Celebrate cherry blossom season the Japanese way with this hanami recipe roundup. From picnic-friendly dishes to classic sweets and spring-inspired treats, these recipes are perfect for sakura viewing picnics, spring gatherings, or welcoming sakura season at home.

Three-color dango skewers with green, white, and pink rice dumplings rest on a white oval plate atop a pink floral cloth, evoking the charm of cherry blossom recipes. A cup of green tea and teapot sit nearby on the wooden table.

Quick Highlights

Sakura season is one of the most cherished times of year in Japan. For a brief and beautiful moment each spring, cherry blossom trees burst into bloom. Families, friends, and coworkers gather for hanami (花見), the tradition of cherry blossom viewing.

Growing up in Japan, I remember spreading out a picnic mat, sharing homemade bento, and enjoying seasonal sweets as petals float through the air. Food is at the heart of this celebration, and many dishes are enjoyed especially during this fleeting season.

In this roundup, I’m sharing popular and traditional hanami foods so you can bring a little Japanese springtime to your own table.

Namiko Hirasawa Chen

Nami’s Tips for Celebrating Hanami Season

  • Pack a bento. Gather family and friends and head to a local park for a picnic with classic spring dishes.
  • Celebrate wherever you are. Even without cherry trees nearby, you can host a hanami party at home with a simple spring-inspired spread.
Salt Pickled Cherry Blossoms
  • Embrace spring colors. Pink, green, and white reflect the beauty of the season and make your table feel festive.
  • Add sakura motifs. Simple cherry blossom tableware—like chopstick rests and small plates—adds a subtle seasonal touch to your setting.

How to Pack a Hanami Bento

When I pack a hanami bento, I keep it simple:

  • Think variety. Include protein, vegetables, and both savory and sweet dishes.
  • Prep ahead. Choose items you can make in advance to keep picnic day relaxed.
  • Serve at room temperature. Pick foods that travel well and taste delicious without reheating.

Sample Menu of a Hanami Bento

Here’s an easy way to build your bento box:

  • Main – Rice balls, sushi rolls, chirashi sushi, sandwiches, onigirazu (rice sandwich)
  • Appetizer – Tamagoyaki, karaage, spring rolls, ramen eggs, edamame
  • Seasonal vegetables – Gomaae, potato salad, harusame salad, kabocha salad
  • Sweets – Hanami dango, sakura mochi, cherry blossom cookies
  • Fruits – Strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, kiwis

I hope these recipes inspire you to welcome spring with a Japanese touch—wherever you are in the world. 🌸

Sushi oke containing Chirashi Sushi.

Chirashi Sushi

4.89 from 9 votes
This bright, colorful dish features sushi rice mixed with a variety of vegetables and toppings.
I love how easy it is to simplify the ingredients and pack it in a hanami bento for a festive, springtime picnic.
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Three pieces of inari sushi on a decorative Japanese plate with colorful patterns, garnished with pickled ginger and a green leaf, placed on a wooden table with chopsticks and a small cup nearby.

Inari Sushi

4.78 from 70 votes
I recommend inari sushi if you want a fun and easy sushi to pack for your hanami picnic bento. It’s filling, satisfying, and just as delicious at room temperature.
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Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki) on a Japanese square plate.

Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki)

4.62 from 44 votes
Maki Sushi (sushi rolls) are a popular choice for hanami viewing. My recipe includes both traditional and modern fillings, so you can easily customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
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Cherry blossom rice balls on a white plate.

Cherry Blossom Rice Balls

4.75 from 8 votes
Inspired by trees in full bloom, these Cherry Blossom Rice Balls capture the elegance of the season and are perfect for a spring picnic.
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An oval plate containing Futomaki (Thick Maki Sushi).

Futomaki (Maki Sushi / Ehomaki)

4.68 from 25 votes
With its bright, colorful appearance, Futomaki is a beloved sushi roll for festive events, holidays, potlucks, or bento boxes. I’ll show you how to make a thick roll packed with vibrant, flavorful ingredients.
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A plate containing three tuna mayo onigiri served with a wooden bowl of miso soup, a cup of tea, and a small dish of pickles.

Tuna Mayo Onigiri

5 from 7 votes
These Tuna Mayo Onigiri are delicious, portable, and absolutely kid-friendly. I'll show you two easy ways to make these Japanese rice balls for your bento lunch, snack, or picnic.
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A white p late containing Teriyaki Salmon Onigirazu wrapped in plastic and showing the cross section.

Teriyaki Salmon Onigirazu

4.91 from 10 votes
Turn your leftover teriyaki salmon and grilled asparagus into a special rice sandwich called onigirazu! Pack it in your bento and head outside to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
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A white round plate containing sliced Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Roll).

Kimbap

5 from 1 vote
Kimbap is a classic Korean seaweed rice roll filled with seasoned beef, colorful vegetables, omelette strips, and pickled daikon. It‘s so popular in Japan to pack for lunch, picnics, and a meal on the go! Learn to make gorgeous seaweed rolls with my step-by-step guide.
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A platter of glazed chicken wings garnished with chopped green herbs and sesame seeds, served on a decorative oval plate on a wooden table.

