Numata Park, Gunma

#cherryblossom25 Numata Park felt like finding spring inside a storybook. Built on the grounds of an old castle, the park has this whimsical, layered layout — hilltop paths, stone steps, koi ponds, and of course, tons of cherry trees. When I visited, the blossoms were at their peak and the whole park had this dreamy pastel haze to it. Kids were running around with sakura petals in their hair, and older folks were out sketching the scenery. I walked up to the old stone tower base and looked out over the town from beneath a huge blooming cherry tree — one of my favorite quiet moments of this whole #cherryblossom25 journey. There's also a small zoo and a few retro food stalls nearby, which gave it this charming, local feel. It’s not too touristy and that’s part of its magic.