News

Easter in Japan: How the Holiday is Gaining Popularity Through Theme Parks and Spring Festivals

Although Easter isn’t a traditional Japanese holiday, in recent years it has grown in popularity among families and the younger generations. With Japan’s love for seasonal celebrations, it's no wonder...

Matcha Madness: Why This Green Tea Powder is in Everything

If you’ve ever walked down an aisle filled with Japanese snacks, you’ve probably spotted that vibrant green color peeking out from cookies, candies, and even chips. That’s matcha, Japan’s beloved powdered green...

Sakura Season in Osaka 2025: Viewing Spots, Forecast & Travel Tips

Planning a spring trip to Japan? Then you don’t want to miss sakura season in Osaka.  A stunning time when the city transforms into a sea of soft pink cherry blossoms....

Hina Matsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival and Celebration of Girls

Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) is a traditional Japanese festival held every year on March 3rd. Also known as the "Doll Festival" this day is dedicated to celebrating the health and...

Exploring Japan’s Exquisite Strawberries

Japan’s strawberry culture is filled with meticulous craftsmanship, seasonal beauty, and culinary delight. In this blog, we journey through Japan’s unique strawberry culture, as we enter into the eagerly anticipated...

The Gacha Gacha Guide

Gacha Gacha capsule toys, also known as "Gachapon" are a Japanese craze that captivate both locals and the world alike. These small, collectible items are found in vending machines and...

Guide to Japanese Vending Machines 2024

Ever since the first vending machine launched in Japan in 1888 in the form of a tobacco dispenser, these self-serve machines have become a defining part of modern Japanese life...

5 Must-See Autumn Festivals in Japan

There are many incredible Japanese autumn festivals that celebrate the country’s rich history as well as its unique and long-enduring Shinto religion. If you’ve been thinking of an autumn trip...

Guide to Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festivals in Osaka

Matsuris have a long, storied history in Japan, dating back to the beginnings of the Shinto religion. Nowadays, they are often multi-day celebrations that occur throughout Japan, particularly in the...

All About Anko: Japanese Red Bean Paste Guide

Anko, also known as Japanese red bean paste, is a popular ingredient that features in a wide variety of Japanese treats, including the popular confectioneries known as Wagashi. In this...

Definitive Guide to Japanese Konbini

Over their relatively short life, konbinis have become an essential part of Japanese life - especially for those living in urban areas. In this blog, we’ll provide you with an...

Japanese Snack Boxes - Perfect as a Mother's Day Gift

Make Mother’s Day extra special this Sunday with our authentic ‘Japan gifts for her’.  Carefully curated by our team of working moms in Osaka, Sakura Box has a fantastic range...

A Definitive Guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony

For the Japanese, the preparation of tea comes with a rich history of culture and tradition dating all the way back to AD 900.  It can take many years for...

Sakura Blossom Season in Japan

During springtime in Japan, the locals there celebrate the beautiful time of year with outdoor festivals and family picnics. The interesting part is that these events all have one thing...

Top 10 Best Japanese Kit Kat Flavors, Ranked

When it comes to experiencing Japanese candy, none are more famed and more eccentric to onlookers than the range of KitKats available. Here in the UK, Nestlé seems to have...

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Okashi Tenjikai Exhibition

Sakura Box recently had the opportunity to attend the annual 'Okashi Tenjikai' (Confectionery Exhibition), held at My Dome Exhibition Center in Osaka.   The invitation only event showcases Japan's biggest confectionery...