Sawara

What to know

Sawara (佐原) is a small town northeast of Narita City that thrived during the Edo Period (1603–1868) as a transport hub for rice shipments to Edo. Its historic center lines a canal and is nicknamed "Little Edo" for its preserved district of traditional residences, merchant shops, and warehouses from that era.

Several bridges cross the canal, the most notable being Ja Ja Bridge, which releases a small waterfall into the canal twice an hour. Flat-bottomed boat tours of the canal depart from here.

Near Ja Ja Bridge are the Ino Tadataka Museum and his former residence. Born in Sawara, Ino Tadataka was an Edo-period surveyor who created highly accurate maps of Japan for the Tokugawa Shogunate. The museum showcases his work and techniques with excellent English displays.

The town is also famous for the Sawara Matsuri, where floats topped with giant dolls of mythological Japanese warriors and heroes are paraded through the streets. The festival occurs twice a year, in July and October. Some floats and festival items are on display year-round at the Dashi Kaikan museum, a short walk from the canal.

Sawara lies about 20 kilometers northeast of Narita Airport. It can be reached from Narita Station via the JR Narita Line (30 minutes, 530 yen, 1–2 trains per hour). The historic center is a 10–15 minute walk from the station.

Alternatively, Sawara is about 30 minutes by car from Narita Airport via expressway (860 yen toll one way, exit at Sawara-Katori IC) or about 45 minutes on toll-free roads.