Spring is just around the corner, though winter seems reluctant to let go this year. Every spring and autumn, we make it a tradition to walk to our destination instead of taking public transport or biking—enjoying the crisp, cool air under the gentle warmth of the sun.

Of course, one of the best things about spring is its seasonal bounty. We’re looking forward to all things sakura, the delicate flavors of tai (sea bream), and the subtle bitterness of nanohana (field mustard). And let’s not forget the umeshu we made last summer—it’s finally ready to enjoy. Here’s to the changing seasons and all the flavors they bring!

Here are some seasonal produce to look for if you are in Japan during Spring.

Nanohana (菜の花) – Field Mustard
Takenoko (タケノコ) – Bamboo Shoots
Fuki (フキ) – Butterbur Stalks
Warabi (ワラビ) – Bracken Fern
Zenmai (ゼンマイ) – Royal Fern
Taranome (タラノメ) – Japanese Angelica Tree Buds
Shungiku (シュンギク) – Chrysanthemum Greens
Asuparagasu (アスパラガス) – Asparagus
Seri (セリ) – Japanese Parsley
Udo (ウド) – Japanese Spikenard (Mountain Asparagus)
Tai (タイ) – Sea Bream
Sakura Ebi (サクラエビ) – Cherry Blossom Shrimp
Hotaru Ika (ホタルイカ) – Firefly Squid
Shirasu (シラス) – Whitebait (Baby Sardines/Anchovies)
Asari (アサリ) – Clams
Karei (カレイ) – Flounder
Iwashi (イワシ) – Sardines
Kisu (キス) – Japanese Whiting
Hamaguri (ハマグリ) – Hard Clams
Kani (カニ) – Crab (some varieties peak in spring)
Ichigo (イチゴ) – Strawberries
Dekopon (デコポン) – Seedless Mandarin Orange
Hassaku (ハッサク) – Japanese Citrus
Biwa (ビワ) – Loquat
Kinkan (キンカン) – Kumquat
Sakura-cha (桜茶) – Salt-Pickled Cherry Blossom Tea
Umeshu (梅酒) – Plum Wine (Made in Summer, Enjoyed in Spring)
Shincha (新茶) – First Harvest of Green Tea
Sakura Mochi (桜餅) – Cherry Blossom Rice Cake
Ichigo Daifuku (いちご大福) – Strawberry-Filled Rice Cake
Sakura Yokan (桜羊羹) – Cherry Blossom Sweet Bean Jelly
Sakura Castella (桜カステラ) – Cherry Blossom Sponge Cake
Warabi Mochi (わらび餅) – Bracken Starch Jelly with Kinako Powder
Hanami Dango (花見団子) – Tri-Colored Rice Dumplings for Flower Viewing
Sakura Manju (桜まんじゅう) – Cherry Blossom Steamed Bun