Sakura Drinks Hit Japan Early

Starbucks Japan is welcoming the start of spring a little early this year with its first cherry-blossom-themed release of 2026, and it’s hard not to think they’ve been inspired by the real early-blooming cherry blossoms across Japan. Although there are a number of cherry blossom varieties that commonly bloom in late February or early March (about one month before the standard cherry blossom season), in 2026 many of those early bloomers have begun putting out blossoms even earlier than usual, showering Japan with pink petals as early as late January! So, perhaps in solidarity with the Kawazu-zakura and other early cherry blossoms, Starbucks Japan is already releasing a round of cherry-blossom-inspired frappuccinos, lattes, and even sodas!

The First Starbucks Cherry Blossom Drink Lineup of 2026

According to their February 12th press release, Starbucks Coffee Japan will introduce three new seasonal sakura beverages on February 18th, a frappuccino, a latte, and a soda, each one designed to “capture the anticipation of cherry blossom season.” In Japan, spring (and cherry blossom season in particular) is not only a time to enjoy nature as it wakes up from its winter slumber – it’s a season of new beginnings, when young people start at new schools or even new jobs. With everyone looking ahead to new beginnings, Starbucks says the drinks are meant to feel like a little cheer of encouragement as winter fades into spring.

For those who love “sakura flavor” (generally a sweet, somewhat floral flavor with the lightest touch of cherry), Starbucks is ready with a classic seasonal drink: the Sakura Saku Yo Latte. (The name literally means something along the lines of “The Cherry Blossoms Will Bloom! Latte”) This drink is no coffee concoction, instead combining steamed milk with sakura syrup for a light, sweet sip, and finishing the whole thing with decorative latte art. Each Sakura Saku Yo Latte will feature a cute cherry blossom tree made with chocolate sauce and little pastel pink shavings!

Starbucks notes that their baristas will pour their wishes “that the cherry blossoms may bloom” into each cup, so if you order one, make sure to check if you can taste the passion.

If you’re looking for a more unique cherry blossom season go-to, the most intriguing (and eye-catching) option from Starbucks might be the Sakura Saku Yo White Peach Frappuccino. The blended drink mixes peach flavors with subtle sakura notes, featuring layers of white peach jelly and milk pudding, inside a cup lined with sakura syrup, all topped with pastel pink shavings meant to resemble falling petals. The mix of creamy textures, fruity sweetness, and classic sakura syrup is an unusual choice for Starbucks, making it a good choice for those of us who get bored with the simple sweetness of cherry blossom drinks.

Rounding out the lineup is the Sakura Saku Yo White Peach Soda, a sparkling drink that combines peach jelly with floral hints of lavender, the fruity aroma of cassis (black currant), and a touch of vanilla – a flavor combo that was supposedly inspired by the concept of cherry blossom viewing late at night. From start to finish, it almost sounds like we’re describing a perfume instead of a carbonated beverage, but this fruity-floral potion is likely to be a refreshing choice for anyone craving something sweet but light.

Prices range from 579 yen to 700 yen, and these special seasonal sakura drinks will be available while supplies last, so if you’re interested in trying any of them, we recommend stopping in on February 18th – or as soon as you can after they hit menus. With three different options, the first Starbucks cherry blossom lineup of the year feels like an inviting preview of all the spring fun to come. 🌸

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