Cherry blossom souvenirs in Japan—what to buy and where to buy it
Spring in Japan comes wrapped in pink
Image Credit: Starbucks
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.
Cherry Blossom souvenirs (our top-picks)
From cult-favorite snacks to artisanal finds, these are the cherry blossom souvenirs worth making space in your suitcase for.
Sakura Kit Kats
The most famous of Japan’s seasonal snacks. Every spring, Kit Kat releases a limited-edition sakura flavor, blending creamy white chocolate with a delicate floral twist. Some versions come infused with sakura sake, while others lean into fruity notes like strawberry or peach. Stock up—once the season ends, they vanish.
Where to buy: Convenience stores, Don Quijote, Narita & Haneda airport souvenir shops.
Sakura-scented skincare
For most of us, skincare is a routine, but in Japan, it’s a ritual. Every spring, top brands launch limited-edition sakura-infused products, from hydrating lotions to delicate facial mists. Unlike synthetic floral scents, these formulas lean soft and subtle: fresh, dewy, and perfect for that effortless glow.
Jill Stuart’s sakura hand creams are cult favorites, while La Casta’s cherry blossom hair treatments sell out almost instantly. Even everyday drugstore brands release seasonal face masks and serums, all packed in blush-pink, Instagram-ready packaging.
Where to buy: Jill Stuart, Loft, Tokyu Hands, La Casta
Sakura furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloths)
A furoshiki is both a gift and the wrapping. These reusable fabric squares are a staple in Japanese culture, used to wrap everything from lunch boxes to wine bottles. Each spring, shops release sakura-patterned furoshiki in soft pinks, deep purples, and watercolor florals. Light, packable, and endlessly useful, they’re one of the most elegant (and eco-friendly) souvenirs to bring home.
Where to buy: Kyoto Handicraft Center, specialty textile shops in Asakusa.
Sakura mochi
Spring in Japan tastes like sakura mochi. This delicate, pastel-pink rice cake is sweet, slightly salty, and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. The contrast of textures—chewy mochi, smooth red bean filling, and the subtle crunch of the salted leaf—makes it one of Japan’s most iconic springtime treats. Some people eat the leaf, others don’t—both are acceptable, but if you skip it, you’re missing half the experience.
Where to buy: Traditional sweet shops like Toraya (Tokyo), Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, and department store food halls.
Starbucks Japan’s Sakura Collection
Sakura season hits, and Japan’s Starbucks locations go full cherry blossom mode. It’s not just the drinks—though sakura lattes, frappuccinos, and matcha-sakura blends steal the show—it’s the highly coveted, limited-edition drinkware. Every year, Starbucks releases a new sakura-themed collection of tumblers, mugs, and bottles, featuring soft pink gradients, floral designs, and sometimes even petal-shaped lids.
The hype is real—these sell out fast. If you want one, be there on launch day or prepare to hunt them down on resale sites.
Where to buy: Starbucks locations across Japan (arrive early for limited stock).
Hand-painted sakura ceramics
A mass-produced mug is nice, but a hand-painted sakura tea set? That’s a keepsake. Japan’s ceramic artisans release seasonal collections each spring, featuring delicate cherry blossom motifs on matcha bowls, sake cups, and elegant teapots. Some designs are subtle—a single painted petal—while others go all in with gold accents and intricate floral detailing.
Unlike snacks or skincare, these won’t disappear after a month—they age beautifully and only get better with use.
Where to buy: Kappabashi, Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street (Tokyo), Kiyomizu Pottery Shops (Kyoto).
Sakura sake
Floral but never overpowering, sakura sake is a soft, delicate twist on Japan’s most famous drink. Some versions are infused with cherry blossoms, while others have actual preserved sakura petals floating inside the bottle. The best ones strike a balance—a touch of floral, a hint of sweetness, and that smooth sake finish.
Pair it with a hanami picnic or save it for a special occasion—it’s one of those bottles you’ll want to bring home, but almost too pretty to open.
Where to buy: Nihonbashi Takashimaya or any Major departmental store like Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Matsuya, Don Quijote, Kyoto’s Fushimi sake district.
Cherry blossom chopsticks
If you want a souvenir that’s practical, lightweight, and unmistakably Japanese, sakura-engraved chopsticks are a solid pick. Some designs keep it subtle—a single cherry blossom etched near the tip—while others go all in with hand-painted petals and lacquered finishes. The best part? Many shops offer custom engraving, so you can have your name (or a meaningful word) carved onto your set.
Where to buy: Nishiki Market (Kyoto), Tokyu Hands (Tokyo), Asakusa Nakamise Street, you can even carve your name on it!.
Sakura incense & candles
Cherry blossom season doesn’t last forever, but its scent can. Sakura incense and candles capture the soft, floral aroma of spring without feeling overpowering or artificial. Some blends lean toward fresh, dewy sakura, while others add woody or tea-like notes for a more grounded fragrance. Either way, it’s a souvenir that instantly transports you back to Japan’s hanami season—even months after you’ve left.
Where to buy: Kousaido (Kyoto), Nippon Kodo (Tokyo).
Sakura wagashi gift boxes
Japanese sweets (wagashi) are already an art form, but the spring-exclusive sakura wagashi take things to another level. Expect delicately shaped nerikiri, soft pink daifuku, and monaka wafers filled with subtly floral red bean paste. Each piece is almost too pretty to eat—almost. Most wagashi shops offer seasonal gift boxes, wrapped in sakura-patterned furoshiki, making them an elegant souvenir that doubles as a thoughtful gift.
Where to buy: Toraya (Tokyo), Depachika food halls at Isetan and Daimaru.
Sakura hair accessories & jewelry
Spring in Japan, but make it fashion. From delicate cherry blossom hairpins to fine gold sakura necklaces, these seasonal accessories add a subtle nod to Japan’s most celebrated season. Some are made from lacquered metal, pearl, or resin, while others are crafted from real sakura petals encased in jewelry-grade glass.
For something fun and quirky, check out candy-inspired sakura jewelry from Nanaco Plus—actual sweets preserved into wearable accessories.
Where to buy: Anemone, Kyoto’s Gion district, Tokyo’s Nakamise Street.
Online picks: Take-Up Japan, Nanaco Plus
Sakura senbei (rice crackers)
Crispy, lightly salted, and infused with real cherry blossom petals, sakura senbei are the perfect balance of savory with a delicate floral finish. Some versions go bold with hints of soy sauce or sweet mirin glaze, while others keep it simple—just a whisper of sakura essence baked into the crunch. It’s an easy, travel-friendly snack that won’t melt in your suitcase.
Where to buy: Nihonbashi Takashimaya, Don Quijote, Kyoto’s Fushimi sake district.
Bringing a piece of sakura season home
Some stores treat cherry blossom season like an art form, curating entire collections of sakura-inspired treasures—from delicate ceramics to beautifully packaged seasonal snacks. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for the most elegant, limited-edition finds, these spots are worth a visit:
🛍 Akomeya Japan – Gorgeous sakura-themed homeware and artisanal pantry staples.
🛍 Afternoon Tea – A lifestyle brand with elegant sakura-patterned ceramics and tea sets.
🛍 Nakagawa Masashichi – Specializing in artisan textiles, furoshiki, and handcrafted sakura gifts.
Spring in Japan is fleeting, but the right souvenir keeps the season alive long after the petals have fallen. TokudAw designs personalized itineraries to help you find the most beautiful cherry blossom experiences—tailored to your pace and preferences.
