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March 2026
Cultural Article
Sakura Snacks and Drinks:
Japan’s Seasonal Treats for Spring
By Mamiko Kim
In the D.C. region, within the mix of snowy weather has been days of glowing sunshine and warmth, teasing the coming spring and with it the promise of flowers abloom. This year’s display of fragrance and color is sure to be even more beautiful, as 250 cherry blossom trees were gifted from Japan in commemoration of the United States’ 250th birthday earlier this year. While flower viewing, or hanami in Japanese, is beloved across nations, there is one aspect of the Japanese tradition that is less common here in the States, and that is the inclusion of another of the five senses- taste! Often hanami includes the inclusion of eating and drinking under the cherry blossoms.
As such, I hope to introduce seasonal sakura foods and drinks, some traditional and some modern, that are commonly sold in Japan to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. In preparation of this article, I went to several Asian grocery stores in the D.C. region and also checked out the websites of locally owned shops to see whether I could spot these items, and have made note of whether they can easily be found! When I couldn’t find it locally, I’ve written how to still get or make them.
1. Sakura-mochi
Sakura-mochi is a traditional treat made of pounded sweet rice that is dyed pink, filled with velvety red bean paste, and wrapped in a salt-pickled cherry blossom leaf. The entire thing is edible and has a sophisticated balance of flavors. The sweetness from the rice and red bean is beautifully countered by the salty-sour pickling of the leaf, and the bean paste also provides some creaminess to each bite.
Sakura-mochi is found during the cherry blossom season, but also even before the blooms arrive. Some regions of Japan also eat it on March 3rd during Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival/ Girl’s Day) as part of those celebrations. As such, sakura-mochi is a quintessential spring dessert in Japan.
Spotted in the DC region?🌸
Yes! Sakura-mochi was by far the easiest to spot of the items on this list, and could be found in multiple Asian grocery stores, including several HMarts across the area and Marufuji in Vienna, VA.
Sakura-mochi
2. Hanami Dango
Hanami Dango are striking in their appearance, and can often be found at outdoor food stalls while strolling and viewing the cherry blossoms in Japan. Pink, white, and green bite-size rice dumplings are lined in this order, and conveniently skewered on a stick for easy holding while walking. Sweet, soft, and chewy, the treat has extra meaning, as each color reflects the experience one might have while viewing the cherry blossoms. The soft pink represents the flowers themselves, the white, lingering snow, and the green for new blades of grass growing as the weather warms. It certainly understandable why this treat would be so popular during the flower-viewing season.
Spotted in the DC region?🌸
Sadly, no, I could not find hanami dango in the Asian grocery stores nearby. However, this may be due to timing. While sakura-mochi can be eaten from earlier in the season, hanami dango is usually eaten in mid-March to April. I was looking for items in late February in preparation for this article, so there’s still a good chance that they might make an appearance close by soon!
For those who can’t wait, please find this recipe to make hanami dango at home:
Hanami Dango
3. Sakura Drinks
There are many variations of sakura-flavored drinks in Japan. One traditional option, is Sakura-yu, a cherry blossom herbal tea. Preserved sakura blooms are dried after having been pickled in plum vinegar and salt. Once ready to consume, hot water brings them back to life, and they seem to slowly blossom again in your cup, giving an artful display and a gently floral and slightly sour and salty taste.
However, there are many modern takes on sakura drinks too. For example, it is common and legal in Japan for people to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while sitting under a cherry blossom tree, and many Japanese breweries now offer seasonal sakura-flavored items. Additionally, Starbucks Japan announces a cherry-blossom themed menu to much fanfare every year. This year’s lineup includes a “Sakura Saku Yo” Latte (“The Cherry Blossoms Will Bloom! Latte”) with steamed milk and sakura syrup decorated with a chocolate cherry tree and pink shavings.
With so many sakura-flavored options to choose from, everyone can enjoy their favorite drink while celebrating the beauty of the season.
Spotted in the D.C. region?🌸
Depends on what you are looking for!
At Marufuji, I found sakura-matcha tea bags from Aomori, Japan.
D.C. Sake Company offers several alcoholic drinks with sakura notes, including a Kanazawa Sakura Ale brewed with sakura yeast from Kenrokuen Garden, which can be ordered online.
However, I could not find the pickled and dried sakura blossoms needed for Sakura-yu in our area. To try this drink, you’ll have to order them online or make your own.
Of course, our U.S. Starbucks, while announcing cherry blossom themed merchandise this year, does not have sakura-flavored drinks on the menu for Spring 2026. Instead, readers might need to make copy-cat versions at home, such as by using this recipe:
Sakura-yu
"Sakura Saku Yo" Starbucks Japan 2026 Spring Drink Lineup: It includes the latte described in the article (left) along with other sakura and white peach flavored drinks.
(Image Source: Eat Japan)
While the actual petals haven’t quite made their debut, the anticipation of cherry blossom season is already in full swing. These sakura treats and drinks offer a taste of spring and are a perfect way to get in the hanami flower-viewing mood while we wait for the blossoms to take center stage. Until then, and hopefully throughout the season, bon appétit!
https://www.justonecookbook.com/hanami-dango/
https://journal.rikumo.com/journal/2019/4/24/savor-spring-how-to-make-preserved-cherry-blossom-tea
https://www.eat-japan.com/news/starbucks-japan-launches-its-first-cherry-blossom-drinks-of-2026/