Tochigi 栃木 ~A Town of Warehouses with Three Delights

“Tochigi? I’ve never heard of that place.”
If asked, most people would probably answer that way.
Of course, it’s a town in Tochigi Prefecture, but it’s not the prefectural capital. It’s a town that bears the name “Tochigi” yet isn’t the heart of the prefecture.
But… this town, located about an hour from Tokyo, was a town of warehouses with three types of charm.



This town has been designated as a Preservation District for Important Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Tochigi City Tourist Association　https://www.tochigi-kankou.or.jp/#

1. Main street

Your journey begins at Tochigi Station. There are several information signs, but here, you’ll start by heading down Main Street.

The main street stretching straight from the station looks much like any other street in town.
However, if you look closely, you’ll notice that older buildings are scattered among the modern ones.

2. Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

After soaking up the atmosphere of this town of storehouses on Main Street, try walking down the street just past the slight left turn. This is a trace of an old highway that was once maintained for imperial messengers traveling to Nikko. This roadside area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

After seeing those imposing storehouses, you might feel a little unsatisfied. This is what the Japanese landscape looked like until not too long ago.

If you come across a shop that has been making and selling miso (味噌 soybean paste) since the late 18th century, turn back.
You can also enjoy craft beer and other beverages here, in addition to soybean paste products.
official (Japanese) https://abudenmiso.wixsite.com/website

3. Talk about Tochigi, that’s the view

On the way back to the station, instead of taking Main Street, you might want to try the path along the river that runs alongside it.
If you stroll along for a while, letting the river breeze blow through you….

That little song from the boatman has you feeling a little tipsy.
If you’re in the mood, it’s also nice to hop on a small boat to clear your head.



Sawara 佐原 ~old town by the river



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 tour starts at JR Sawara Station.
You can get information at the tourist information center in front of the station. Bicycle rentals are also available.

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.

A cute handmade paper-mache doll might make a nice souvenir.

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/