Viewing Japanese Cherry Blossoms? You'll Need Our Sakura Picnic Items!

Every year, sakura season, aka Japanese cherry blossom season, is a highly anticipated event and a large part of Japanese culture. During this time, each sakura tree produces a stunning pink sakura flower-covered top. This event is so popular that many people travel worldwide to see the sakura bloom on Japanese cherry trees, and they're featured in a lot of traditional art.

Tokyo and Osaka are some of the most popular viewing spots for these delicate blossoms on sakura trees. If you ever get the chance to visit Japan between March and May, we highly recommend seeing this magical scene at least once. You may even want to check out the Japanese cherry blossom trees at a few cherry blossom festivals.

One of the most common ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms is by hanami, aka flower viewing. Since the sakura blooms only last a few days, many people of all ages will spend as much time as possible under a cherry tree for picnics and get-togethers with loved ones.

Appreciating the cherry blossom blooms dates back to the 700s, though, at this time, it was ume (plum) blooms that were observed. Later on, viewing the sakura blossoms became a regular event for royals with large events with food, music, and more. Eventually, more cherry trees were planted, and now they are enjoyed by all!

To prepare for hanami, people will check the sakura zensen, aka the forecast for when these trees will bloom in every prefecture. Then, when the trees are in full bloom, they'll pack a tablecloth, plates, cups, garbage bags, food, and drinks. There are also food vendors waiting nearby to sell you tasty traditional treats.

Find more information on this special event in the articles "What is Hanami?” and “Hanami in Japan." 

Bokksu Boutique has launched a long list of sakura-related items and Japanese snacks in honor of the Japanese cherry blossom season. We've curated a special limited edition Japanese snack subscription box for new and current subscribers. This box is shipped to anyone who signs up before 3/31!

Here are some of the sakura picnic items to keep an eye out for!

Japanese Cherry Blossom Picnic Picks:

We've got you covered; from picnic supplies to drinks and snacks, our hanami picnic picks are below!

Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Teacup

How cute is this Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Teacup?! It comes in a cherry blossom pink color and offers the perfect way to enjoy a warm cup of tea while enjoying the pretty pink flowers. It’s shaped with purpose, allowing you to enjoy the aromatics of your tea as you sip.

Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Bowl

You can't have a picnic without proper plating and bowls! This Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Bowl matches the above teacup, offering a beautiful gradient pink color. You can use it for soup, snacks, Japanese sweets, and more.

Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Plate

Complete your sakura picnic set with the Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Plate! Like the above teacup and bowl, it’s made from pink frosted glass to spread hanami cheer. Use it for sandwiches, Japanese candy, and more.

Ten To Ten-Market Ume Napkin

You may be surprised to find out that ume blooms are the first sign of spring and warmer weather in Japan. You can use a pretty Ten To Ten-Market Ume Napkin to help ring in spring while enjoying the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Bunnosuke Sakura Warabi Mochi

There’s nothing wrong with starting a picnic with sweets, especially if one of those sweets is the Bunnosuke Sakura Warabi Mochi! This mochi is lightly sweet, pink (to match the cherry blossoms!), and aromatic. It’s even topped with cherry blossom petals. It’s the perfect Japanese cherry blossom viewing treat.

Tsuruya Seika Sakura Yogurt Pudding (1 Piece)

The Tsuruya Seika Sakura Yogurt Pudding (1 Piece) is the perfect combination of creamy and sweet. This sweet snack combines yogurt with cherry blossom jelly for an unforgettable treat. You can only get this sweet in Japanese cherry blossom season, so you’ll want to snag one (or two!).

Gateaux de Voyage Sakura Souffle (5 Pieces)

This Gateaux de Voyage Sakura Souffle (5 Pieces) is perfect for on the go! Each fluffy, moist mini souffle is individually packed for a convenient sweet snack. They have a delicious sakura flavor and aroma and even come in a pretty pink Japanese candy box. They’re typically given as gifts for special occasions, though we like to consider viewing the cherry blossoms as a special occasion!

Seescore Sakura Amazake Sweet Sake

Don't let the name fool you; this sake is alcohol-free, so it's safe for everyone to enjoy! Seescore Sakura Amazake Sweet Sake is a fermented rice drink infused with cherry blossom petals. The final product is a sweet, flowery drink that you'll want to enjoy year-round.

Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Sake Set

How else would you drink your Seescore Sakura Amazake Sweet Sake than with a super cute Hirota Glass Co., Ltd Sakura Sake Set? This set comes with a sake pitcher and two glasses for a romantic viewing of the Sakura trees. This frosted glassware offers an elegant way to sip on sake during a picnic.

Looking for more sakura-inspired snacks and goodies? Head to Bokksu Boutique’s sakura flavor Japanese snacks page for even more treats! Add your favorite treats together to create a delicious Japanese snack box. Don’t forget to include some of the Japanese cherry blossom drink options!

The company TeamLab made an incredible virtual hanami. Check it out below!

By Krystina Quintana