If you are planning on viewing cherry blossoms don’t go without a spring bento box and a drink. Working at Takashimaya it was an education to see the seasonal food prepared in bento boxes. The above box is from Minokichi, a historic Kyoto kaiseki restaurant. The current chef is the tenth generation. The restaurant dates back to 1719. This bento box can be found at Takashimaya department store in Shinjuku, close to both Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park, both filled with cherry blossom trees, and my personal favorite spots.

Be sure to pick up something to drink at the depachika. For cold tea, juice, or water in the grocery section. Better yet, show your support for Tohoku by picking up a bottle of sake. Urakasumi Zen from Miyagi or Dewazakura from Yamagata are two favorites. Ask the staff in the sake department for some plastic cups.

This bento box is from Koichian, also at Takashimaya in Shinjuku. Takashimaya is located just outside of the Shinjuku Minami Guchi (South exit).

Shinjuku Takashimaya

Shibuya-ku, Sendagaya 5-24-2

03-5361-1111

In spring bento look for salted cherry blossoms, cherry blossom shaped nama fu (wheat gluten), sansai (mountain vegetables), and bamboo shoots.

Other depachika convenient to cherry blossom viewing areas include Shibuya’s Tokyu Toyoko branch at Shibuya station which is on the way to Nakameguro if you are coming from the city.

Ueno Park is famous for its cherry blossoms. Matsuzakaya is in Ueno, or if you are visiting Asakusa on your way to Ueno Park then stop by Matsuya.