旅Around Tokyo

Historic Towns

Sawara 佐原

Canal-side merchant houses in Chiba's 'Little Edo'

Prefecture
Chiba (Katori City)
From Tokyo
About 1.5–2 hours
Best time
July and October (Sawara Grand Festival), spring

Sawara grew rich on river trade along the Tone River. Willow-lined canals and well-preserved merchant houses make it one of the most atmospheric old towns near Tokyo.

Highlights

Ono River boat ride

A slow flat-boat cruise through the historic center.

Ino Tadataka Museum

Dedicated to the Sawara merchant who mapped all of Japan in the 1800s.

Sawara Grand Festival

Towering floats parade through town; a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Float Museum

See the festival floats year-round.

Katori Jingu

One of Japan's oldest shrines, a short trip from town.

Getting there

  • JR Narita Line from Tokyo to Sawara, usually via Narita or Chiba (about 1.5–2 hours).
  • Highway bus from Tokyo Station (about 1.5 hours).
  • Only about 30–40 minutes from Narita Airport — great on an arrival or departure day.

Tips

  • Pair with Katori Jingu and Sakura for a Chiba history day.
  • Boat rides stop in bad weather.

What to eat