Sawara 佐原

Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Access ：It takes about 70 minutes by rapid train on the JR Sobu-Narita Line from Tokyo to Narita, and then about 30 minutes on a local train from there.
It’s about a 5-minute walk from Keisei Narita Station to JR Narita Station.

This town has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It originally flourished as a town near the gates of the nearby Katori Shrine. Later, the town grew in importance as a commercial hub that took advantage of water transportation on the Tone River.
At the height of its prosperity, the saying went, “If you want to see Edo, come to Sawara.” Even today, traces of that prosperity can be seen here and there.
Official https://www.suigo-sawara.ne.jp/abroad.html?

The highlight of this town is the row of houses lining the Onogawa River. However, the area along the road leading there is also lined with plenty of old buildings.

You can also take a sightseeing boat tour along the river.

You should definitely make a short detour to visit Katori Shrine. Along with neighboring Kashima Shrine, it enshrines the god of martial arts. Together with Ise Shrine, it is one of the most prestigious shrines in Japan.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from JR Katori Station, so it’s best to take a bus or taxi from Sawara. Buses run about once an hour. The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you’re visiting in June, you can’t miss the Irises Park in Itako. Shuttle buses run from Sawara Station during the Ayame Festival.
Chiba prefecture site https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/ayame-park/