Forget Kyoto! Visit this Hidden ‘Little Edo’ Town Instead (Sawara)

Forget Kyoto! Visit this Hidden ‘Little Edo’ Town Instead (Sawara)

Is Sawara actually better than Kyoto? 🇯🇵 If you want the “Ancient Japan” vibe without the massive tourist crowds, you need to visit Sawara, also known as the “Little Edo” of Chiba. Just a short trip from Narita, this hidden gem features 400-year-old architecture, scenic canal boat tours, and some of the most unique food we’ve found in Japan.

In this vlog, we explore the historic district, visit the home of the man who created the first map of Japan (Ino Tadataka), and taste-test award-winning Mozzarella cheese (the best in Japan!) paired with smoky coffee. Whether you’re feeding giant carp in the canal or walking under the weeping willow trees, Sawara is a must-visit for 2026.

What we cover in this video:
✅ Kyoto vs. Sawara: Why this is the ultimate crowd-free alternative.
✅ Historic Tour: Inside the compound of a legendary cartographer.
✅ Award-Winning Eats: Tasting the mozzarella that won the 2024 Japan Cheese Award.
✅ Local Secrets: Where to find the best 5-star Katsudon recommended by locals.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Japan’s Best Mozzarella? 🧀
0:10 – Intro to Sawara: The Hidden “Little Edo”
1:08 – Local Secret: The Best 5-Star Katsudon in Town
2:52 – Rare Find: White Vanilla Coca-Cola
3:26 – Canal Boat Tour: Schedules & Tips
4:03 – Inside Ino Tadataka’s House: The Man who Mapped Japan
5:38 – High-End Dining: Kasa Aru Barata (10,000 Yen Menu)
6:17 – MUST TRY: Award-Winning Mozzarella Tasting
7:40 – Finally! Finding “Perfect” Smoky Coffee in Japan
9:20 – Giant Carp: Feeding the fish in the historic canal
10:04 – Crying Willow Trees & Scenic Historic Walks
11:00 – The Hidden Island View & Giant Plaid Gate
13:00 – Final Verdict: Is Sawara worth the trip?

Follow the journey: https://www.facebook.com/gowithshane/

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