Celebrate cherry blossom season the Japanese way with these popular hanami foods, from picnic-friendly dishes to classic sweets and spring-inspired treats. They’re perfect for hanami picnics, spring gatherings, or welcoming sakura season at home.

Three-color dango skewers with green, white, and pink rice dumplings rest on a white oval plate atop a pink floral cloth, evoking the charm of cherry blossom recipes. A cup of green tea and teapot sit nearby on the wooden table.

Quick Highlights

Cherry blossom season is one of the most beloved times of the year in Japan. For a brief window each spring, sakura trees burst into bloom, and families, friends, and coworkers gather to celebrate hanami (花見), the tradition of cherry blossom viewing.

Growing up in Japan, hanami brings back vivid memories for me—spreading out a picnic mat, sharing homemade bento, and enjoying seasonal sweets as petals drift through the air. Food is an essential part of the celebration, with many dishes specially enjoyed during this fleeting season.

In this roundup, I’m sharing popular and traditional foods to enjoy during hanami, so you can bring a taste of Japanese springtime to your home.

Namiko Hirasawa Chen

Nami’s Tips for Celebrating Hanami Season

  • Pack a hanami bento for a picnic — Gather your family and friends and head to a local park to enjoy a picnic with classic hanami dishes.
  • Celebrate wherever you are — Even if you’re not under cherry trees in Japan, you can create your own tradition by hosting a hanami party at home or setting up a simple spring-themed spread.
  • Use seasonal sakura ingredients — Salt-pickled cherry blossoms are a signature ingredient of spring. I love using them in both sweets and drinks because they instantly add that unmistakable sakura aroma.
Salt Pickled Cherry Blossoms

Tip: You can buy salt-pickled cherry blossoms from this Japanese online store that ships internationally, or online from Amazon or Weee!

  • Celebrate with spring colors — Hanami is as much about beauty as taste. Pink, green, and white foods echo the colors of spring, making your celebration feel festive and seasonal.
  • Include sakura motifs — For an indoor celebration, I like using simple tableware with cherry blossom patterns, such as chopstick rests and small plates, in my table setting.

How to Pack a Hanami Bento

When I pack a hanami bento, I keep a few simple things in mind:

  • Consider variety. Balance protein, vegetables, and a mix of savory and sweet.
  • Prep ahead. Choose a few dishes that can be made in advance to make picnic day easier.
  • Think room temperature. Pick foods that travel well and taste great at room temperature.

Sample Menu of a Hanami Bento

Here’s a sample of how you can pack a hanami bento:

  • Main – Onigiri (rice balls), sushi rolls, chirashi sushi, sandwiches, onigirazu (rice sandwich)
  • Appetizer – tamagoyaki, karaage, ramen eggs
  • Seasonal vegetables – Gomaae (salad with sesame dressing)
  • Fruits – Strawberries, kiwi
  • Spring-themed sweets – Hanami dango, sakura mochi, cherry blossom cookies

I hope the recipes below will inspire you to welcome spring with a Japanese touch—wherever you are in the world.

Three pieces of inari sushi (rice wrapped in fried tofu skin) are arranged on a colorful, decorative plate with pickled ginger and a lettuce leaf, set on a wooden table beside chopsticks and a brown napkin.

Inari Sushi

4.78 from 68 votes
I recommend inari sushi if you want a fun and easy sushi to pack for your hanami picnic bento. It’s filling, satisfying, and just as delicious at room temperature.
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Sushi oke containing Chirashi Sushi.

Chirashi Sushi

4.89 from 9 votes
This bright, colorful dish features sushi rice mixed with a variety of vegetables and toppings.
I love how easy it is to simplify the ingredients and pack it in a hanami bento for a festive, springtime picnic.
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Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki) on a Japanese square plate.

Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki)

4.61 from 43 votes
Maki Sushi (sushi rolls) are a popular choice for hanami viewing. My recipe includes both traditional and modern fillings, so you can easily customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
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A plate containing three tuna mayo onigiri served with a wooden bowl of miso soup, a cup of tea, and a small dish of pickles.

Tuna Mayo Onigiri

5 from 7 votes
These Tuna Mayo Onigiri are delicious, portable, and absolutely kid-friendly. I'll show you two easy ways to make these Japanese rice balls for your bento lunch, snack, or picnic.
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Cherry blossom rice balls on a white plate.

Cherry Blossom Rice Balls

4.75 from 8 votes
Inspired by trees in full bloom, these Cherry Blossom Rice Balls capture the elegance of the season and are perfect for a spring picnic.
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An oval plate containing Futomaki (Thick Maki Sushi).

Futomaki (Maki Sushi / Ehomaki)

4.68 from 25 votes
With its bright, colorful appearance, Futomaki is a beloved sushi roll for festive events, holidays, potlucks, or bento boxes. I’ll show you how to make a thick roll packed with vibrant, flavorful ingredients.
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Beautiful Japanese plates containing karaage, Japanese fried chicken, garnished with lemon wedges and kewpie mayo dollop sprinkled with shichimi togarashi.