Honey Soy Chicken

4.75 from 88 votes
My simple and delicious Honey Soy Chicken is a failproof recipe that works every time. This savory and sweet dish requires minimal prep and just a few pantry ingredients for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Beautiful Japanese plates containing karaage, Japanese fried chicken, garnished with lemon wedges and kewpie mayo dollop sprinkled with shichimi togarashi.

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

4.77 from 413 votes
These ultra-crispy, bite-sized Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are irresistible and great for sharing. I love making them ahead of time since they store well in the fridge or freezer. When it’s picnic time, a quick warm-up and they’re ready to pack into your hanami bento!
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Fresh spring rolls with yakiniku dipped in the bbq sauce.

Fresh Spring Rolls with Yakiniku

4.77 from 21 votes
These Fresh Spring Rolls with Yakiniku are bursting with savory and refreshing ingredients. It's fun to wrap Japanese BBQ beef and crunchy vegetables in rice paper and seal in the deliciousness. Serve it with homemade yakiniku sauce for dipping.
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Shrimp Egg Rolls on a serving platter along with Negi Miso Sauce.

Shrimp Egg Rolls

4.91 from 20 votes
Deep-fried to golden brown deliciousness, these crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls are a great appetizer to start your meal or party. Dip them in Japanese leek and miso sauce (Negi Miso) to enjoy! 
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Japanese Salted Chicken Wings (Teba Shio) on the Japanese plate.

Teba Shio (Salted Chicken Wings)

4.82 from 130 votes
Juicy and crispy Salted Chicken Wings (Teba Shio) are a popular dish at Japanese izakaya restaurants. With my unbelievably easy recipe and a few ingredients, you can oven-broil these delicious wings at home for your next party, game-day spread, or lazy Sunday dinner.
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An oval ceramic plate containing Carrot Beef Rolls garnished with parley.

Carrot Beef Rolls

4.62 from 31 votes
These savory Carrot Beef Rolls are pan-seared and glazed with a quick homemade teriyaki sauce. This simple Japanese home-cooked dish is delicious over rice or as a side dish for your weeknight dinner. Make extra for your bento lunchbox the next day!
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A white plate containing Baked Chicken Katsu (Japanese Chicken Cutlets) and shredded cabbage salad.

Baked Chicken Katsu

4.79 from 218 votes
Want delicious Japanese breaded chicken cutlets without deep-frying? Try my crispy and juicy Baked Chicken Katsu with savory tonkatsu sauce. This lighter and healthier oven-baked recipe is so simple and easy, you‘ll want to make it tonight!
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An oval Japanese plate containing Japanese rolled omelette, Tamagoyaki, placed over a bamboo leaf.

3-Ingredient Simple Tamagoyaki

4.70 from 10 votes
For protein, you can't go wrong with this 3-Ingredient Tamagoyaki. This Japanese rolled omelette pairs perfectly with sushi or onigiri and adds a bright, cheerful touch to your bento.
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A white ceramic plate containing ramen eggs.

Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)

4.74 from 549 votes
Ramen Eggs are another great make-ahead protein. They travel well for picnics and are always popular as an appetizer at gatherings.
I like to cook the eggs slightly longer so the yolks are custardy but not too runny, which makes them perfect for packing and sharing.
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A paper box containing Japanese Sandwiches (Mixed Sando).

Japanese Sandwich (Mixed Sando)

4.70 from 10 votes
Sandwiches are another go-to for family picnics! For hanami viewing, I recommend making three popular fillings: tuna salad, tamago (egg salad), and ham and cheese with crisp lettuce.
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Tamago Sando - Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich on a plate along with salad.

Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)

4.71 from 392 votes
With egg salad tucked between slices of white bread, Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) is a timeless snack you can find in every convenience store in Japan. The creamy filling is bursting with a rich egg-yolk flavor and the shokupan slices are soft and pillowy. Some claim it‘s the absolute best egg salad sandwich they‘ve ever tasted!
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Colorful thick Japanese sandwich, Wanpaku Sandiwch (Sando), shows the filling and piles up on the table.

Wanpaku Sandwich

4.83 from 23 votes
Meet the newest and hottest style of sandwich from Japan – Wanpaku Sandwich or Wanpaku Sando for short. Stuffed with colorful vegetables and layering ingredients, these solid Japanese sandwiches present endless possibilities!
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Japanese Fruit Sandwiches on a wooden board.

Japanese Fruit Sandwich

4.75 from 110 votes
Brighten your day with Japanese Fruit Sandwich! These fun and colorful Fruit Sando have fresh whipped cream with strawberries, oranges, and kiwis tucked between slices of pillowy Japanese milk bread. Bursting with juicy fresh fruit, they're a perfect breakfast or snack.
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Katsu Sando stacked on top of each other.

