10 Best Seasonal Spring Food You Need To Try In Japan

Springtime in Japan is a magical experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. With breathtaking cherry blossoms in full bloom and a refreshingly cool breeze perfect for sightseeing, it is the most enchanting and relaxing season to visit Japan. Beyond the stunning landscapes, spring in Japan is also a paradise for food lovers! From all-things sakura-flavoured to fresh Asari clams and irresistible strawberry chocolate treats, the seasonal delights of spring are simply too good to miss.

While packing your hanami picnic basket under the dreamy pink blossoms, don’t miss these must-try springtime specialties: 

Snacks and Dessert
(1) Ichigo Daifuku 
(2) Strawberries
(3) Sakura Mochi
(4) Plums
(5) Sakura Tea

Dishes
(6) Asari Clams
(7) Bamboo Shoots
(8) Tai (sea bream)
(9) Spring Bonito 
(10) Oseshi Ryori (Golden Week)

Limited-time Spring Snacks from supermarkets and 7-Eleven convenience store chain
(11) Sakura Matcha Pocky
(12) Sakura Kit Kat
(13) Sakuramoko
(14) Spring Sakura Parfait
(15) Sakura Dorayaki

(1) Ichigo Daifuku

Source: Dishes Japan

A beloved Japanese springtime treat, Ichigo Daifuku is a traditional Japanese confection that encases a juicy strawberry in a soft, chewy layer of mochi rice cake, often paired with smooth red bean paste (anko) or creamy white bean paste (shiroan). Often enjoyed during hanami or as a teatime snack, Ichigo Daifuku is a must-try for anyone visiting Japan in spring, the bean paste is also sometimes substituted with chocolate, green tea, or custard! Fun fact, daifuku also directly translates to good luck.

Source: Just One Cookbook

(2) Strawberries / Ichigo

Source: From Japan

Spring in Japan is also strawberry season! What is a Japanese spring without the sweetest strawberries? Known for their incredible sweetness, juicy texture, and vibrant red color, Japanese strawberries reach their peak during this time. From luxury varieties like Amaou and the highly-coveted white juicy strawberries, to all-you-can-eat strawberry-picking experiences at farms, there are endless ways to enjoy this seasonal fruit. You can savour the strawberries on its own, or you can also try many of the strawberry-inspired dishes at markets such as the aforementioned Ichigo Daifuku, strawberry parfaits, chocolate-covered strawberries, mochis, and many more.  

Source: Bokksu

(3) Sakura Mochi

Source: Arigato Japan

Sakura Mochi is a type of wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionary) made of light pink coloured glutinous rice with sweet red bean paste filling. The whole thing is wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf (yes, you can eat the leaf too!) and is traditionally eaten during Hinamatsuri (Japanese Girls Day) to celebrate the beginning of spring. It is also a popular and common snack to have during hanami picnics. Tokyo’s Sumida River and Chomeiji Temple are most famous for this snack creation, but you can also find it other parts of Japan during spring.

Source: Yunomi Life

(4) Plums / Ume

Source: Bokksu

Ume season in Japan typically occurs from late winter to early spring with plum flowers blooming throughout February! The plum is commonly associated with the start of spring, as they are the first flowers to bloom during the year. This event is celebrated with plum festivals (ume matsuri) in public parks as well. So if you are visiting during the early seasons of spring, you must try umeboshi, a sour, pickled plum that you can pair with cooked rice! They are also one of the more popular fillings for onigiri! Umeshu, a sweet alcoholic beverage made from plums, is also best enjoyed during this time. 

Source: Japan Guide

(5) Sakura Tea

Source: Bokksu

Sakura tea, or sakurayu, is a delicate infusion made by steeping pickled cherry blossom petals in hot water. With its subtly salty and floral flavor, this seasonal drink is not only refreshing but also packed with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and a rich dose of antioxidants. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions like weddings and engagement ceremonies—symbolizing new beginnings—it is most commonly served during the cherry blossom season. So, as you take in the beauty of hanami, sip on a soothing cup of sakura tea to fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit of spring.

Source: Japanese Green Tea Co.

Dishes

(6) Asari Clams

Source: Taste Atlas

Did you know that Asari clams, also called Japanese littleneck clams, are at their peak freshness in spring? A staple in Japanese cuisine, these flavourful clams are incredibly versatile—they can be steamed, braised, or added to miso soup. They’re also the star ingredient in dishes like sake-steamed clams (sakamushi). Although they can be enjoyed all year round, but especially during spring, Asari clams are extra meaty, plump, tender, and packed with flavour. Rich in protein, calcium, and iron, they are a seasonal delicacy that seafood lovers must definitely try. 

