Momo no Sekku: A Celebration of Spring, Tradition & Sake 🌸🍶

As winter fades and peach blossoms begin to bloom, Japan welcomes Momo no Sekku (桃の節句), the Peach Blossom Festival, on 3rd March. Also known as Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival), this 1,000-year-old tradition celebrates renewal, happiness, and good fortune, particularly for young girls.

Beyond its seasonal beauty, Momo no Sekku is deeply tied to Japan’s rich history and craftsmanship, from the intricately crafted hina dolls to the elegant wagashi (traditional sweets) and refined koshu (aged sake) enjoyed during the festivities.

Let’s explore the meaning behind this festival, the customs that define it, and how you can bring the spirit of Momo no Sekku into your own home!

The History & Symbolism of Momo no Sekku 📜✨

Momo no Sekku originated in the Heian period (794-1185), influenced by an ancient Chinese purification ritual in which people placed paper dolls in rivers to wash away bad luck and misfortune. Over time, this evolved into the display of elaborate hina dolls, symbolising protection, good health, and prosperity.

Traditional Momo no Sekku Customs 🎎

The festival became closely associated with spring and peach blossoms, which were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring longevity. While peach trees don’t typically bloom in early March in modern Japan, they were once seen as a symbol of renewal and vitality, making them the perfect representation of this festival.

1️⃣ Hina Doll Displays

Families set up hina ningyo (雛人形, hina dolls) dressed in elegant Heian-era court attire. These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians, carefully arranged on tiered platforms covered in red cloth.

📌 Fun fact: It’s believed that leaving the dolls out too long after 3rd March can delay a daughter’s marriage, so they are promptly stored away the next day!

2️⃣ Festive Foods & Sake Traditions 🍡🍶

Momo no Sekku is celebrated with a variety of symbolic foods, each representing happiness, health, and longevity:

🍡 Hishi Mochi (菱餅)

A three-layered rice cake in pink (health), white (purity), and green (growth).

🎣 Chirashizushi (ちらし寿司)

A vibrant sushi dish topped with seafood and vegetables, symbolising prosperity and abundance.

🥢 Hamaguri (蛤, Clam Soup)

Clams are served in pairs to represent harmony and happy relationships.

🍶 Shirozake (白酒, White Sake)

A lightly sweet fermented rice sake, traditionally enjoyed during Hinamatsuri.

Perfect Sake Pairings for Momo no Sekku 🍶✨

🍶 Kenbishi Alchemy – Rich & Luxurious

Tasting Notes: Chocolate, caramel, butter, and dried fruits.
Best Pairing: Anko-filled mochi, dorayaki, roasted nuts.
This golden-hued koshu is a masterclass in aged sake, offering a silky texture that enhances sweet red bean paste and nutty wagashi flavours.

🍶 Golden Amber – Smooth & Aromatic

Tasting Notes: Toffee, vanilla, oak, and smoky caramel.
Best Pairing: Matcha-flavoured sweets, yokan (red bean jelly), honey-drizzled desserts.
With 12 years of ageing, Golden Amber develops whisky-like warmth, making it an elegant match for earthy matcha and rich red bean flavours.

🍶 Genroku Redux – Sweet & Historic

Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, fig, soy, and deep umami.
Best Pairing: Dark chocolate, chestnut pastries, rich sesame sweets.
A faithful recreation of a 300-year-old Edo-period recipe, Genroku Redux is bold, complex, and slightly sweet—a delightful contrast to dense, indulgent wagashi.

Where to Find Traditional Momo no Sekku Foods in the UK 🇬🇧

If you’re celebrating Momo no Sekku outside Japan, you can still enjoy authentic flavours! Here are some UK-based shops where you can find wagashi and Japanese ingredients:

📍 London:

Minamoto Kitchoan (Piccadilly) – High-quality traditional Japanese sweets, including seasonal wagashi.

Wagumi (Oxo Tower) – A variety of artisan Japanese goods, including occasional wagashi selections.

🌐 Online:

Minamoto Kitchoan UK – Order authentic wagashi online.

Wagumi – A subscription service for handmade seasonal Japanese selections.

Celebrate Momo no Sekku with Tengu Sake 🌸

Whether you’re admiring beautiful hina dolls, sharing wagashi with loved ones, or raising a glass to the arrival of spring, Momo no Sekku is a moment to embrace renewal, beauty, and tradition.Toast to the season with a glass of aged koshu—because every sip tells a story of time, craftsmanship, and celebration.

👉 Shop our koshu sake collection now and bring Momo no Sekku to your table!

Kanpai,
The Tengu Sake Team