When in Sawara, you've got to experience the old townscape, the water town cruise, and the Ino Tadataka!
You can access all of these spots on foot from Sawara Station.
I think I arrived at Sawara Station around 13:00, but I had plenty of time to enjoy the sights.
Today, I'm going to introduce you to some benches located right in the heart of Sawara's old townscape!
Sawara has a real Japanese atmosphere.
Since it's not too touristy, you can explore at your own pace.
There's even a bench tucked next to a street lamp!
If you follow the road from Sawara Station, you'll reach Tadataka Bridge.
Right nearby, you'll find the reception for the "Sawara Water Cruise," where you can enjoy a 30-minute ride for 1,300 yen for adults.
Please note that cruises may not operate depending on the water level, and the operating hours and cruise times may vary, so be sure to check the whiteboard at the site.
In my case, I bought a ticket on the spot and waited while exploring the area until it was time for the cruise.
There are two two-seater wooden benches set up right in front of the cruise reception!
It's a great spot to relax while you wait for your cruise.
This is the Hioi Bridge and the bench near the Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall.
At Hioi Bridge, you can watch the water gushing out!
It flows every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so be sure to check it out.
From the two-seater bench at Hioi Bridge, you can take a break while watching the water cruise.
However, please be careful as the benches can get crowded when disembarking.
This is the view towards the Casa Arborella.
It's nice to take a rest and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town, feeling like time is passing slowly.
You might be wondering, "Casa...?" but Sawara's townscape has a famous Italian restaurant.
Reservations are generally required, with lunch courses priced at 3800 yen or 5000 yen.
As you head north through the townscape towards Kyoei Bridge, there's a Western-style bench and table set up.
You can enjoy the tributary of the Tone River while resting there under the weeping willows.
And that's not all... you can meet swans!
ちょっとコラボしてみた。#佐原 pic.twitter.com/Xw1jodhirZ
— ペン太@座れる休憩場所検索 (@sitdownplace) 2018年11月25日
After strolling around Sawara and relaxing on the benches, it was time for the water cruise!.
You can enjoy the weeping willows, merchant houses, and the scenery of the old town while gently swaying on the boat.
There were even some mallards relaxing, and the swans from earlier came over to greet us ♪
In winter, the boats are equipped with kotatsu (heated tables), so you can enjoy the cruise while staying warm.
It's a must-do experience when visiting Sawara!
Also, the Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall is highly recommended.
佐原にある伊能忠敬記念館の記念碑。
— ペン太@座れる休憩場所検索 (@sitdownplace) 2018年11月25日
「この一歩から」
私の一歩目はこのベンチ！ https://t.co/0uLjdNRvEg
そしていつの間にか1,000箇所超えました。
途方に思えても継続していればあっという間です😃 pic.twitter.com/cbpt6kX1kF
Also, if you get tired of walking around Sawara, I recommend the "Brekimeira Rest Area" which has restrooms, so keep it in mind!
So, why not use these spots as rest areas while exploring Sawara?
