Charming and well-preserved riverside town

Sawara is a charming and quaint town in Chiba Prefecture that was a famous trading center during the Edo period and has deep ties to Japan’s history – a connection reflected in its quiet, well-preserved streets. Located along the Ono River, which flows into Japan’s second-longest Tone River, Sawara prospered due to its strategic connection to the capital of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Its importance in the past was so significant that it earned the nickname “Edo-masa,” meaning “better than Edo.”

Sawara is also famous for its production of sake, soy sauce and other fermented foods, traditions that remain core to its identity today. This legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a focus on innovation, continues to shape the town’s character, attracting visitors eager to explore its pristine streets and ever-evolving food scene.

A History Walk: Quaint Street Shops and Sawara’s Street Views

The heart of the Sawara Historic District offers a journey back in time, with many businesses still run by families that have been passed down for generations. Visitors can explore stone streets lined with dozens of Edo period buildings. Sho NakamurayaNo. 10, founded in 1874, now sells Japanese accessories and groceries; Fukushin Gofukuten, founded in 1804, specializes in Japanese fabric accessories and small fabric goods. Uedaya Aramonoten is known for its selection of quality tools sourced from all over the country. Around town, other shops have been converted into cozy cafes and similar spaces that incorporate Sawara’s rich past and modern charm.

Sawara Japan Mall Hotel Further deepening the connection to the past. The hotel is housed in restored buildings that were once merchant homes, sake breweries, and warehouses, allowing guests to experience the atmosphere of old Sawara firsthand. Nipponia offers a unique experience, blending the town’s history with modern comforts.

Tadayoshi Inoh: The Legacy of a Cartographer

visit Ino Museum at a glance His beautifully preserved home provides an insight into one of Sawara’s most famous figures. Inoh Tadataka (1745-1818) spent more than 30 years in Sawara before beginning his cartographic career in his 50s. Subsequently, he spent nearly 17 years completing 10 survey expeditions across Japan, walking tens of thousands of kilometers and collecting a large amount of data. Although he died before his masterpiece was completed, his disciples continued his work for him, and the completed “Inno Map” was used throughout Japan for nearly a century.

Located across the river from his former home, the museum displays original Inen maps and his surveying tools, highlighting the precision and dedication to his work. Visitors can also explore his former residence, including the earth-walled warehouse, and learn how his life in Sawara laid the foundation for his later achievements in mapping Japan.

Koedo Sawara Boat Tour: Treasures of Sawara – Onogawa Tour

this Koedo Sawara Boat Tour Enjoy a peaceful 30-minute journey along the calm waters of the Ono River that flows through downtown Sawara. This tour starts near the former residence of Tadayoshi Ino, allowing you to see the town’s historic district from a different perspective. As the shallow motorized boat glides past low-hanging willow trees that gently sway toward the water, passengers are treated to views not possible only from the street.

Passengers on the ship often share stories about Sawara’s past and even sing that old folk song with the lyrics, “If you want to see Edo, go to Sawara. Sawara is better than Edo.” This is a tribute to the town’s rich history. and an interesting nod to the residents’ enduring pride—a sentiment it’s hard not to feel as you float along the river.

Katori Shrine: a place of reverence

Katori ShrineIt is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and was the center of Sawara’s original history and prosperity. It is said to have been built in 643 BC and was dedicated to Futsunushi-no-Okami (Futsunushi-no-Okami), the god of swords and war. attracted Travelers and merchants further encouraged Sawara as a trading center. This spirit lives on in the streets leading to the shrine, where several shops and restaurants serve visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area, why not stop by Uno Café. Known for its vintage espresso machines and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and reflect on the area’s rich history.

Sawara Taisai: Tradition in full bloom

Twice a year, the streets of Sawara come alive with the sights and sounds of people. Sawara DaisaiOne of the three major float festivals in Kanto, it has a history of about 300 years. The air is filled with the rhythm of taiko drums, the cheerful tones of traditional flutes and the cheers of locals in festive attire, while lanterns cast a warm glow over the site. The Summer Gion Festival in July is held to appease the God of Epidemics, while the October festival is to thank the God of Harvest.

Beautifully decorated floats with towering figures on top of each float during the festival Several meters high, the procession passes through the town. For those who missed the event, the festival atmosphere can be experienced year-round at the Mizugo Sawara Float Museum.

Savor history at Babahonten Sake Brewery

Babahonten Sake Brewery Its roots stretch back over 300 years; as the current manager, Yoshihiro Baba is not only a custodian of Sawara’s sake brewing heritage, but also very knowledgeable about the town’s history. His family’s brewery preserves traditional brewing techniques while adapting to modern challenges, producing sake and mirin, a sweet rice wine commonly used by Japanese people. Cooking – reflects the terroir of the area. “There used to be more than 30 sake breweries in Sawara Town,” Baba recalled, “but now there are only a few left.”

Baba reflected on the role of sake and soy sauce distilleries in nurturing the town’s culture. “The brewery was an original supporter of Sawara’s great holiday celebrations,” he said. “Each community has its own sake or soy sauce brewery and they will contribute by providing sake and funds for the celebrations. This is our way of giving back to our employees and letting them let off steam.” The festivals are known for their lavish floats and lively parades became a symbol of the town’s prosperity and unity.

In its heyday, Sawara flourished as a center for sake production, and its location along the Tone River allowed goods to be easily transported to Edo. “Rivers are lifelines,” Baba points out. “The advent of railroads at the end of the Meiji era weakened the prosperity brought about by water transportation, and many breweries disappeared.”

Visitors are welcome to visit the brewery’s display building, which displays historic brewing tools used from the Edo to Showa eras, but reservations are required to enter the brewery itself.

Visit the studio of Kirie master Masahiro Noguchi

Masahiro Noguchi, Master watch (paper-cutting), drawing deep inspiration from the historical streets and cultural landscape of Sawara. Carefully crafted on black and white paper, his artwork captures the town’s intricate wooden facades and river views, revealing his deep connection to the place. “You can see the difference when locals create art based on the town,” Noguchi said.

“The atmosphere of the town is tied to the past but thrives in the present,” he continues, emphasizing the unique energy of Sawara’s preserved townscape. “People still live in these buildings, which brings life to the old streets.”

His creative process is deeply personal and nuanced. Noguchi described this approach: “I [create] First there’s the draft, and I try to make sure everything stays connected – because if it doesn’t, the pieces will fall apart. “He works with precision, using only a small knife to cut each piece, turning intricate sketches into layered compositions. Some of his large-scale works can take months, and every detail requires focus and patience.

In addition to creating intricate works of art, Noguchi occasionally holds workshops and exhibitions around Sawara, allowing visitors to experience kirie’s art first-hand. Visitors can visit Noguchi’s studio to see his work up close and purchase prints. The studio is open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, closed every Wednesday.

Masahiro Noguchi Studio Address:
I-606 Katori City Sawara City

More information

For more information, visit Chiba Prefecture’s Official travel website.

To get to Sawara by train, take the JR Sobu Line from Tokyo Station to Narita Station. (Taking the Narita Express train takes about 50 minutes, but please be careful when boarding as some Narita Express trains bypass Narita Station. By regular train, it takes about 70-90 minutes, and you may change at Chiba.) Narita Station , transfer to the local Narita Line train and go toIt takes another 30 minutes to reach Sawara Station.

Alternatively, you can take the highway bus from Tokyo Station to Sawara. The bus departs from Yaesu Exit and the journey takes about 90 minutes.