Sakura Cherry Blossom KitKats in Japan - Floral and Matcha Flavors

The Beautiful Flavor of Cherry Blossom KitKats

KitKats are one of the most popular chocolate snacks globally, known for their crispy wafers and smooth chocolate. But in Japan, KitKats go above and beyond classic flavors. Special seasonal editions reflect beloved parts of Japanese culture—especially the treasured sakura, or cherry blossoms.

The Significance of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossom season marks the start of spring in Japan. These blooms have been revered in the country for centuries as a symbol of renewal, ephemeral beauty, and the impermanence of life. The Japanese celebrate hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, as the delicate pink and white flowers emerge along riversides and parks.

It's no surprise that the iconic cherry blossom motif makes its way into Japanese snacks as a specialty flavor. KitKat captures the delicate flavor in their limited-edition Sakura Matcha KitKat boxes.

Unboxing the Floral Treasure

Once you open a box of sakura KitKats, you'll notice a light cherry blossom scent. Each crisp wafer bar is coated by a layer of creamy white chocolate studded with pieces of cherry blossom. The floral flavor pairs beautifully with high quality Uji matcha green tea blended into the chocolate.

Some boxes feature KitKat's classic elongated fingers, while special packages have petite bite-sized KitKats. Their small size makes them perfect as gifts or souvenirs from Japan. The charming packaging depicts pale pink cherry blossoms—an exquisite detail for a consumable product.

Tasting Notes on Sakura KitKats

Aroma

Right away, you'll notice delicate floral tones as you open the box. The chocolate gives off richer cocoa scents underneath the cherry blossom aromatics. If you purchased a Matcha box, traces of grassy green tea also come through.

Flavor

Biting into the bar, you'll taste the floral essence of the preserved cherry blossoms. Their presence is subtle, enhancing the smooth white chocolate rather than overpowering it. The flowers offer a spring-like sweetness along with very mild fruit acidity.

In the Matcha boxes, the bitterness of powdered green tea contrasts elegantly with the sweet cherry notes. Smooth white chocolate ties it all together. Each element—the matcha, cherry blossoms, and chocolate—complements each other perfectly with their flavors and textures.

Texture

You can expect a classic KitKat crunch from the thin baked wafers inside the bar. When chewed slowly, the wafers give way to the floral chocolate coating around them. Blossom petals add a fun pop now and then for added texture.

Where to Find Sakura KitKat Varieties

During March and April, keep an eye out for the limited edition Sakura KitKat boxes at grocery stores across Japan. Specialty KitKat boutiques in tourist areas also carry unique flavors, shapes, and packaging styles—including beautiful tins of the cherry blossom bars.

Due to their exclusivity and seasonal nature, the cherry blossom KitKat routinely sells out shortly after release. If visiting Japan during sakura season, snatch them as soon as you see them!

Websites like Japan Centre ship various Japanese KitKat boxes worldwide. Prices reflect the specialty status of these exclusive bars—but they make wonderfully thoughtful gifts for lovers of Japanese culture, sweets, and botanicals.

Expand Your Snacking Horizons

While you have the chance, expand your Japanese snack tastings beyond the novelty sakura KitKats. Classic flavors like matcha and soy sauce make frequent appearances in KitKats as well. And Japan Craft KitKat sells luxurious single-origin bars made from specialty cocoa.

Look for flavors like rum raisin, brown sugar syrup, or purple sweet potato blended into chocolatey KitKat fingers. Japan's culture and innovation shines through in these unique snack offerings throughout the country.

FAQs

When are the sakura KitKats available?

Sakura KitKats are released for a limited time during cherry blossom season in spring, usually March and April.

Where can I buy sakura flavor KitKats in Japan?

Look for the specialty KitKat boxes at grocery stores and souvenir shops, especially in areas popular with tourists. The bars sell out very quickly after release.

Do cherry blossom KitKats really contain cherry flavor?

Yes, the chocolate contains actual preserved cherry blossoms to provide their subtle floral flavor. The flowers pair beautifully with white chocolate and matcha green tea.

Can I buy sakura KitKats if I don't live in Japan?

Some international websites ship Japanese KitKats worldwide after their seasonal release. However, the exclusivity makes these specialty bars more expensive outside Japan.