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Sawara and Little Edo in Chiba Prefecture Japan

 

About

Sawara is the name of the main train station in Katori City. It is about 70 kilometers from Tokyo in a northeastern direction in the prefecture of Chiba and only 15 kilometers from Narita International Airport. There is an area in Katori City (near Sawara Station) called the "Suigo District" which is nick-named "Little Edo" ("Edo" was the name of Tokyo during the Edo Period 1603 – 1868). The streets and buildings remain much as they were in the Edo period and there are many waterways providing a terrific sense of nostalgia as the area closely resembles the nuance of several hundred years ago. During the Edo Period businesses flourished in Katori due to the fluvial transportation to and from Edo. There was a saying during the Edo period, "If you want to see Edo, why don't you visit Sawara. Sawara-Honmachi is more prosperous than Edo." The area has been designated a national preservation district for an important group of historic buildings.

There are many buildings in "Little Edo" that were built from the latter half of the Edo Period to the beginning of the Showa Era. Structures such as the old "Kura Zukuri" (warehouse) style merchant houses and Western brick buildings will surely attract your attention. One of these structures is the former home of Tadataka Ino, who was the first cartographer to complete a map of all Japan in the beginning of the 19th century. The 100 to 200-year-old buildings along the street include many furniture stores and general stores that have been operated as family businesses since Edo times. Boat rides along the river waterways are also offered.

Sawara has been settled since prehistoric times, and has numerous remains of Jomon period shell middens and Kofun period burial mounds. By the Nara period Sawara developed as a port and was associated with Katori Shrine. During the Heian period the town slowly became known for trade and by the Edo period had developed into a major commerce center. The "Sawara-no-Taisai Festival" is held in Sawara mid-July and mid-October. A dozen large floats are pulled through the streets. While visiting Sawara you might want to consider visiting Katori Shrine or even Kashima Shrine as well. Katori Shrine is just one stop or a nice long walk from Sawara and is one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan while Kashima is about 20 min. down the tracks and is also one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan.

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Sawara

Chiba Japan

Note: If your going to head out to Sawara, we highly recommend visiting Katori Shrine or even Kashima Shrine as well.

• from Tokyo
  • By Train: From Tokyo Station ride a Sobu Line Rapid bound for Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to Narita Station (1h 10min). Transfer at Narita station and ride a JR Narita Line bound for Choshi to Sawara Station (30 min).
  • By Bus: There is a direct bus from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit. Unfortunately all the information is in Japanese at this time but if you can get your hotel front person to read it for you, it is a great option because the bus is direct. Here is the Bus Timetable
• from Narita Airport / Narita city
  • By Train: From Narita Airport Station (terminal 1 or 2) ride a JR Narita Line bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (11 min). Transfer at Narita station and ride a JR Narita Line bound for Choshi to Sawara Station (30 min).
  • By Car: 45 min. by regular roads (no tolls). 25 min. by using a toll expressway (840 yen).

"Little Edo" is a 15 min. walk from Sawara Station. The "Little Edo" street itself is also quite long, about a kilometer (half mile). This street/area makes a great location for photography so take your time walking down this street.

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Sawara and Little Edo.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by contacting the attraction before visiting.