Sakura flavours: 16 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. ¥475 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. 5-piece box for ¥1,863.

7-Eleven's spring confectioneries include this refreshing take on the konbini's popular chiffon cakes with whipped cream. This new version features cherry blossom-infused chiffon cubes layered with whipped cream that's been accented with sakura liqueur and a dash of salt. The cakes are available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. ¥421

Pie specialty shop Granny Smith is celebrating spring with a limited-edition apple pie that blends the delicate flavours of cherry blossoms, matcha and warabi mochi. Made with apples from Aomori prefecture, the dessert offers the perfect harmony of flavours, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the sakura. Pick up the pie from March 17 at Granny Smith stores nationwide. ¥650 per slice, ¥5,000 whole pie

Fluffy soufflé pancakes are a must-eat while you're in Tokyo, and now you can get your hands on this tempting spring version from Micasadeco & Cafe in Harajuku. Fragrant cherry blossom powder is blended into the pancake batter, then topped off with sakura an bean paste, matcha berry cream and seasonal strawberries for a tasty spring-inspired treat. ¥1,950

This luxurious éclair blends French pastry craftsmanship with refined Japanese flavours. Made with roasted green tea-infused choux pastry, it’s filled with rich roasted green tea cream, tangy red currant jelly and mousse, and topped with cherry blossom chantilly cream. Pick it up at The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe. ¥1,620

This sweet and salty treat features crispy potato chips coated in rich white chocolate infused with salted cherry blossom. The distinctive sakura flavour shines through, thanks to finely ground cherry blossom flowers and leaves that enhance every bite. Check Godiva’s website for sales locations. ¥1,684

This pretty pink sakura doughnut from Krispy Kreme is filled with cherry blossom-flavoured cream and coated in white chocolate, tangy strawberry-flavoured icing and shaved chocolate with a subtle sakura scent. Pick them up at Krispy Kreme stores nationwide. ¥334

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. ¥972

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. ¥600 for three 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