Top 3 foods you must bring to Hanami (Cherry Blossom picnic)

With the cherry blossom months approaching, people in Japan are excited to be preparing their annual hanami party (picnic party). Most people start to check the cherry blossom forecast to find out the best time and place to have a picnic under the full bloomed cherry blossom tree and prepare the food to bring to the party. It is a tradition for people to gather for food, drinks, dance and playing games while enjoying the scenery and letting the natural floral fragrance refresh people senses.

There are 3 foods that you must not miss out on and they are traditionally accompanied with sake and  green tea.

1. Hanami Bento (Lunch box/picnic food)

 

Inside the Hanami Bento, it is normal to find items like makizushi (sushi rolls), inarizushi (sushi rice stuffed in fried tofu pouches, tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelet), or kamaboko (pink and white fish cakes)

2. Hanami Dango

The Hanami Dango is made with glutinous rice flour and 3 dangos are usually served in a skewer in pink, white and green symbolising the three main spring colours in Japan.

3. Sakura Mochi

Kanto Style (e.g. Tokyo)

The Kanto style sakura mochi is made with rice flours and red bean paste wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf.

Kansai style (e.g. Kyoto) 

While, Kansai style sakura mochi is made with glutinous rice flour with red bean paste inside and wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf.

Start preparing for your hanami party and enjoy a lovely time under the cherry blossom trees with your friends and family!