Sugadaira Highlands, Nagano

#cherryblossom25 Sugadaira Highlands offers a completely different cherry blossom experience — it’s high up, cooler, and later blooming, giving you that rare second chance to catch the sakura if you missed them elsewhere. I hiked through rolling meadows and birch forests, and then suddenly, clusters of cherry trees appeared like pink islands against the green landscape. The air was crisp, and I could still see snow clinging to the distant peaks — spring here feels raw and fresh. My favorite spot was a little clearing where I could sit, surrounded by blossoms, with nothing but wind and birdsong for company. My #cherryblossom25 post captured that wide-open freedom: petals in the foreground, mountains behind. If you’re into nature, hiking, and want a more rugged sakura adventure, Sugadaira is your place.