en is a representative garden of the Edo period and designated ‘special place of scenic beauty’ as specified by the Japanese government. When the end of March rolls in, the heart of the garden is in full bloom with shidarezakura, a spectacular view that looks like a running waterfall. The shidarezakura can normally be seen before the Yoshino cherries and are truly a sight to see at nighttime.

Did you enjoy our special selection? For full details on the various locations at the cherry blossoms, be sure to visit the webpages (Japanese). ‘Hanami’ is an important tradition in Japan – the magnificent cherry blossoms absolute must-see, so don’t miss out.