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

4.77 from 413 votes
These ultra-crispy, bite-sized Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are irresistible and great for sharing. I love making them ahead of time since they store well in the fridge or freezer. When it’s picnic time, a quick warm-up and they’re ready to pack into your hanami bento!
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An oval Japanese plate containing Japanese rolled omelette, Tamagoyaki, placed over a bamboo leaf.

3-Ingredient Simple Tamagoyaki

4.70 from 10 votes
For protein, you can't go wrong with this 3-Ingredient Tamagoyaki. This Japanese rolled omelette pairs perfectly with sushi or onigiri and adds a bright, cheerful touch to your bento.
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A white ceramic plate containing ramen eggs.

Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)

4.75 from 548 votes
Ramen Eggs are another great make-ahead protein. They travel well for picnics and are always popular as an appetizer at gatherings.
I like to cook the eggs slightly longer so the yolks are custardy but not too runny, which makes them perfect for packing and sharing.
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A paper box containing Japanese Sandwiches (Mixed Sando).

Japanese Sandwich (Mixed Sando)

4.70 from 10 votes
Sandwiches are another go-to for family picnics! For hanami viewing, I recommend making three popular fillings: tuna salad, tamago (egg salad), and ham and cheese with crisp lettuce.
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A white p late containing Teriyaki Salmon Onigirazu wrapped in plastic and showing the cross section.

Teriyaki Salmon Onigirazu

4.91 from 10 votes
Turn your leftover teriyaki salmon and grilled asparagus into a special rice sandwich called onigirazu! Pack it in your bento and head outside to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
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A white fluted dish containing Japanese spinach salad seasoned with sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sugar.

Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae)

4.67 from 251 votes
Balance your picnic spread with Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae). I like to make it ahead of time—it packs perfectly as a healthy, flavorful veggie side for your bento.
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A white oval plate containing two Hanami Dango, served with matcha green tea.

Hanami Dango

4.80 from 34 votes
Chewy skewered dumplings in three springtime colors, Hanami Dango, are made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour. Lightly sweet and delightfully festive, these traditional Japanese treats are a favorite snack for enjoying under the cherry blossoms.
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Cherry blossom cookies on a wire rack.

Cherry Blossom Cookies

4.77 from 46 votes
Not only are these Cherry Blossom Cookies pretty to look at, but they also taste heavenly. For this recipe, I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more delicate texture. Shape and chill the cookie dough log in the refrigerator until firm.
Bake up a batch and share the love this season. The crispy, buttery texture, paired with the fragrant aroma of salt-pickled cherry blossoms, is truly something to savor.
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A round fluted plate containing sakura mochi served with matcha tea.

Sakura Mochi

4.88 from 16 votes
Another iconic dessert for cherry blossom viewing is Sakura Mochi. Chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste is simply delectable. Be sure to soak the salted sakura leaves and flowers first to remove excess salt before using. The aroma of cherry blossom leaves takes the spring experience to the next level.
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Matcha and Warabi Mochi

How to Make Matcha (Japanese Green Tea)

4.63 from 27 votes
If you’re welcoming the season in your own backyard, enjoying a cup of matcha tea is a delightful way to pair with other spring-flavored treats.
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Cherry Blossom Madeleines on a wire rack.

Cherry Blossom Madeleines

4.72 from 25 votes
These delightful cookies are buttery, slightly sweet, and salty, with a hint of cherry blossom's fragrance. Invite your friends over and enjoy these gorgeous madeleines with green tea.
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A white plate containing Warabi Mochi with Kuromitsu Syrup.

Warabi Mochi

4.85 from 57 votes
Warabi Mochi is a chilled, chewy, jelly-like treat made from bracken starch. Dusted with nutty roasted soybean flour and drizzled with kuromitsu syrup, this Japanese confection makes a beautiful and refreshing snack or dessert to enjoy with matcha.
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Cherry blossom milk pudding in a glass.

Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding

4.90 from 28 votes
Topped with a delicate pink layer of cherry blossom jelly, this soft and silky pudding simply melts in your mouth.
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Cherry Blossom Festivals in the United States

While hanami is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, you don’t have to travel to Japan to enjoy cherry blossom season. Many cities across the United States host beautiful cherry blossom festivals inspired by Japanese traditions, complete with food vendors, cultural performances, and spring celebrations.

For me, these festivals are a wonderful reminder that the spirit of hanami is about slowing down, appreciating the fleeting beauty of spring, and sharing good food with the people you love.

Some of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in the U.S. include:

Does your city celebrate cherry blossom season? Do you have special rituals or favorite foods you make when the season arrives? I’d love to hear about them. Share your stories in the comments below!