Must-Try Japanese Sakura Desserts for Springtime Delights

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported

In Japan, not only can you enjoy the vivid seasonal landscapes with your eyes, but you can also savor the beauty of the seasons through taste. When visiting Japan in spring, the sight of pink cherry blossoms in full bloom is truly breathtaking, and a wide variety of sakura-themed desserts also make their appearance. These various pink-hued sweets are not only eye-catching but also incredibly delicious—don’t miss out on this uniquely springtime treat when you’re in Japan.

● Sakura Mochi (Kanten-style)

White bean paste, made from white azuki beans, is dyed pink with red food coloring and then set into a square shape to create sakura mochi. Some varieties are mixed with salt-pickled cherry leaves or actual sakura petals, while others offer a blend of both flavors.

● Sakura Mochi (Dough-based)

Sakura mochi is one of Japan’s most iconic sakura-themed desserts. The Tokyo-style “Nagaimo” version features a thin dough made from wheat flour, lightly grilled and wrapped around sweet red bean paste. The Kyoto-style “Domyoji” variant, also called sakura mochi, consists of a mochi dough filled with sweet filling and wrapped in salt-pickled cherry leaves.

● Sakura Manju

These steamed buns are filled with sweet bean paste, with some featuring a faint pink hue and others adorned with salt-pickled sakura petals on top, giving them a cute and charming appearance.