Sawara

Water transportation in this district flourished during the Edo period due to a river reconstruction project on the Tonegawa River. Sawara enjoyed such tremendous prosperity as a distribution base for goods and commodities that it was known as “Edomasari” which means “superior to Edo.” Visitors can walk around the town and view the historical buildings of merchants which reflect the history of the Edo to early Showa period. The town also has many temples and shrines including the Katori Jingu, the highest ranked shrine in the Shimofusa region. Visitors can enjoy sampling local foods and shopping as there is a variety of cafes that serve food using locally grown vegetables, restaurants and dining halls that serve udon, soba, unagi and traditional Japanese food as well as souvenir shops and a roadside rest area (Michinoeki).