The Sakura (cherry blossom) is not quite ready in Japan - nor in the UK. But Sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cake sweets) are already in peak season in Japan! As I originally come from Tokyo, my favourite kind of Sakura mochi is always the pink pancake with sweet Azuki red bean paste and salted Sakura leaves. There are other types of Sakura mochi, for instance from Kyoto. These are more like rice balls with the same ingredients.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, the ‘Sakuramochi’ was invented in 1717 by Yamamoto Shinroku, who lived in front of the gates of Chomyoji Temple in Tokyo. Tokyo’s riverside Sumida Bank was a famous cherry blossom spot. While clearing up the fallen cherry blossom leaves from the bank, Yamamoto came up with the idea of salting the leaves and wrapping them around mochi, filled with bean paste. When he started selling these ‘Sakuramochi’ in front of the gates of Chomyoji Temple, the cherry blossom visitors loved them as a special treat, and the Sakura mochi became a huge success and a local specialty. From its invention in the 18th century, it has continued until now to be sold as one of Japan’s great seasonal delights, and even to this day, Yamamoto’s family sells Sakura mochi near Chomyoji Temple.
As so many cultural and traditional activities were founded in Kyoto rather than Tokyo, I particularly like to celebrate the fact that the origins of the Sakura mochi were in Tokyo. And I particularly don’t mind enjoying a Tokyo-style Sakura pancake!
It is always nice to have some sweets when you have a cup of tea, and Japanese sweets go especially well with a cup of green tea. As the time for Sakura is coming soon, we are running our own Sakura festival right now! Our 30g tins of organic Matcha tea – both Wabisuke and Uraku - are now 10% off in store as well as online. The 30g tin is always a good amount to try out, though many of our customers actually choose the 100g bag of organic Matcha tea, as it represents exceptionally good value for money.