Escape the Crowds: Why Sawara is the Best Edo-Period Day Trip from Tokyo

Sawara: The Timeless "Little Edo" Perfect for a Healing Day Trip

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 There: Bus vs. Train Options from Tokyo

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, so check the schedule in advance. 

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

• One-way fare: One-way fare: ¥1,790 (As of 2026)

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

The Onogawa River Boat Ride: A Scenic Journey (plus photo tip)

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). 

👉Small tip: 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 feels 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.

✅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.

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

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.

Beyond the River: Historical Landmarks and Local Festivals

Step Back in History: Ino Tadataka’s Legacy

Sawara is the hometown of Ino Tadataka, the legendary figure who created the first accurate map of Japan using modern surveying techniques.

• Former Residence of Ino Tadataka: You can visit his well-preserved former home, which is open to the public for free. It’s a great way to see traditional Edo-period architecture from the inside.

• Historical Landmarks: The town is filled with designated heritage buildings that make you feel like you’ve truly travelled back in time.

Local Brews & Seasonal Festivals

• Sake Brewery: For those who enjoy Japanese spirits, there’s a local brewery in town. Even if you're not a big fan of sake, it’s a unique opportunity to see traditional production methods in a historical setting.

• The Suigo Sawara Iris Festival (Ayame-matsuri): I visited in early May, but if you plan your trip between late May and mid-June, don't miss this festival. Suigo Sawara Ayame Park features over 400 types of irises (1.5 million blooms!), and you can even enjoy a boat tour through the floral displays.

• Major Festivals: Sawara is famous for its grand float festivals (Sawara Matsuri) held in July and October. The highlight is the parade of 10 massive decorated floats, a performance designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

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

The Ultimate Verdict: Sawara vs. Kawagoe – Which One Should You Visit?

Both Kawagoe and Sawara are fantastic destinations to experience the charm of Edo-period Japan, but they offer very different vibes.

Kawagoe has a vibrant, commercial energy with shops lining the streets. However, since the main historical district runs along a major road with narrow footpaths, it can get quite crowded and less relaxing. If you’re looking for a quick and convenient 30-minute trip from Ikebukuro Station, Kawagoe is a great choice.

Sawara, on the other hand, is much quieter and more residential. Once you reach the riverside, the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and laid-back—perfect for a calm, crowd-free day. I visited in early May 2025, and while Japan is slowly transitioning from analog to digital, Sawara feels like a place where time has truly stood still.

If you have a bit more time and want to escape the massive 2026 crowds in Tokyo, Sawara is the ultimate hidden gem.

👉 If you enjoyed Sawara, Kamakura is another must-visit just an hour from Tokyo. It offers a different charm—wandering through narrow nostalgic alleys and catching the iconic Enoden train along the coast. It’s the perfect blend of history and seaside scenery -> [Check out my Kamakura One-Day Trip Guide]

Feature	Sawara	Kawagoe
Atmosphere	Peaceful & Residential	Commercial & Bustling
Crowds	Low (Relaxing vibe)	High (Very crowded)
Access from Tokyo	Approx. 2 hours	Approx. 30-45 mins
Best For	Quiet escape & Scenery	Street food & Shopping
Walking Path	Wide riverside views	Narrow & busy footpaths

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.