The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover.

Some of it is novelty (yes, even cherry blossom potato chips exist), but some of it is genuinely worth hunting down. Delicate sakura ceramics, limited-edition sweets, handcrafted textiles—pieces that feel tied to the season in a way that isn’t just about aesthetics. Some are edible, some are collectible, and some you’ll wish you’d bought twice.

But timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.

Spring in Japan doesn’t just arrive; it takes over. The entire country turns into a sakura-soaked spectacle, with pink petals drifting through temple gardens, rivers reflecting endless blooms, and convenience stores going all-in on cherry blossom-themed everything[1]  (yes, even a Starbucks coffee).

But seeing the season isn’t enough. You want to experience it. That means slipping into a kimono in Kyoto, sipping matcha in Uji, and rowing beneath illuminated blossoms in Tokyo. This itinerary is designed for travelers who don’t chase the obvious spots but want the full, immersive spring experience.

The Japanese tea ceremony, or chadō (the Way of Tea), is a ritual of deep appreciation for the present moment. Every step—from the quiet whisking of matcha to the subtle tilt of a teacup—is deliberate, steeped in centuries of tradition. But what actually happens at a tea ceremony? Is it just sitting in silence, sipping tea in slow motion? Why does it matter so much in Japanese culture? Most importantly, where can you experience the real thing without feeling like a tourist gimmick? This guide takes you inside the world of Japanese tea, from its Zen roots to the best places to witness this living art form for yourself.

Cherry blossom season in Japan is basically a national obsession. The forecast is tracked like breaking news, convenience stores go all-in on pink-themed everything (even Starbucks gets in on it!), and locals stage full-blown picnics before most tourists have even had their morning coffee.

As a tourist, you’re probably wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Despite Tokyo being the obvious choice, the best sakura spots aren’t in the city’s busiest parks, crammed between a hundred selfie sticks. If you really want to soak in the magic (and actually hear yourself think), head beyond the city. From lakeside reflections to castles framed in pink, these eight spots deliver spectacular, picture-perfect views.

With the massive swings in temperature messing up the sakura’s internal thermostat, you may be excused for wondering if the sakura will blossom early or late this spring. Many tourists to Japan were disappointed last year after the cherry blossoms appeared later than expected, leaving many of them having to go home without any photograph of the famed flowers.

The cherry blossoms will likely bloom later than usual in 2025

According to early forecasts, this year’s somei yoshino cherry blossoms (the most common variety of sakura variety, often planted in parks) are forecast to start blooming on par with, or later than the average year.

Watching Apple Cider Vinegar reminded me how life comes full circle.

Sixteen years ago, I was a student in Queensland, soaking up the sunshine and trying to figure out my place in the world. Today, I’m hosting Australian guests through TokudAw, helping them discover Japan’s hidden gems.

Starting TokudAw wasn’t the end of my journey in nutrition—it was an evolution. And I’m grateful for everything that led me here. From my undergrad days to my Ph.D., to even the imposter syndrome that forced me to think bigger

While I may have shouted at my screen watching Apple Cider Vinegar, I also walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. It twists and turns. But every step teaches you something.

To my Australian friends, the coffee’s still better where you are. But if you ever want to trade flat whites for matcha latte and explore Japan’s quieter side, you know where to find me