Sawara: where you can experience the Edo period in Chiba

Sawara: A perfect spot for a healing Day trip near Tokyo

Sawara prospered as a hub for waterway transport and commerce during the Edo period. Today, the town still preserves many of its old stores and traditional buildings, attracting many travellers who come to experience "Little Edo."

How to get to Sawara 

Getting to Sawara – Bus Option

If you're taking the bus from Tokyo, it departs from Tokyo Station's Yaesu Bus Terminal (Located on the Underground Level 2).

• No advance reservation is available.

• One-way fare: ¥1,900

• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic

• Departure times from Tokyo: 8:45 am and 10:55 am

• You can buy same-day tickets from the ticket machine next to the information desk on B1.

Getting to Sawara – Train Option

• From Tokyo Station, take the Sobu Line Rapid to Narita Station, then transfer to the Narita Line to Sawara Station.

• Narita Line runs about once per hour

• Including transfer and waiting time, the total journey takes about 2 hours

• One-way fare: approximately ¥1,700

Both train and bus options are similar in price and travel time, so it comes down to your preference.

My Experience

I took the train to get to Sawara. After exiting Sawara Station, I walked straight, passed the rotary, and turned left. It took around 15 minutes on foot to reach the boat boarding area near the Onogawa River (I entered the location on GPS). 

The walk wasn’t bad, but the footpath wasn’t well-defined and the narrow road had fairly heavy traffic, so if you have a large bag, I recommend leaving it at the information centre next to the station for convenience. 

Sawara Station: Even the station has an Edo-period vibe

Old-style houses on the way to Ono River 

An old shop on the way to Ono River

An old book shop on the way to Ono River

The walk along the Onogawa River was very relaxing. The Edo-period scenery is well preserved, and the entire riverside felt like a photo spot. There are many small bridges along the river, with the main one being Toyohashi Bridge, located near the boat yard. A mini waterfall drops from the bridge every 30 minutes from 9 am to 4 pm, and I was lucky enough to catch the moment during my boat ride and snap a photo.

Toyohashi Bridge - every 30 minutes, water cascades down from the bridge

Boat Ride Info

• On-site ticket price: ¥1,300 (Adult)

• Operates every hour

• Duration: 25 minutes (round trip)

• Online ticket: slightly cheaper (about ¥100 off)

The boat driver provided a live commentary throughout the ride, which was entertaining, although mostly focused on drama and movie trivia filmed in Sawara. The calm atmosphere and pleasant weather made the ride an enjoyable experience. Although there was no audio guide for tourists, simply enjoying the view felt relaxing and worthwhile even without understanding Japanese.

Just after our boat departed, the water began to fall, and I managed to capture a great photo.

Tip for better photos: Sit opposite the boat operator for a clear forward-facing view. I sat next to the driver, but once the boat turned, other passengers blocked my view.

Make sure to sit far from the boat driver; otherwise, your photos will inevitably include all the other passengers in the shot during the whole ride.

Other Things to Do

Sawara has two major festivals and several historical landmarks. The town is also known for Ino Tadataka, the first person to create a modern map of Japan using accurate surveying. You can visit his former residence, which is open to the public.

There’s also a brewery in town. While I personally wasn’t very interested, if you enjoy learning about sake production, it's worth a visit.

I went in early May, but from late May to mid-June, the Iris Festival takes place at Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, featuring over 400 types of irises. You can even take a boat tour around the flower park.

https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/sawara-riverside-timeslip/ -> For more information about travelling in Chiba, including Sawara, check here.

Kawagoe vs. Sawara – Which Edo Town to Choose?

Both Kawagoe and Sawara are great places to experience Edo-period Japan, but each has a different feel:

Sawara is quieter and more residential. Once you reach the main riverside area, it’s peaceful and laid-back. Great for a calm, crowd-free day.

Kawagoe has a more commercial vibe, with shops lining the streets. The main street of Kawagoe runs along the main road, and the footpaths are narrow and often crowded, which can make it less relaxing. 

If you're staying in Tokyo and looking for a short, convenient day trip, I recommend Kawagoe — it's just 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line.

However, if you have more time and want a quieter escape away from the city, Sawara is a wonderful choice.

Main street with a narrow footpath on the side in Kawagoe

Shops along the main street in Kawagoe

Crowds of people on a Kawagoe side street

Traffic light across the main road in Kawagoe

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.