Suzaka Garyu Park, Nagano

#cherryblossom25 Suzaka Garyu Park was such a surprise — it’s like a local secret that bursts into full glory during cherry blossom season. The park wraps around a pond, creating endless reflections of fluffy pink trees. When I visited, food stalls popped up selling taiyaki and yakitori, and families gathered for cheerful hanami picnics. It had a festive, warm atmosphere that felt very real and uncommercialized. I rented a tiny rowboat and floated among fallen petals — easily one of my most peaceful cherry blossom moments ever. For my #cherryblossom25 post, I snapped a shot from the boat, with sakura branches arching over the water and soft ripples breaking the reflection. If you want to experience cherry blossoms the way locals do, without big tourist crowds, Suzaka Garyu Park is an absolute winner.