Nagatoro, Saitama

#cherryblossom25 Nagatoro is for those who want adventure and blossoms. This little mountain town is famous for its river cruises, and I timed mine just right — floating past sakura-lined cliffs while the boatman guided us with a long bamboo pole. It was like something out of a Ghibli movie. The blossoms here aren’t just by the river — they spill through the town and up into the hills, with spots like Mt. Hodo offering panoramic sakura views if you take the ropeway. I did the hike back down and walked through petal-covered trails with barely another traveler in sight. The town itself is super charming too, with old-school sweets shops, sake tastings, and friendly locals. My #cherryblossom25 post from the riverboat got a lot of love — because it’s not just pretty, it’s cinematic. If you want a full-day experience with layers, Nagatoro delivers.