historic streets of Sawara

What it is

• Historic merchant town in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Flourished as a center for goods distribution along Ono River.
• Called "Little Edo of Hokuso" and "Waterfront Town."
• First Important Preservation District in Kanto (1996).

What to see

• Area along the Ono River and Katori Kaido.
• Wooden townhouses, storehouses, and Western-style architecture.
• The樋橋 bridge over the Ono River.
• Bridge is one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes.

When to go

• Sawara Grand Festival is one of Kanto's three major festivals.
• Festival is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2016).

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.