is a Japanese confection (wagashi) consisting of sweet, pink-colored rice cake (mochi) with a red bean paste (anko) center and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom (sakura) leaf. Different regions of Japan have different styles of sakuramochi. Kanto-style uses to make the rice cake, and Kansai-style uses . The sweet is traditionally eaten during the spring season, especially on Girl's Day (hinamatsuri; March 3) and at flower viewing parties (hanami). The leaf may or may not be eaten depending on individual preference. Types of sakuramochi Sakuramochi differs by shapes and recipes, depending on areas it was made. Kanto-style sakuramochi Sakuramochi made in Kanto area. Outside of Kanto-area the Kanto-style sakuramochi is also known as , named after a temple near the shop first sold the sweets). Kanto-style sakuramochi is often sold together with Kansai-style sakuramochi in supermarkets. Kansai-style sakuramochi Sakuramochi made in Kansai area. Also known as or simply . Kanto-style sakuramochi is available only in the Kanto-area. "Sakuramochi" is a common term to refer to the widely available Kansai-style mochi. See also Sakurayu Sakura cheese Hwajeon Japanese tea ceremony Wajik Kashiwa mochi Hanabiramochi Hishi mochi Warabimochi Zunda-mochi Kuzumochi Kusa mochi Hyōroku mochi Botamochi References Japanese cuisine Cherry blossom Wagashi