Sawara is a former merchant town from the Edo period (1603-1867). Water transport founded its wealth, with the canals still pretty much as they were. Streets are lined with the old trading houses, which makes for a period-piece feel as you walk around. You can get there by train from Tokyo, Chiba City, or Narita. Katori-Jingu Shrine, a bus ride away from Sawara, is also well worth a visit.

Katori-Jingu Shrine, atop a hill.