Sawara Historic Townscape (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings) | Review by 王小鈞

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Sawara Historic Townscape (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)

A “Little Edo of Hokuso” streetscape that still retains the look and feel of the Edo to Meiji eras.

29 Sep 2026 See More

On this visit to Sawara, I unexpectedly fell in love with this quiet little place. Strolling slowly along the Ono River, I saw old streetscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods preserved on both sides. Wooden machiya townhouses, old shops, and historic buildings stand one after another, giving the area so much character.

Sawara once prospered through transportation on the Tone River and was so thriving that it was even said to be “better than Edo.” Walking through the streets today, you can still feel traces of its former prosperity.

And compared with popular attractions in Tokyo, it’s really much quieter here! There were hardly any tourists when I visited. Walking slowly along the river and taking photos felt especially relaxing.

I really like this kind of trip, with no pressure to follow an itinerary and no need to squeeze through crowds—just walking slowly, looking around, and experiencing an old town as it really is.

Transportation is actually fairly convenient too, making it a good choice for a short trip in Chiba. It doesn’t have flashy attractions, but it has a charm that makes you want to stay a little longer. Sawara really suits people who enjoy quiet travel.

Other Reviews by 王小鈞

Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park

Located in the middle of Makuhari New City, the park’s theme is “surrounded by greenery and sea.” In seven areas from A to G, the facilities include a large lawn, one of the largest floral clocks in Japan, a Japanese garden, and a tea room.
- Chiba
- Parks & Gardens
29 Sep 2026 See More

While visiting Makuhari New City, I unexpectedly came across the incredibly spacious Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park! The park’s theme is “a city park surrounded by greenery and the sea.” It consists of seven areas, A through G, and is huge. The expansive lawns make it feel especially open and relaxing as soon as you enter.

In addition to its famous large lawn and Japan’s largest floral clock, the park also has a Japanese garden and tea room with a traditional atmosphere, offering completely different scenery. There are also sports fields, children’s play areas, and other facilities nearby. It’s a great place for families with children to get outside, as well as for walking, relaxing, or spending a leisurely afternoon sitting on the grass.

There were noticeably more people when I visited on a holiday, and the entire park felt lively. It’s really rare to find such a large green space among the high-rise buildings of Makuhari New City!
Akebonoyama Agricultural Park

It is an agricultural park known for its flower garden with a windmill. The seasonal flowers welcome you in each season, starting with cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, then approximately 500 hydrangeas in summer.
- Chiba
- Parks & Gardens
29 Sep 2026 See More

Akebonoyama Agricultural Park has expansive natural scenery, and the flowers change with the seasons, creating beautiful and distinctive views throughout the year.

There’s none of the noise and bustle of the city, just greenery and fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. Walking through the park with a gentle breeze feels especially relaxing. It’s not only a place to enjoy flowers, but also a great spot for a leisurely walk, taking photos, and slowly appreciating the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside.

There are different flowers to enjoy in every season. If you love plants and flowers and prefer quiet attractions, you really shouldn’t miss it.
Kujukuri Beach

Kujukuri Beach is Japan's largest sandy beach from Cape Gyobu in the eastern Chiba Prefecture to Cape Taito along the Pacific Ocean. The beach extends in the shape of an arc with no reef.
- Chiba
- Outdoors
29 Sep 2026 See More

Visiting Kujukuri Beach in Chiba Prefecture, I was truly stunned by the vast ocean view before me!

Kujukuri Beach stretches for about 60 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean, from Cape Gyobu all the way to Cape Taito, and is one of the largest sandy beaches in Japan. The curved coastline looks like a bent bow, with seemingly endless golden sand as far as the eye can see. There are no reefs along the shore, so the view is extremely open.

It is part of Kujukuri Prefectural Natural Park and has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best White Sand and Green Pine Beaches and one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches, which gives you an idea of just how captivating its coastal scenery is.

I was incredibly lucky during this visit and had perfectly clear, sunny weather! The deep blue sky paired with the endless Pacific Ocean was beautiful from every angle, and the sea breeze felt especially pleasant.