Sawara Historic District

佐原の町並み

Sawara in Katori City grew rich from river transport and was once said to surpass Edo (old Tokyo). Old merchant houses still line the Ono River and the Katori Kaido road, and many shops are still run by the same families. In 1996 it became the first district in the Kanto region chosen as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Visitors can walk the streets, take a boat on the Ono River and visit the former home of the mapmaker Ino Tadataka.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Ino Tadataka Former Residence: 9:00 to 16:30.
Closed: Ino Tadataka Former Residence is closed December 29 to January 1.
Admission: Entry to the Ino Tadataka Former Residence is free.
Getting there: About a 15-minute walk from JR Sawara Station to the Ino Tadataka Former Residence in the old town.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The Ono River Boat Tour boards at the dock in front of the Ino Tadataka Former Residence.
In December 1996 Sawara became the first Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Kanto.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The Sawara boat tour along the Ono River takes about 30 minutes with a boatman's commentary.
Chiba Prefecture's model course for exploring Sawara takes about 4 hours.
Old streets are lined with small shops and food stalls. Ask about pork and alcohol before buying snacks.
Many old houses are private homes. Do not enter them or take photos of residents without permission.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Chiba and the verified places to pray nearby.