New beginnings in early spring

April in Japan is a magical time when the country fully embraces the arrival of spring. The cold grip of winter finally loosens, giving way to warmer days and blooming flowers. Here's a glimpse into the unique characteristics and delightful experiences that April in Japan has to offer.

At the start of each year, an effort is made to aid both Japanese and international visitors in pinpointing the best times and places for cherry blossom viewing through the analysis of temperature, wind, and additional data. Following this analysis, a map detailing the cherry blossom bloom times across Japan is created.

Furthermore, numerous informational websites list specific locations for cherry blossom sightings along with recommended sightseeing routes. This tradition of cherry blossom viewing is commonly referred to as ""花見,"" hana-mi, (with ""花,"" Hana, meaning flower in Japanese, and ""見,"" mi, indicating viewing).

During cherry blossom season, sakura mochi stands out as one of the quintessential foods representing cherry blossoms. Various versions exist, from those wrapped in a delicate skin to those encased in domyoji (coarse rice flour) filled with sweet bean paste.

The distinction between the Kansai and Kanto regions is particularly pronounced: in Kanto, sakura mochi typically consists of sweet bean paste wrapped in a thin, pink-colored skin, while in Kansai, it's known for its sweet bean paste wrapped in a mochi rice skin. The regional differences in sakura mochi's shape and texture make offering both Kanto and Kansai versions an interesting topic of conversation.

Additionally, there's a wide range of cherry blossom-related foods, whether they are snacks shaped like cherry blossoms or wagashi that taste like cherry blossoms. For instance, sakura jelly is included in our current snack box are products that prominently feature cherry blossom characteristics. Please be sure to appreciate these distinctive qualities when sampling them.