Ueda is a city in Nagano, Japan known for its deep samurai history and folklore. Although you may encounter a few festivals honoring its heritage, the city holds other various charms and pleasures that maintain a small-town, low-key feel that massages the senses.

Below are the top 7 wonders of Ueda.

1. Cherry Blossoms at Ueda Castle

With the outgoing winter and incoming spring, Ueda Castle (picture above) begins to bloom in April. On the weekends, you'll see tarps covering the castle grounds and many family and friends drinking and eating while unwinding under the white blossoms. Yatai (food stalls) are set up around the grounds, and many sample seasonal delights from takoyaki (octopus balls) and choco-banana (chocolate-covered banana with sprinkles).

It's a relaxing and serene time for everyone as you'll see a hodgepodge of people: senior citizens strolling, teenagers in love, pet owners with one hand on a leash, company co-workers, and even gangsters. It's definitely a Japanese live version of Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon. And for a country that has a word for "death from overwork" (karoshi), a weekend enjoyment of good food, refreshments, and friends is therapeutical and philosophical.

Because the blossoms come and go suddenly--like most of life.

2. Tonkatsu at Rikitei