Japanese Spring Foods: 18 Best Dishes For Spring

There's just something so special about spring in Japan. No matter where you're traveling to, it's sure to be spectacularly beautiful. And with the new season comes a wave of seasonal foods to sample and enjoy — because, like the cherry blossoms, they won't be around for long! 

In spring, you'll see slightly bitter green mountain vegetables at restaurants or supermarkets, takikomi gohan, and, last but not least, sakura and strawberry-themed snacks all over the country. You can't miss them, even if you tried to.

If there's only one spring food on this list you need to try, it's sakura mochi. This type of mochi is exclusive to cherry blossom season, and you get it anywhere in Japan, from your neighborhood supermarket to the quaint wagashi-ya in your local shopping arcade.

Sakura mochi is pink-colored mochi, which gives it the soft pink flush like the flower it's named after, stuffed with red bean paste and wrapped in a sakura leaf. The leaf is edible, and it'll add a really refreshing salty element to the otherwise sweet mochi.

Find out more: Types of Mochi

In this 2.5-hour sweet-making class in Tokyo’s peaceful Ikegami Baien garden, you'll have the pleasure of turning wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) into sakura-shaped delights.

These delicate sweets are packed with centuries of culture and a gentle sweetness that's further complemented by the green tea served as part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

See another side of Japan and its more mindful practices in this unique wagashi and tea ceremony experience.

Find out more: What Is Wagashi? A Look at Japan’s Traditional Sweets

One way to make the most of your spring veggies is to mix it in with your rice. Takikomi Gohan is one type of mixed rice, and in spring, you'll often see ingredients like asari (little neck clams), snow peas, and takenoko (bamboo shoots).

It's a simple dish but a great way to make the most of the nutritious veggies spring gives us.

Another mochi treat and spring staple is ichigo daifuku or strawberry mochi. Strawberries in Japan are harvested a few weeks (sometimes months) earlier than in other parts of the world. They are more of a winter and spring ingredient here and less of a summer one.

Because of this, during spring, you'll see strawberry mochi everywhere. Strawberry mochi is one whole strawberry (yes, whole!) covered in red bean paste and wrapped in chewy mochi. The balance of crunchy and chewy is one you don't want to miss this season.

Now, admittedly, you can enjoy tempura all year long in Japan, but spring is really when Japanese people crave it the most. Spring veggies are also especially good when covered in a delicious, crunchy batter, which takes away their naturally bitter taste.

Popular tempura items are taranome (angelica tree buds) and sansai (more on that below). Eat as-is, topped with some salt or with some soba noodles.

You really don't need to go out of your way to find cherry blossom-flavored desserts. Just take a trip to your local konbini! 7-Eleven, in particular, sells fan-favorite items like sakura and matcha mochi parfait, sakura milk pudding, and sakura cheese puffs. 

Also, check out special spring-themed packaging from your favorite conbini food and drinks!

Get a real taste for cherry blossom season with Japan's fluffy chiffon cakes, often decorated with pastel pink cherry blossom buds and leaves. 

Once you're settled in, you'll start making a meringue, pour it into a mold for baking and then decorate the finished product with fresh cream and sakura petals.

The hardest part is deciding what flavor you want your cake to be... Are you more tempted by matcha (green tea), cocoa, black tea, sakura, strawberry or yuzu?

Starbucks Japan never disappoints with its seasonal. From cappuccinos to iced tea, every year sees a limited selection of sakura-flavored and sakura-inspired drinks available only at this time of year. The coffee mega-chain also released some sakura food items, including sugary donuts and tarts.

Find out more: Discover Japan's biggest Starbucks

Japan's first harvest includes sansai, or mountain vegetables, which are said to taste the best in the spring. The usual suspects are fuki (butterbur), udo (mountain asparagus) and warabi (bracken). They're incredibly delicious fried tempura-style or eaten with soba.

Takenoko, or bamboo shoots, is also one of spring's conspicuous grocery store ingredients. Takenoko is usually eaten with rice; its delicate and earthy smell immediately amps your appetite. 

Find out more: Takenoko: All about Japanese Bamboo Shoots

Another showstopper ingredient during the springtime — and this one is local to Japan — is nanohana, also known as rape blossom. You may have seen them around the country with their vibrant yellow flowers.

They're not only nice to look at, but they're delicious. Nanohana is often boiled or stir-fried and dressed in sesame oil.

Shin tamanegi is like the fresh start of spring, with a mild, sweet flavor. These onions are tender and juicy, perfect for everything from stir-fries to being tossed raw in salads. It's the perfect way to embrace the season’s sweetness and crispness!

Asparagus in spring is extra tender and flavorful. When it’s in season, you can find it grilled, sautéed, or even eaten raw in salads. A light drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of salt really makes it pop. Definitely a fresh, vibrant bite.

These clams are a spring delicacy, known for their clean, briny flavor. They're usually served in soups or grilled, bringing a sea-salty freshness to the table that feels like a coastal breeze. Think of it as nature's little treasure from the sea!

These tiny, delicate shrimp are harvested during spring and have a sweet, almost floral flavor. They're often seen in dishes like sakura ebi tempura or rice dishes, giving everything a subtle seafood sweetness with a nod to the cherry blossoms. Travelers in search for a sweet surprise from the sea will surely pin this Japanese cuisine to their list of favorites! 

Hanazansho is a bit of an aromatic surprise! These buds pack a peppery, citrusy punch, often used in Japanese cooking to add zing to everything from meats to pickles. It’s like a refreshing hit of spring’s zestiness, balancing out richer flavors. You'll often find these little buds in traditional Japanese dishes that are 100% worth adding to your foodie itinerary! 

Want a break from Japan's iconic spicy specialties? These are special sweets made for Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) in early March. Expect pastel-colored rice cakes, sweet bean pastes, and other delicate treats that symbolize health and happiness for girls. They’re as visually delightful as they are delicious!

This spring dish is like sushi with a free spirit—topped with vibrant, colorful ingredients like fish, veggies, and sometimes even edible flowers. It’s visually stunning, light, and a real celebration of fresh, seasonal produce. 

Shincha is the first tea harvest of the year, and it's considered the freshest and most fragrant tea you can get! The taste is grassy, light, and aromatics—like a refreshing breeze in a teacup. Definitely the drink to toast the season with!

It's time to take off those heavy coats and boots and start exploring the city with the warm sunlight on your face. Walk around the city in search of the best spring flavor conbini sweets, ingredients, or a restaurant serving these dishes, although you won't have a hard time finding them. Follow your five senses.

Want to visit Japan in spring?

Visiting Japan in the spring? Lucky you! Check out our other guides to cherry blossom season in Japan and make your trip the very best one yet:

• Japan's latest cherry blossom forecast
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka
• Guide to Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)