Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute boat ride on the calm Ono River, where drooping willows that line both sides solemnly sway in the wind as they lean towards you, welcoming you to the city. Aboard this shallow, motor-powered boat, passengers can enjoy a spectacular view of Sawara’s Historical District from Ono River, a view that one could never see from simply walking through it.

Organized by public officials and private residents in a joint effort to promote tourism and to improve local landscape, this tour begins at a landing deck near Inoh Tadataka Museum and tours the lower reaches of the Ono River. This tour is popular not only among Japanese people, but also among people from all over the world. Operating hours differ depending on the season, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance.

For more information, please contact Burekimera Co.
Tel: +81-478-55-9380
URL: http://www.kimera-sawara.co.jp/

Hours of Operation:

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM in April
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM from May to September
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM in March and from October to November
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM from December to February

Fare: 1,300 yen for adults and 700 yen for children

Sake brewing began in Sawara in the 1660s. By 1788, Sawara had 35 breweries, making it the only town in Japan with so many breweries. However, the number of sake breweries in Sawara has since significantly decreased and now, there are only two breweries remaining – Tōkun Brewery and Baba Honten Brewery. At Tōkun Brewery, visitors can take a tour of the facility and taste their sake.

―Tōkun Brewery―

Address: I-627 Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-478-55-1122
Open all year long
URL: http://www.tokun.co.jp/
Credit cards accepted
Free parking available. Parking for large buses also available.

―Baba Honten Brewery―

Address; I-614-1 Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-478-52-2227
URL: http://www.babahonten.com/shop/
Irregular business hours
Credit cards accepted

Sawara used to have so many rivers that they basically functioned as roads for the people. Taking a boat to visit neighbors or to get to the farms was the norm. However, going everywhere by boat was not always the most convenient, so to make commuting easier, a total of 12 bridges were built, linking the surrounding villages. These bridges, which have become a major tourist magnet, are known as Jūnikyō, which literally means “12 bridges.” If you want to see these famous bridges, there is a boat ride service near Suigo Sawara Ayame Park that will take you around this area. The peak season for the boat ride is around Ayame Park’s Iris Festival, which is held in June. If you want to join a boat ride in any other month, you will need to make a reservation in advance.

For more information, please contact the Suigo Sawara Tourist Association.
Address: I-74-31 Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-478-52-6675

Stroll around Sawara’s Historical District in a traditional kimono for an unforgettable experience! A kimono can be rented for 3,500 yen at Yamadaya and 6,000 yen at Inoue and is available for both men and women. As part of the rental service, fitters will help dress you and arrange your hair to match the traditional attire. We hope that you will not miss this wonderful opportunity to try on a kimono.

―Yamadaya―

Address: I-585 Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-478-52-3217
URL: https://www.yamadaya-fashion.com
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed: Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month

―Inoue Beauty Salon―

Address: I-509-5 Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-478-52-2373
Hours of Operation:
With a reservation: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Without a reservation: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Closed: Tuesday, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month