From my understanding, Prunus serrulata, which is the Japanese Flowering Cherry tree also known as Sakura, does not produce much in the way of fruit. In fact, I believe that most forms cultivated for beauty produce even less, sometimes even none at all. It is also sometimes known to produce hydrogen cyanide, though mostly in non-toxic amounts so I am unsure of the effects of that beyond bitterness.

Sources: -personal landscaping experience -the following websites: http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/trees/prunus-serrulata/ http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/pdf/hgic1018.pdf http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+serrulata http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus http://www.arthurleej.com/p-o-m-April05.html

I should also note that while there are few to none dishes containing cherry, Yamagata and Hokkaido in the north of Japan are famous for cherries that are sold at very expensive prices throughout Japan, so not all cherry trees in Japan are ornamental. I unfortunately have no sources for that beyond personal experience, so if this comment needs to be removed I understand completely.

My understanding this that the "Sakura" or Japanese Cherry Blossom tree is actually a totally different species of tree than is grown for it's fruit. According to wiki, the Japanese Cherry Blossom tree is Prunus serrulata, while most of the edible stone-fruits sold as "Cherries" in the Western world are from Prunus avium or one of its hybrids or cultivars. Note that all of our stone-fruits (including plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, and apricots) are species within the genus Prunus or a hybrid or cultivar thereof.