All about Hanami and what the Japanese eat during this season!

Table of Contents

1. What is hanami? 

2. What does "sakura" mean in Japanese? 

3. When do the cherry blossoms bloom? 

4. What do Japanese people eat during hanami? 

5. A few recipes to try at home 

What is hanami? 

« Hanami » is a Japanese tradition that involves admiring cherry blossoms, particularly during the cherry blossom season, known as“sakura” ». This tradition dates back several centuries in Japan and has become a very popular springtime activity.

During hanami season, people gather in parks, gardens, or under the cherry blossoms to have picnics, socialize, and simply enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Hanami is not just a visual activity, but also an important cultural and social experience in Japan. The Japanese often view this time of year as an opportunity to reflect on the transience of life, symbolized by the short duration of the cherry blossoms.

What does "sakura" mean in Japanese? 

In Japanese,“sakura» (桜) refers to cherry trees in bloom or cherry blossoms. These trees are highly symbolic in Japan and are associated with the fleeting beauty of life, as cherry blossoms typically last only a few days. The cherry blossom season, known as “ « hanami,” is a much-loved tradition in Japan, where people gather to admire and celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms during this brief period. Cherry blossoms are also a symbol of renewal, purity, and the fleeting nature of life.

When do the cherry blossoms bloom? 

Generally speaking, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late March or early April. However, this can vary from year to year. The cherry blossom season is a highly anticipated event, and the Japanese often follow weather forecasts and official announcements to plan their hanami celebrations. The cherry blossom season, or“sakura» in Japan, depends on weather conditions and varies from region to region. Generally, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in southern Japan, in warmer regions, before moving northward.

Once the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, they remain in full bloom for only one to two weeks, depending on the weather. The hanami season is therefore relatively short, which adds to the symbolism of the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.

What do Japanese people eat during hanami? 

During the hanami season in Japan, people often prepare special meals to enjoy the experience under the cherry blossoms. Hanami picnics, known as “ohanami,” often consist of light dishes and snacks that can be enjoyed outdoors. Here are a few examples of popular dishes during this time:

• Hanami bento: Bento boxes are traditional Japanese lunch boxes. During hanami, you can find special bento boxes featuring a variety of dishes such as sushi, tempura, yakitori (chicken skewers), salads, and fruit.

• Sakura mochi (recipe below!): These are sweet rice cakes, often filled with red bean paste and wrapped in edible cherry blossom leaves. These mochi are especially popular during hanami season.

• Hana-ikada: These are small food-filled boats decorated with edible flowers, such as cherry blossom petals, and filled with a variety of dishes, including sushi, tempura, and small sweet treats.

• Alcoholic beverages: During hanami, it is common to enjoy alcoholic beverages such as sake, beer, and wine. Breweries sometimes offer special editions of sake to celebrate cherry blossom season.

The friendly atmosphere of hanami picnics is an integral part of the celebration, where friends, family, and even coworkers gather to enjoy the spring scenery and share delicious meals.

At this time of year, limited-edition cherry blossom-themed food products are popping up all over Japan! Here are a few examples of what you might find and enjoy during this season:

Sakura Kit-Kat: Kit-Kat is known in Japan for offering seasonal flavors. During hanami season, you might find sakura-flavored Kit-Kats.

Sakura noodles: Noodles play a central role in the Japanese diet and daily life. During this season, many noodle dishes are created with a cherry blossom theme. 

Sakura drinks: Special beverages, such as sakura tea or cherry blossom-flavored sodas, may be available in limited editions.

Sakura-flavored Snacks: Snacks such as potato chips, cookies, and ice cream can be offered in sakura flavor.

Sakura Sake and Sakura-Flavored Liquors: Breweries may create special editions of sake, liqueurs, or other beverages with hints of cherry blossom and sometimes even fresh flowers! 

Of course, these products vary from region to region and from year to year. The hanami season is a chance to create exclusive products and attract customers during this festive time. If you have the chance to visit Japan during the hanami season, be sure to check out the local limited-edition items available at that time! 

MARINATED SAKURA CHERRY BLOSSOMS FOR INFUSION - 35G

Here are a few recipes to try at home:

Sakura Mochi Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of glutinous rice (mochigome)
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cherry leaf extract (optional)
• Sweet red bean paste (an or tsubuan)
• Edible cherry leaves (sakura)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the glutinous rice according to the package directions.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and heat over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the cherry leaf extract, if using.
3. Once the rice is cooked, add the sugar syrup to the rice and gently stir until the rice is well coated.
4. Take a small portion of rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small amount of red bean paste in the center of the rice and gently wrap the rice around the paste.
5. Wrap each mochi in an edible cherry leaf, folding it if necessary.

Hanami Dango Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour (shiratamako)
• 1/2 cup water
• Food coloring (pink for the first ball, green for the second, and none for the third)

For the filling:

• Anko (sweet red bean paste)
• Kinako (roasted soybean flour)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with water until you have a smooth batter.
2. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Add pink food coloring to one part, green food coloring to another, and leave the third part uncolored.
3. Shape each portion of dough into small balls.
4. Cook the dough balls in boiling water until they float to the surface (this only takes a few minutes). Remove them and let them cool slightly.
5. Thread the cooked balls onto skewers, alternating colors.
6. Serve the dango with anko (sweet red bean paste) and sprinkle with kinako (roasted soybean flour).

These two recipes are perfect for celebrating hanami season with traditional Japanese flavors.