Day Trip From Tokyo | Discover Sawara’s Historic Streets in Just 1 Day! Hidden Gem in Japan

Day Trip From Tokyo | Discover Sawara’s Historic Streets in Just 1 Day! Hidden Gem in Japan

Looking for a day trip from Tokyo? Visit Sawara in Chiba for canal rides, historic float festivals, and delicious local eel dishes. Located in Chiba Prefecture, about 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Sawara is a historic town occasionally referred to as Ko-Edo (Little Edo) for how closely it mirrors the old capital in both looks and lifestyle. From Tokyo station, take the JR Sobu Line Rapid to Narita station. Then transfer to the JR Narita Line to Sawara station. The whole trip takes about 90–100 minutes. From Narita Airport, you can get to Sawara by train or car in under an hour. If you’re coming from overseas, Sawara could easily be your first look at Japan, though this might raise your expectations for the rest of your trip. From the station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the historic district. On the way to the historical centre, you will walk by old shops that have retained the old Japanese charm of 40 years ago. Sawara is quiet, traditional, and far enough off the Tokyo tourism radar that you won’t be elbowing anyone for photos. On weekdays, you might even have entire streets to yourself. VMG CAFE is located in a historic district centered around the Onogawa River. The first floor of the cafe, which has a history dating back over 150 years to the Edo period, still retains the safe and box staircase that were once in use. As a cultural heritage cafe where you can feel the atmosphere of the town, they want you to enjoy the rich cuisine of the region, so they offer sweets made with local ingredients, such as our homemade sweet potato Mont Blanc. They prepare the Mont Blanc right in front of you at your table. Enjoy a relaxing tea time in a special seat overlooking the Onogawa River, gazing at the swaying willows. During the Edo period (1603-1867), Sawara prospered as a hub for rice shipments. Some of its businesses have operated continuously since that time, something that gives the town that old Japan atmosphere. The streets of Sawara are lined with the merchants’ houses, old warehouses, and historic buildings, giving you a glimpse of historical Japan. It was so quiet during the week and perfect weather to just take a leasure stroll along the river banks. For a break, drop into one of the many local kissaten or traditional cafes along the canal, or stores to take a look around. The historical centre end at the train tracks. Where you can cross the bridge to take the beautiful walk back along the opposite river bank. So many small details to discover along the walk. Sawara’s most popular area is its historical district. The district has changed little since the Edo period (1603-1867). Inae is a complex of two townhouses built in the Meiji era, a storehouse, a Western-style building and a warehouse connected by a courtyard. Inae will offer a variety of things and experiences related to daily life, such as sweet shops, galleries, souvenirs, crafts, and miscellaneous goods. They are especialy famous for their kakigori (shaved ice). A number of beautiful bridges cross the canals, including the “waterfall bridge” from which water flows at certain times each day. Inoh Tadataka’s Former Residence, nationally designated as a Historic Site, is where Inoh Tadataka spent over 30 years of his life, from the age of 17 to the age of 50. In addition to the storehouse-style shop, in which the Inoh family carried out their sake brewery business, a main gate, a kitchen, a study room, and a storehouse made with earthen walls still remain. Because the storehouse is old-fashioned and the shop and front gate were constructed before Inoh Tadataka married into the family, these buildings are considered to be very old, even in Sawara. Entrance is free and the walk around the residence is very peaceful and quiet. Entry to the museum is just ¥500 per person. Dedicated to the famous cartographer who made the first complete map of Japan, this small but fascinating museum offers an understanding of Edo-era science. When exploring other parts of Sawara, you may discover an old brewery along the road. Making the 15 minute walk from the historical centre to Suwa shrine. Suwa Shrine, located west of the Ono River, is an 8-minute walk from JR Sawara Station. Suwa Shrine is said to date back to around 1694, when the local people began developing the land west of the Ono River and started worshipping Takeminakata-no-Mikoto, the god of war, as the region’s protective deity. The current main building of the shrine was built in 1853. It is a bit of a climb to get to the main temple, but definitely worth it. Small cafe located across from the shrine, where you can take a much needed break after climbing those stairs. They have an extensive menu with sweets and sandwiches. Perfect for a quick snack. I decided on a cheese hot dog and ice latte. Perfect to relax for a while before going to the hotel to check in. From the cafe it’s a short walk back to the station, where the hotel is. ROUTE INN KATORI SAWARA EKIMAE is located right next to the station. Great hotel to stay for a night. Cheap prices including breakfast. They even have an onsen (hot spring) you can make use of. Before relaxing at the hotel, I’m grabbing a quick dinner at one of the local restaurants. Decided on typical Japanese dinner, Katsu don, which is a fried pork cutlet covered in eggs.

✨ Looking for the perfect day trip from Tokyo?

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Discover Sawara (佐原), a charming Edo-period town in Chiba, Japan, often called “Little Edo”. Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Sawara is filled with historic merchant houses, traditional canals, old wooden bridges, and a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

In this video, we’ll explore:
✅ Sawara’s picturesque canal streets
✅ Edo-style architecture and preserved townscape
✅ Local food and hidden gems
✅ Why Sawara is the ultimate Tokyo day trip destination

Whether you’re planning your Japan itinerary or searching for hidden gems near Tokyo, Sawara is a must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to escape the city for a day.

📍 Perfect for travelers who love Tokyo day trips, off-the-beaten-path Japan, and authentic cultural experiences.

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