Sawara is a historic merchant town in northeastern Chiba Prefecture, located about 70 kilometers northeast of Tokyo (and just a 30-minute train ride from Narita Airport). Today merged into Katori City, Sawara is famous for its remarkably preserved Edo-period (1603–1867) atmosphere, earning it the nickname Ko-Edo (“Little Edo”).
The heart of Sawara centers along the Ono River, where wooden flat-bottomed boat tours float past weeping willows, stone bridges, and traditional merchant storehouses (kura) and shopfronts (machiya). Many of these historic buildings still house family-run businesses that have operated for generations.
It was a pleasure to revisit Coffee Tamazawa again to sample their great coffee along with some interesting pastries. We had visited this coffee shop a few years ago and I was impressed with the owners love of coffee, photography and vinyl records which matches my passions also.
Sawara is celebrated as the residence of Ino Tadataka (1745–1818), the famous cartographer who spent 17 years walking the entire coastline of Japan to create the country’s first scientifically accurate map. His former residence and a dedicated museum sit right along the canal.
Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival takes place twice a year (July and October). It features towering, intricately carved wooden floats (dashi) bearing massive figures of mythical and historical heroes, navigated through the narrow canal streets.
Sawara is easily accessible as a day trip from Tokyo or Narita Airport via the JR Narita Line, making it a popular alternative to more crowded heritage destinations.
Stuart Taylor of HighlanderImages Photography has been making images for over 40 years focusing on Asia with a documentary/photojournalistic style.
Stuart is available for a variety of assignments in subject areas of photojournalism, commercial, architectural, real estate, industrial, interior design, corporate, urbex, adventure, wilderness, and travel.