Sawara, a town of waterways

Sawara, which prospered as a water transportation hub from the Edo period to the early Showa period, was a commercial town that flourished. Along the Onogawa River, which flows through the center of town, there are breweries and townhouses that produce soy sauce, sake, miso, and other fermented products. In the past, many goods and people were transported by boat and shipped to various parts of the Kanto region via the Tone River. Sawara, which has built a unique culture that rivals Edo, is still known as "Edo Masari" and was selected as the first "Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings" in the Kanto region in 1996. Sawara is also known as the town where Ino Tadataka, who made the first accurate map of Japan, was raised. Tadataka, who was adopted into the Ino family, which operated a brewery, worked hard for the prosperity of the family business and the town's administration. He began surveying maps at the age of 55 after devoting himself to learning from the age of 50. Tadataka then spent 17 years walking around Japan and surveying it, creating highly accurate maps.

When touring Sawara's old townscape, it's recommended to use the "Old Townscape Tourist Parking Lot". This spacious parking lot can accommodate about 70 regular-sized cars and is within walking distance of the tourist spots. It costs 500 yen per car and can be used from 9:00 to 17:00! Also, the "Burekimeira Parking Lot" is located just in front of the old townscape tourist spot, "Tadakatsu Bridge over the Onogawa River", making it very convenient. Although it's about one-third the size of the "Old Townscape Tourist Parking Lot", it can be used from 8:30 to 17:00 for 550 yen per car. Next, for those who want to save on parking fees, the "Mizugou Sawara Yamakarakan Parking Lot" is recommended, even though it's a little further away from the center of the old townscape, at about a 7-minute walk. You can park there for free anytime, and it's not too far to walk while enjoying the sights. Finally, the parking lot at the "Sawara Old Townscape Exchange Hall" has only four spaces, but it's available for free for people with disabilities. It's located right near the old townscape tourist spot, making it perfect for those in wheelchairs! Please note that it's not available for general use.

Sawahara, where old merchants and townhouses that retain the atmosphere of Koedo line the banks of the Onogawa River, is a popular tourist destination with a charming townscape. It's perfect for history lovers, as well as for nostalgic strolls through the old streets. Along the river, there are many long-established shops that have been passed down through generations, as well as shops where you can enjoy sweets or lunch in old Japanese houses. You can enjoy shopping and eating while freely strolling around and touching on history at places like the "Ino Tadataka Former Residence" and the "Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall." The "Koedo Sawara Boat Tour," where you can take a water walk while listening to the boatman's commentary, is also popular!