Choshi, Sawara Travel Guides

Choshi and Sawara are home to tourist attractions such as the Tone River, Katori Jingu Shrine, and Inubozaki, tourist events such as the Setsubun Festival, Shinko Festival, and Otaue Festival, and local delicacies such as white gyoza, botan nabe, and sardine dishes.

Choshi is located in the northeast of Chiba Prefecture and is the easternmost point of the Kanto Plain. The Tone River flows to the north, and during the Edo period (1603-1867), the Tone River water transportation system was developed, leading to the brewing of soy sauce and the development of the fishing industry. Because Sawara is surrounded by the sea, the climate is humid and mild. Sawara developed as a water town, and even today, the old streets along the Ono River, called "Koedo," remain.

In Choshi, visitors can enjoy fresh fish dishes landed at Choshi Port. The taste of fresh tuna, flatfish, and horse mackerel is exceptional, and kaisendon, sushi, and boiled fish are standard menu items.

Many restaurants serve imobuta, Chiba Prefecture's brand name pork, and pork shabu, pork cutlets, and kakuni are popular. While most pigs are fed on corn, Imo pork is raised on sweet potatoes and tapioca. Characterized by its strong sweet taste, it is exported not only to Japan but also to other countries.

Sawara is home to a variety of restaurants, including long-established tsukudani shops, Japanese and Western-style restaurants.

Inubozaki, the easternmost point of Kanto, located in Choshi, is the earliest sunrise spot in Japan, except for mountain peaks and remote islands, and attracts many tourists early in the morning on New Year's Day. In summer, Kaikajima Beach, Nagasaki Beach, and Choshi Marina Beach are bathing spots.

For a relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean, Choshi Port Tower is the place to go. The observation room offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean, the mouth of Tone River, and Choshi Port. The Chikyu no Marukumieru Oka Observation Hall is located at the top of Mt. Atago, and from the observation space, visitors can experience the roundness of the earth.

The Sawara Grand Festival is held in the downtown area of Sawara, and floats with decorations of historical figures on the top are pulled around the city. This has continued since the Edo period (1603-1868) and was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2004. The Suigo Sawara Float Hall displays floats throughout the year.

Katori Jingu, the head shrine of Katori Jingu, one of the 400 shrines in Japan, is also visited by many Hatsumode visitors. A shuttle bus runs from Katori Station on the JR Narita Line during the Hatsumode season.