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For travellers, this could mean higher daily spending during hanami<\/em>, where food and drinks form a key part of the experience. Market researcher Intage estimates the average hanami<\/em> budget in 2026 at about \u00a56,383 (around $40), down 14% from a year earlier, indicating that consumers are cutting back on spending.<\/p>\n \nAmong commonly-consumed items, price increases have been significant. Steamed sweet buns’ prices have risen more than 46% since 2020, while carbonated drinks and rice balls have become costlier by around 46% and 45%, respectively. Further cost pressures may emerge. According to the Dai-ichi Life report, rising crude oil prices linked to tensions in West Asia could increase the cost of items such as sweets, snacks and beverages, including through higher packaging costs.<\/p>\n ALSO READ |<\/strong> Border brews: Indian Army converts idle Bailey bridge in Arunachal into a caf\u00e9<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the rise in food prices and tighter spending by residents, the overall economic impact of the cherry blossom season is expected to reach a record \u00a51.49 trillion this year, with foreign visitors accounting for more than 30% of that total.<\/p>\n ALSO READ | <\/strong>Japan\u2019s Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026: A traveller\u2019s guide to sakura season<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Overall, prices of typical food items consumed during cherry blossom viewing have increased by about 25% over the past six years and roughly 4% over the last year, according to a report by Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. The rise has been driven by higher input costs such as sugar, cooking oil, rice and packaging materials.<\/p>\n