Bringing Hanami Home: A Spring Bento
Written by Team MUSUBI
The first blossoms appear, then another tree blooms, and before you know it, the season is in full swing. Hanami “sakura viewing party” isn’t about a single day—it’s about stepping outside again and again, enjoying the sakura in bloom, and watching the colors shift with the passing weeks.
But the joy of hanami isn’t only found under the trees. A well-prepared table, where favorite dishes are arranged with care and a single cherry blossom branch rests in a porcelain vase, brings the season right into your home.
Table of contents
Cherry Blossoms Across the Table
A table set for hanami at home captures more than the season’s beauty—it extends the fleeting charm of blossoms into a space shared with others. A branch of sakura reaches from a porcelain vase, its petals catching the light.
At the center is a jubako with its lid open, its tiered layers holding a meal that brings the occasion to life.
The wooden surface of the table, the natural tones of the dishware, and the glimmers of color create an atmosphere that feels effortless yet intentional. Seasonal flavors are thoughtfully arranged—sea bream laid out on a hand-painted Kyo ware plate from Tosen Kiln, and clams in a delicate dashi broth served in a lidded bowl with a gold-colored rim.
Hints of spring weave through the table without being overwhelming. A chopstick rest adorned with Kyoto’s signature weeping cherry blossoms and lacquered chopsticks with golden petals quietly nod to the season.
The Jubako: A Box of Possibilities
A lacquered jubako bento box is the heart of this setting, its octagonal form giving it presence on the table. Carried neatly stacked, then arranged open to reveal its contents, it transforms from a closed box into a vibrant display of spring flavors.
Each section offers something different: delicate onigiri topped with pickled cherry blossoms, simmered vegetables cut into playful shapes, and grilled fish glazed with miso. A piece of wagashi adds a touch of sweetness, contrasting with the savory elements.
A jubako bento box is a tradition that unfolds in layers. More than just a piece for a single season, a well-crafted jubako takes on different roles throughout the year—holding hanami feasts in spring, serving chilled dishes in summer, and carrying seasonal delicacies as the months pass.
The table is set, the jubako open, and the tea warm in hand. As petals drift beyond the window, a quiet thought lingers—when shall we gather for hanami again?
Featured Item
Negoro Yamanaka Lacquerware Two Tiers Jubako Bento Box
This octagonal jubako is crafted with Yamanaka lacquerware techniques, featuring a nuno-bari coat for durability and a suri-urushi finish that deepens in character over time. Sized for two, it can be stacked or used as a single tier, keeping dishes neatly arranged for any occasion—whether wrapped in a furoshiki for a picnic or set out as an elegant centerpiece at home.
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