Spring has arrived, and so has the cherry blossom season of 2025. According to this year’s forecast, cherry blossoms are expected to begin blooming in Tokyo around March 22, followed by March 25 in Nagoya, March 26 in Osaka, and March 28 in Kyoto. As cherry trees bloom across Japan, people will gather in parks and along riversides to enjoy the fleeting beauty of sakura.
In Japan, hanami (flower viewing) is more than just admiring cherry blossoms—it’s also about enjoying food and drinks under the trees. The tradition dates back to the Nara period when nobles held banquets beneath plum blossoms. By the Heian period, cherry blossom viewings became popular, and during the Edo period, hanami became a custom enjoyed by commoners as well. One of the most famous hanami events in history was Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s grand hanami party at Daigo Temple in 1598, where 1,300 guests were served sake from all over Japan. This tradition has continued for centuries, making hanami an iconic part of Japanese spring culture.
As the sun sets and hanami gatherings wind down, why not continue celebrating spring at a snack bar? While daytime hanami captures the beauty of nature, a snack bar at night offers a different way to experience the season.
Feel the Spirit of Spring at a Snack Bar!
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The Charm of Seasonal Atmosphere in Snack Bars
When you think of snack bars, you might picture retro-style interiors and karaoke, but many snack bars embrace seasonal themes and decorations. In spring, some bars decorate with cherry blossom motifs, while others offer seasonal drinks like sakura cocktails or limited-edition spring sake.
The best part? Conversations with the bar’s “mama” (hostess) and regulars. In a snack bar, it’s easy to share stories about your hanami experience and enjoy a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Unlike daytime hanami, where the focus is on the scenery, snack bars allow you to experience the social side of spring—meeting new people, laughing, and creating unforgettable memories.
Enjoy Exclusive Spring Drinks
Spring is a time when special seasonal drinks appear on menus. Many snack bars offer unique selections of sake, cocktails, and local brews that highlight the flavors of the season.
For example, you might find:
✔ Sakura liqueur cocktails – Light and floral, perfect for a refreshing spring night
✔ Limited-edition spring sake – Smooth and aromatic, capturing the essence of the season
✔ Mama’s secret bottle – Some bars have exclusive bottles not listed on the menu, making for an exciting discovery
In addition, snack bars often serve homemade side dishes, some of which feature seasonal ingredients like spring greens or mountain vegetables. Whether it’s nanohana (rape blossoms) with mustard dressing or crispy tempura of wild vegetables, you can enjoy flavors that perfectly complement your drink.
Unlike daytime hanami, where you may snack on store-bought food, snack bars provide a chance to savor spring flavors in a more intimate and relaxed setting.
Sing Your Favorite Spring Songs at Karaoke!
What’s a night at a snack bar without karaoke? To make your spring night even more special, why not sing some cherry blossom-themed songs?
Some classic choices include:
- “Sakura (Solo)” by Naotaro Moriyama
- “Sakurazaka” by Masaharu Fukuyama
- “SAKURA” by Ikimono Gakari
- “Yozakura Oshichi” by Fuyumi Sakamoto
Whether you want to sing a heartfelt ballad to match the nostalgic mood of the season or an upbeat song to celebrate spring with friends, karaoke adds another layer of fun to your night.
Hanami in the Day, a Snack Bar at Night – Enjoy Spring to the Fullest!
After spending the day under cherry blossoms, why not continue the celebration at a snack bar? Many snack bars incorporate seasonal themes and drinks, allowing you to experience a different side of spring in a cozy, social setting.
The best part about snack bars? They’re casual, welcoming, and perfect for spontaneous visits. You can sip spring sake, chat with friendly regulars, and even sing your favorite sakura songs, making the night as memorable as your hanami afternoon.
So this year, don’t let your hanami end at sunset—step into a snack bar and let the magic of spring continue!
Let’s go to Izakaya and a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide!!
You can enjoy many kinds of drinks at Izakaya and drinking culture Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.
Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.
When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!
Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.
New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!
