For tourists, this could translate to elevated daily expenditures during hanami, with food and drinks being essential to the occasion. Market researcher Intage predicts that the average budget for hanami in 2026 will be around ¥6,383 (approximately $40), reflecting a 14% decrease from the previous year, signifying that consumers are tightening their budgets.
Among commonly consumed items, significant price hikes have been noted. The cost of steamed sweet buns has surged more than 46% since 2020, while carbonated drinks and rice balls have seen increases of about 46% and 45%, respectively.
Overall, the prices of typical food items associated with cherry blossom viewing have jumped by approximately 25% over the last six years and nearly 4% in the past year, as reported by Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. This increase has been fueled by rising input costs for ingredients like sugar, cooking oil, rice, and packaging materials.
Additional cost pressures may arise. The Dai-ichi Life report suggests that climbing crude oil prices connected to geopolitical tensions in West Asia could drive up the costs of sweets, snacks, and beverages, primarily through increased packaging expenses.
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Despite the escalating food prices and tighter spending habits among locals, the overall economic impact of the cherry blossom season is anticipated to hit a record ¥1.49 trillion this year, with foreign visitors contributing over 30% to this total.
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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Mar 25, 2026 7:18 PM IST