Source: Sudachi Recipes

(7) Bamboo Shoots

Source: Just One Cookbook

Spring marks the arrival of takenoko, also known as bamboo shoots, a prized seasonal ingredient! Often spotted in your ramen bowls, these young, tender shoots are harvested in early spring and well-loved for their delicate sweetness and crisp-yet-tender texture. They are also commonly enjoyed in dishes like simmered bamboo shoots (takenoko nimono), bamboo shoot rice (takenoko gohan), or miso soup, they add a subtle earthiness to every bite. Rich in fiber and nutrients, takenoko is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to springtime meals.

Source: Side Chef

(8) Tai (sea bream)

Source: Tokai Seapro

Tai or Sakuradai, also known as sea bream, symbolises good fortune and prosperity. When it reaches peak season in spring, it is often featured in celebratory dishes and can be enjoyed in many different ways, it can be grilled whole with salt (shioyaki), served as sashimi, or as Tai-meshi, sea bream rice. Known for its delicate sweetness with a firm yet tender texture, Sakuradai is highly sought after in spring for its exceptional fresh flavour. 

Tai-meshi. Source: Asian Inspirations

(9) Spring Bonito

Source: Visit Kochi

Only in season twice a year, the first bonito fish of the season, Hatsu-Katsuo, is on the market starting from spring to early summer, while the returning bonito can be seen in autumn. The meat of the Hatsu-katsuo are in high demands during spring as the spring catch is leaner, tastes fresher and lighter with less fat. It is best enjoyed as sashimi with wasabi and soy sauce but it can also be enjoyed as katsuo tataki, by lighty searing the outside and served with citrusy ponzu sauce. 

Source: Shun Gate

(10) Osechi Ryori

Source: Just One Cookbook

Golden Week, which falls from 29 April to 5 May in 2025, is one of Japan’s most festive holiday periods, filled with travel, celebrations, and traditional cuisine. While Osechi Ryori is typically associated with the New Year, some regions and households enjoy a variation of it during Golden Week, especially for family gatherings. These beautifully arranged dishes, served in lacquered boxes called jubako, feature symbolic ingredients like shrimp (for longevity), black beans (for health), and rolled omelets (for prosperity). So if you happen to in town during Golden Week, remember to grab one bento box for good luck!

Source: By Food

Limited-time Spring Snacks From Supermarkets

(11) Sakura Matcha Pocky

Source: Tokyo Snack Box

Only available during cherry blossom season, Pocky releases limited-time Sakura Matcha Pocky in Japanese supermarkets! With a bittersweet matcha chocolate covering and crispy cherry blossom biscuits, the cute snack has pretty pink hue to it, reminscent of the dreamy sakura flowers.

(12) Sakura and Kinako Flavoured Kit Kat

Source: Tokyo Snack Box

Blending the delicate floral notes of cherry blossoms with the rich, nutty flavour of roasted soy flour (kinako), this Sakura and Kinako Kit Kat is a must try! Made from finely ground roasted soybeans, this adds a unique toasty aroma to the sweetness of the Sakura-infused white chocolate.

(13) Sakura Ebi Calbee Chips

Source: Calbee

Only available for a limited time during the spring season, these Sakura Ebi Calbee Potato Chips packs a punch! The crispy rice cracker dough is infused with 100% sakura shrimp, creating a perfect balance of crunch and umami.

7-Eleven Sakura Sweets

(14) Sakuramoko

Source: SEJ

Available nationwide in all 7-11 outlets in Japan (except Okinawa Prefecture), Sakuramoko is a two-layered cream puff featuring a chewy choux pastry shell filled with a luscious combination of cherry blossom cream infused with white bean paste and light, airy cherry blossom whipped cream.

(14) Spring Sakura Parfait

Source: SEJ

Available nationwide at all 7-11 stores in Japan, this sakura parfait is a true celebration of spring! It is crafted with layers of delicate cherry blossom jelly, cherry blossom sauce, and fluffy cherry blossom mousse. Complemented by sweet red bean paste, cherry blossom mochi, and cherry blossom whipped cream, each bite beautifully resembles the petals of a sakura flower in full bloom.

(15) Sakura Dorayaki

Source: SEJ

Konbini runs are not complete without a dorayaki fix! This special sakura bean paste and cream dorayaki gives off a subtle cherry blossom floral aroma, and is only available for a limited-time during this spring!

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