Sawara, Chiba

Welcome to Sawara, a historic city located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. With its rich cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and charming old town, Sawara is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture.

History:
Sawara has a long and fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times. The city has numerous remains of Jōmon period shell middens and Kofun period burial mounds. By the Nara period, it had developed as a port, and as a monzenmachi associated with Katori Shrine, and in the Heian period was a regional commerce center for numerous shōen in the area. During the Edo period, it was partly under the control of the Omigawa Domain, a feudal domain of the Tokugawa shogunate. Modern Sawara Town was created in 1889. Sawara-city established on March 15, 1951 through merger with neighboring town of Katori and the villages of Kasai and Higashi-Oto. It expanded further on February 11, 1955 through annexation of the neighboring villages of Mizuho, Shinshima, Tsunomiya and Okura. In March 1996, Sawara established sister city relations with Nanjing in China. In February 2006 (the last data available before its merger into Katori), the city had an estimated population of 47,244 and a population density of 394 persons per km². Its total area was 119.88 km². On March 27, 2006, Sawara, along with the towns of Kurimoyo, Omigawa and Yamada (all from Katori District), was merged to create the city of Katori, and thus no longer exists as an independent municipality.

Points of Interest:
Sawara Municipal Aquatic Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases aquatic plants and animals. The garden has a large pond with a variety of fish and turtles, as well as a greenhouse that houses tropical plants. Sawaras town center is an old Japanese merchant town, with historical canal. The canal is lined with traditional wooden buildings that have been preserved from the Edo period. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canal and enjoy the scenery. Waterfall bridge is a unique attraction where a waterfall falls from this bridge at specific times during the day. Katori City Hall is located in Sawara, next to Highway 356.

In conclusion, Sawara is a charming city that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to experience the beauty of a traditional Japanese town, Sawara has something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Sawara today and discover this hidden gem for yourself?