Scenic Sakura spot in Kochi, Japan. Photo source: Visit Kochi Japan 

Spring in Japan is more than just a change in weather. It’s a season of renewal, delicate beauty, and heartfelt traditions. As the air turns crisp and cherry trees begin to bloom in soft pink clouds, communities across Japan prepare for hanami, the centuries-old ritual of cherry blossom viewing.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are not just admired for their beauty; they represent life’s fleeting moments and the appreciation of the present. Families and friends gather under blooming trees with seasonal food and drink, celebrating nature and beginning anew.

Just like the Sakura blossoms that bloom for only a short while, some flavours are meant to be cherished in the moment. In spring, Japanese cuisine reflects the blossoming surroundings with seasonal treats crafted to complement the Sakura's gentle essence. 

Traditional sweets such as hanami dango, Sakura mont blanc, Sakura onigiri, and sakura-flavoured snacks appear only for a limited time. Among the most beloved are sakuramochi — glutinous rice filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf — and Sakura ice cream, known for its soft floral aroma and creamy finish.

The Kochi Prefecture, located on the southern coast of Japan’s Shikoku Island, is especially known for its untouched natural landscapes and scenic Sakura spots. The beauty of Kochi in spring has inspired the creation of our Hanami Sharing Platter, bringing Japan’s seasonal grace to your table.

Matcha Eight Hanami Sharing Platter

At Matcha Eight, we celebrate Japan’s love for seasonality with our limited-time Sakura dessert menu, handmade with care and respect for tradition. Each component is crafted using artisanal methods and Japan-imported ingredients.

Matcha Eight seasonal Hanami Platter features:

Sakuramochi: soft pink rice cakes wrapped in Sakura leaves
Sakura ice cream: delicate floral notes with a whisper of sweetness, gracefully infused by preserved Sakura leaves
Sakura Jelly: soft quivering texture with real Sakura flowers from Kochi prefecture, Japan
Traditional Warabimochi: made using "wasanbon toh" — an upper-class Japanese sugar produced in Tokushima prefecture
Matcha Jelly: made with single-origin matcha from Wazuka, Kyoto
Shiratama Mochi with Noshi Ume (traditional plum sheet): serves as palate cleansing
Sakura tea: delicate floral infusion with real Sakura flowers from Kochi prefecture, Japan

You will notice the wonderful salted Sakura petals, a classic ingredient made by pickling cherry blossoms in salt. These petals are not only gorgeous, but they also have the flavour of spring, blooming once more in tea and pastries.

Savouring Spring in Malaysia

While Malaysia doesn’t experience four seasons, you can still celebrate the joys of spring with us. At Matcha Eight, we invite you to slow down, savour the present, and experience the taste of tradition amidst the blossoms. 

Available exclusively at The Exchange TRX flagship store, the Hanami Platter is available in two options: sharing platter and single platter, priced at RM68++ and RM48++, respectively.

This article is contributed by Nursyaza Nadia Azman