For tourists, this could result in higher daily expenditures during hanami, where food and beverages play a vital role in the experience. Market researcher Intage predicts the average hanami budget for 2026 will be around ¥6,383 (approximately $40), a 14% decrease from the previous year, suggesting that consumers are reducing their spending.
Significant price hikes have been noted among popular items. The cost of steamed sweet buns has surged over 46% since 2020, while carbonated drinks and rice balls have also risen by about 46% and 45%, respectively.
In general, prices of typical food items enjoyed during cherry blossom viewing have climbed around 25% over the last six years and by approximately 4% in the past year, according to a report from Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. This increase is largely attributed to rising input costs, including those for sugar, cooking oil, rice, and packaging materials.
Additional cost pressures may be on the horizon. The Dai-ichi Life report indicates that escalating crude oil prices linked to tensions in West Asia could further raise the costs of items like sweets, snacks, and beverages, particularly due to increased packaging expenses.
ALSO READ | Border brews: Indian Army converts idle Bailey bridge in Arunachal into a café
Despite the uptick in food prices and tighter budgets among locals, the overall economic impact of the cherry blossom season is expected to reach a remarkable ¥1.49 trillion this year, with more than 30% contributed by foreign visitors.
ALSO READ | Japan’s Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026: A traveller’s guide to sakura season
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Mar 25, 2026 7:18 PM IST