Katsu Sando

4.95 from 36 votes
With a crispy and juicy pork cutlet sandwiched between soft and pillowy Japanese milk bread, this Katsu Sando is downright satisfying! I‘ll show you how to bake the tonkatsu for a delicious alternative to deep-fried. Elevate your sandwich with this new favorite recipe.
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A bowl of Japanese potato salad with visible chunks of potato, ham, boiled egg, cucumber, and carrot, placed on a rustic plate beside wooden utensils and a beaded decoration.

Japanese Potato Salad

4.68 from 246 votes
A classic, home-cooked side dish for more than 100 years, Japanese Potato Salad is distinct for its colorful addition of fresh vegetables, creamy texture, and rounded flavor. It‘s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
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A white fluted dish containing Japanese spinach salad seasoned with sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sugar.

Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae)

4.67 from 251 votes
Balance your picnic spread with Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae). I like to make it ahead of time—it packs perfectly as a healthy, flavorful veggie side for your bento.
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A white ceramic plate containing spicy edamame.

Spicy Edamame

4.68 from 65 votes
Snack on these fiery and spicy edamame sautéed with chili paste, garlic, and miso. It's intensely delicious. You won't be able to stop eating these!
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An oval scalloped plate containing shredded carrot and tuna salad garnished with parsley and lemon.

Carrot and Tuna Salad

5 from 2 votes
This Carrot and Tuna Salad combines pantry staples with a few fresh ingredients for a light, satisfying, and protein-packed dish! Serve this delicious recipe as a side dish, sandwich filling, bento side, or low-carb main course. {Vegan/Vegetarian Adaptable}
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easy and refreshing japanese glass noodle salad on a plate

Harusame Salad (Japanese Glass Noodle Salad)

4.68 from 83 votes
This Japanese Glass Noodle Salad (Harusame Salad) recipe is light, refreshing, low calorie, and so flavorful with a savory and tangy sesame soy vinaigrette.
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A Japanese round plate containing velvety and rich Kabocha Salad with crisp and refreshing red onion slices and ham, mixed with cream cheese and tangy Japanese mayo.

Kabocha Salad

5 from 2 votes
Sweet and golden Japanese squash shines brightly in this creamy Kabocha Salad recipe with crunchy red onion and savory strips of ham. This beautiful chilled side dish is sure to become a new classic on your family dinner table.
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A white oval plate containing two Hanami Dango, served with matcha green tea.

Hanami Dango

4.80 from 34 votes
Chewy skewered dumplings in three springtime colors, Hanami Dango, are made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour. Lightly sweet and delightfully festive, these traditional Japanese treats are a favorite snack for enjoying under the cherry blossoms.
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Cherry blossom cookies on a wire rack.

Cherry Blossom Cookies

4.77 from 46 votes
Not only are these Cherry Blossom Cookies pretty to look at, but they also taste heavenly. For this recipe, I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more delicate texture. Shape and chill the cookie dough log in the refrigerator until firm.
Bake up a batch and share the love this season. The crispy, buttery texture, paired with the fragrant aroma of salt-pickled cherry blossoms, is truly something to savor.
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A round fluted plate containing sakura mochi served with matcha tea.

Sakura Mochi

4.88 from 16 votes
Another iconic dessert for cherry blossom viewing is Sakura Mochi. Chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste is simply delectable. Be sure to soak the salted sakura leaves and flowers first to remove excess salt before using. The aroma of cherry blossom leaves takes the spring experience to the next level.
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Cherry Blossom Madeleines on a wire rack.

Cherry Blossom Madeleines

4.72 from 25 votes
These delightful cookies are buttery, slightly sweet, and salty, with a hint of cherry blossom's fragrance. Invite your friends over and enjoy these gorgeous madeleines with green tea.
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White plates containing strawberry mochi cut in half.

Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku)

4.75 from 85 votes
Warabi Mochi is a chilled, chewy, jelly-like treat made from bracken starch. Dusted with nutty roasted soybean flour and drizzled with kuromitsu syrup, this Japanese confection makes a beautiful and refreshing snack or dessert to enjoy with matcha.
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Cherry blossom milk pudding in a glass.

Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding

4.90 from 28 votes
Topped with a delicate pink layer of cherry blossom jelly, this soft and silky pudding simply melts in your mouth.
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Cherry Blossom Festivals in the United States

While hanami is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, you don’t have to travel to Japan to enjoy cherry blossom season. Many cities across the United States host beautiful cherry blossom festivals inspired by Japanese traditions, complete with food vendors, cultural performances, and spring celebrations.

For me, these festivals are a wonderful reminder that the spirit of hanami is about slowing down, appreciating the fleeting beauty of spring, and sharing good food with the people you love.

Some of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in the U.S. include:

Does your city celebrate cherry blossom season? Do you have special rituals or favorite foods you make when the season arrives? I’d love to hear about them. Share your stories in the comments below!