Lake Haruna, Gunma

#cherryblossom25 Lake Haruna might just be one of my favorite sakura spots so far — it’s not just beautiful, it’s epic. The lake itself sits in a crater, ringed by mountains and forests. Cherry trees bloom all around the edge, and the reflection of the blossoms in the still lake is pure serenity. I rented a swan boat (because why not?), and gently paddled under light rain as the blossoms drifted onto the water. Talk about a #cherryblossom25 core memory. There’s also a ropeway nearby that takes you up Mount Haruna, where you can see the entire lake and its cherry fringe from above. I stayed in a nearby onsen town, and that made it a perfect 2-day retreat — soak, wander, blossom-watch, repeat. If you’re looking for romance, peace, or photo magic, this one is a quiet star.