Spring in Japan! Seasonal foods to enjoy while cherry blossom viewing
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In spring, many people enjoy cherry blossom viewing. Delicious food is an essential part of cherry blossom viewing. In this article, we will introduce some uniquely Japanese foods that you can enjoy with the cherry blossoms during this season.
- Table of Contents
- Enjoying a meal alongside the cherry blossoms - Hanami
- What do Japanese people eat during cherry blossom viewing?
- Things typically Japanese to enjoy at a cherry blossom viewing party
- Enjoy the seasonal sights of spring!
Enjoying a meal alongside the cherry blossoms - Hanami
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Picture courtesy of Photo AC
In spring, many people all over Japan enjoy cherry blossom viewing. There are various theories about the origin of cherry blossom viewing, but one of them is that farmers long ago believed that the god of rice fields resided in the cherry blossoms, and so they began to hold banquets under the trees to pray for a good harvest that year. They offered food and alcohol to the gods, and people shared in their consumption.
Enjoying food and drinks while watching the cherry blossoms continues to be a custom to this day. In spring, the news reports the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and people say things like, "The cherry blossoms have bloomed," and "They look like they'll be in full bloom this weekend," and then invite family, friends, and colleagues to go out to see the cherry blossoms. People enjoy their meals in their own way, bringing lunch boxes from home, bringing individual dishes, buying food near the cherry blossom viewing spot, or ordering it for delivery.
What do Japanese people eat during cherry blossom viewing?
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Source: Hashimoto Shokai Co., Ltd. "MY Kitchen Car" Cherry Blossom Viewing Attitude Survey
In a Japanese survey asking people what the best food is for cherry blossom viewing, the most popular was onigiri rice balls, followed by bento lunch boxes and fried chicken. Sweets such as three-colored rice dumplings, sweets and sakura mochi are also popular. People seem to like foods that are easy to carry, easy to share with others, good snacks to go with alcohol and that reflect the season.
Things typically Japanese to enjoy at a cherry blossom viewing party
Cherry blossom viewing bento
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otent - stock.adobe.com/jp
A picnic lunch box eaten when going out to see cherry blossoms is called a hanami bento. It is often made at home and taken with you, but if you want to buy one, we recommend the deli section in the basement of a department store, which has a wide variety of bentos. They have a wide selection of colorful bentos made with seasonal ingredients. Some stores will provide you with an ice pack for easy transport if you request it.
One recommended shop with an easily accessible location is Nadaman Shop . They offer seasonal bento boxes that look gorgeous.
Additionally, supermarkets and convenience stores also sell reasonably priced bento boxes and rice balls, so have a look to see what suits your tastes.
Sakuramochi
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Picture courtesy of Photo AC
Sakuramochi is a Japanese sweet associated with cherry blossoms, consisting of mochi filled with bean paste wrapped in cherry blossom leaves. The idea of wrapping mochi in salted cherry leaves was invented over 300 years ago, and it first began being sold in front of Chomeiji Temple, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot along the Sumida River.
Chomeiji Sakuramochi , the shop where sakuramochi first originated, is still within walking distance from Asakusa. Be sure to stop by during your stroll.
Cherry blossom viewing sake
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Elina - stock.adobe.com
Hanamizake is a word that refers to the sake that is drunk during cherry blossom viewing. About 400 years ago in Kyoto, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a military commander at the time, held a grand cherry blossom viewing party, inviting about 1,300 people. It is said that the origin of "hanamizake" was when famous sake brands were collected from all over Japan to liven up the party.
Nowadays, people drink not only sake, but also beer, low-malt beer, and many other things. Sharing drinks and celebrating the arrival of spring is one of the best parts of cherry blossom viewing.
There will be bottles with cute labels that will make you feel spring, as well as spring-only alcohol, so be sure to keep an eye out when you're buying alcohol. In addition to supermarkets and convenience stores, we also recommend visiting the alcohol section in the basement of department stores and alcohol specialty stores.
Enjoy the seasonal sights of spring!
Every year in Japan, many people look forward to the cherry blossoms blooming. Enjoy the unique Japanese experience of this season while viewing the cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring in Japan!
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