Sakura Castle Park, Chiba

#cherryblossom25 Yes — a town literally called Sakura! Sakura Castle Park in Chiba is a perfect blend of history and hanami. The castle itself is long gone, but the moats, walls, and layout are still there, giving it this old-world charm. I arrived during golden hour and walked through cherry trees that line the former castle grounds, their petals drifting like confetti over stone paths. It was peaceful, quiet, and steeped in history. There's also the National Museum of Japanese History nearby, so you can easily make it a full cultural day trip. What made this extra special for my #cherryblossom25 trip was how few tourists were there — it felt like discovering a hidden layer of Japan. I sat on a low stone wall with a sakura-themed taiyaki and watched a local kendo club practice in the distance. It was like time travel with blossoms.