Nothing says spring in Japan more than sakura—cherry blossoms. The colors of these delicate blooms range from snow white to the palest of pinks to bright fuchsia. Their ephemeral beauty is celebrated across Japanese art, and tableware is no different. Bring spring to your table with sakura motif items.

When it comes to cherry trees, it’s not only the blossoms that deserve the spotlight: it’s the bark that steals the show in kabazaiku, or “cherry bark work.” Its captivating silken luster and wood grains showcase the natural wonder of trees. Adding kabazaiku to your table or interior decor is a lovely way to celebrate the fresh new growth of spring.

After the sleepiness of winter’s chill, the first signs of flowers’ awakening are what truly signal that warm breezes and hopeful days are to come. Besides sakura, a Japanese spring is also rich with lilies, spring peonies, and peach blossoms. Pair these with spring birds like uguisu, the Japanese bush warbler, for an extra-lively setting. Explore spring flower motifs and refresh your living space for the season.

April showers may bring May flowers, but you don’t need to wait out the rain to enjoy the brilliance of hanazume. A classic Kutani ware technique that literally means “filled with flowers,” hanazume delights in covering every last centimeter of porcelain with brilliant blooms, then outlining it all in gold. Try hanazume items to bring spring abundance to your table.

Spring in Japan features two events dedicated to the growth of children. The first is Hinamatsuri, also known as Momo-no-Sekku (Peach Festival) or Girls’ Day. Observed on March 3, the celebration centers on wishes for the well-being and happiness of young girls. Decorate with peach blossoms and hina dolls for an authentic Hinamatsuri experience.

The second spring event dedicated to children is Children’s Day, sometimes called Tango-no-Sekku or Boys’ Day. Observed on May 5, families fly koinobori—koi-shaped streamers—and decorate their homes with kabuto samurai helmets and gosho dolls to wish for the strength and health of their growing children.

Japanese people have long marked the changing seasons through various customs, and few are as widely cherished as hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. In this article, we explore how this age-old tradition began and how it continues to be enjoyed today.

As cherry blossoms begin to bloom across Japan, parks and riversides fill with soft pink, drawing friends and families together each spring. This year, discover ten fascinating facts about these beloved blossoms—from their surprising origins to the traditions and stories that surround them.