Many people know that ‘hanami’ (cherry blossom viewing) is a representative event of spring in Japan, but did you know that cherry blossoms as a "taste" are actually popular in Japan as well? Today, we would like to introduce “sakura mochi,” a Japanese confectionery that allows you to eat and enjoy the aroma of cherry blossoms.

Sakura mochi is a Japanese confectionery consisting of a bun in a light pink or white color similar to cherry blossoms, which is wrapped in a cherry tree leaf. It is most commonly sold from February, when the arrival of spring approaches, to April, when the cherry blossom viewing season is in full swing. There are two types of these sakura mochi, one whose bun dough is made of wheat flour and the other made of domyoji flour, a flour made from glutinous rice. The former, with its fluffy and elegant texture, is said to be Kanto style, while the latter, with its chunky texture, is said to be Kansai style.

Although there are differences between the Kanto and Kansai styles, there are some Japanese confectionery shops in Tokyo that sell both. Umezono, a long-established Japanese confectionery in Asakusa, Taito City, also sells two types of sakura mochi, allowing visitors to compare the two. Why don't you get a sakura mochi and enjoy this beautiful cherry blossom season with both your eyes and taste buds?