Sakura flavours: 17 cherry blossom desserts and drinks to try in Tokyo

An annual classic, the elegant sakura mochi from wagashi specialist Toraya is always a winner. The traditional Japanese sweet features red bean paste wrapped with a thin layer of pink mochi and then covered with a salted sakura leaf. Check the official website for more details. ¥476 each

Racines Donut & Ice Cream is offering three special doughnuts for the spring season: a sakura strawberry chocolate, sakura matcha and sakura full bloom strawberry glaze. The doughnuts are of course shaped like flowers, and you can pick them up at the brand's Aoyama, Ikebukuro and Farm to Park shops. ¥400 each

This long-standing bakery in Ginza is best known for its anpan (bun filled with sweet red bean paste), and always offers sakura varieties come springtime. The classic sakurazutsumi anpan features a filling of white bean paste mixed with real cherry blossom leaves and flowers for that legit sakura taste. ¥301

If you want to treat yourself this spring, opt for this decadent sakura parfait from the Shangri-La Tokyo. The dessert features layers of sakura anin (almond) tofu, strawberry jelly, crispy chocolate, sakura bean paste, strawberry sponge and more. You can order the parfait from the hotel's Lobby Lounge. ¥4,180

Ginza Cozy Corner’s lineup of cherry blossom cakes is a classic one. This year's sakura cake features fluffy cherry blossom-flavoured sponge sandwiched between layers of cherry cream, sweet red bean paste and strawberries. You can pick it up at Ginza Cozy Corner stores. ¥518

Hokkaido’s Royce is world-renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth nama (raw) chocolate. This season, the popular treat is getting a spring twist with a seasonal sakura fromage flavour. The pink nama chocolates are made with white chocolate and accented with cream cheese, strawberry liqueur and sakura. The chocolates can be purchased online. ¥864 for a box of 20

This sakura kuzumochi pudding is a seasonal twist on Funabashiya’s traditional Japanese dessert. The sweet treat features classic kuzumochi topped with a cherry jelly and a delicate sakura flower. You can purchase this dessert at Funabashiya stores. ¥500

Mister Donut's signature mochi doughnut has been given a spring twist with four new sakura-inspired renditions. Some of the flavours include a doughnut topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and another filled with whipped red bean paste and coated in strawberry-flavoured chocolate. From ¥162

These cherry blossom-themed Lindor treats are made with a white chocolate shell that’s enhanced with small pink and red speckles of strawberry powder. Inside, the chocolate ball is filled with a pastel pink cream that tastes like sweet cherries. As soon as you take a bite, it feels like spring is just around the corner. Nab these online or at Lindt boutiques across Japan. ¥980 for six pieces

Muji may be popular for its minimalist homewares, but it’s also got a great food selection, too. This spring, Muji has released a special sakura mochi ice sorbet featuring salted sakura leaves and gyuhi rice grains, which are often used in the production of mochi. This all blends together to offer a pleasant sakura scent that’s not too overpowering. Ice sorbets are available at select Muji locations across Japan in the freezer section. ¥320 each

Papabubble's mix bag of sakura candies makes a perfect gift or souvenir. The hard candies come in multiple flavours including sakura latte, sakura honey, sakura berry and fruit punch. Candies are available at stores nationwide and online. From ¥730 for a bag