MUST VISIT CITIES NEAR TOKYO, JAPAN : Easy Day Trips from Tokyo 2024

MUST VISIT CITIES NEAR TOKYO, JAPAN : Easy Day Trips from Tokyo 2024

Hello and welcome to Fuji Japan Travel.
Today we’re going off the beaten path
from Tokyo to explore
the charming town of Sawara,
in Chiba Prefecture.
Whether it’s indulging in local cuisine
or exploring the old world charm,
Sawara has it all.
It’s perfect for those seeking
a tranquil travel experience.
Did you know
Sawara was home of Ino Tadataka?
The man who mapped Japan.
You’ll find his statues around the city,
including a grand one near
Savoie station
that we made sure to snap a picture of.
Just a quick two hour bus
ride from Tokyo Station,
Sowara offers a delightful two day getaway.
Sawara, a neighbor of Tokyo
and Chiba, is a hidden gem, boasting
the nationally treasured Kittery shrine
and scenic boat tours through its
historically rich streets.
Just a seven minute walk from
the station is the Edo era streetscape
along the Onogawa River.
This area, once thriving from river trade,
was known for surpassing
even Edo, now Tokyo in cultural richness.
Strolling through these streets,
you feel like you’ve step back in time.
Don’t miss the boat tour along Onagawa
River to soak in the full
ambiance of Sawara.
It’s a must do for anyone
wanting to experience the city’s
serene beauty.
My first stop is just a seven minute walk
from Sora station.
Let me introduce a charming handmade soba
noodle
shop nestled in a beautifully restored
traditional Japanese house.
This place, a perfect blend of classic
Japanese ambiance and modern
chic, is a hit with adults
looking for a serene dining experience.
And if you’re a
soba enthusiast
or just want something light for lunch,
especially before a big dinner,
this spot is a dream
come true.
Ever wondered
what makes handmade soba different?
It’s all about moisture and texture.
Handmade soba incorporates more water
evenly distributed by the artisans
touch, resulting in a delightful chewiness
and more moisture.
This not only enhances the texture
or KOSHY, but
also preserves the aroma and nutrients,
since it requires
less cooking time.
A little secret.
Not many outside Japan. No.
Feel free to brag about it
to your friends.
For our meal,
we chose the Kansas ski town moon tofu,
fresh yuba soba limited to five servings
a day, priced at 1950 yuan’s
and the saki me soba
using Nagoya Kitchen and organic eggs
for 1850 yuan’s.
The dishes here
generally range from ¥1200 to ¥3600.
Served hot.
The soba was utterly tantalizing
and perfect for warming up
after a chilly day outside.
We opted for a simple soba
dish since we had plans
for a hearty dinner at our hotel.
But trust me, with its superb texture
and flavor.
This soba is satisfyingly filling
without any guilt.
And speaking of dinner,
there’s a French bistro in the city
where the chef trained in the finest
French bars of Tokyo, offers handmade soba
and French based course meals.
For those curious, it’s a must try.
Stay tuned for more of our Sahara
adventure at Fuji, Japan Travel.
We’ve got plenty
more to explore and share.
All right.
Can you guess where I’m heading next?
Yes, you got it. Dessert time after lunch.
Just a seven minute
walk from the soba place we visited.
We’ve arrived at the sweet treat Haven.
This bar is something special.
A sweet shop set in a beautifully
renovated majora townhouse.
It’s a delightful mix of traditional
and modern offering
a variety of Japanese desserts
like and Matsu meet Hiroshi Dango
and even sets combining udon
with Mini and Matsu.
And Matsu is a traditional
Japanese dessert.
It’s a sweet and refreshing
dish, typically made with agar jelly,
a gelatin
like substance derived from seaweed.
The jelly is cut into cubes
and served with a variety of fruits
such as peaches, oranges and cherries.
For my sweet fix,
I went with the match of cream
and Matsu for ¥800.
It’s a winner special,
but you’ll find warm
sweets like Haruko and Z.Z.
And they’re famous for their shaved ice.
Perfect for matching your
sweet tooth to the season.
The unique layout of the
shop connecting two major
townhouses, a storehouse
and a Western style
building around a quaint courtyard
really captures
the essence of Suarez history and culture.
The shop doubles as a select shop
featuring a gallery, souvenir store
and an array of crafts and goods
that connect with everyday
life.
Here we are.
I will introduce our hotel today.
The name is the Silver Merchant Town
Hotel.
Napoleone.
Just a few minutes walk from the town
we explored earlier.
This hotel.
Seamlessly blending into the Edo
atmosphere offers a one of a kind
stay amidst historic scenery.
A truly unique experience
you won’t find just anywhere.
One of the most distinctive
features of this hotel is its distributed
hotel concept.
Rather than being in one single building,
it’s spread across various
historic structures throughout the town.
This means you get
to stay in beautifully restored buildings
and really immerse yourself
in the local history and culture.
Almost like being a day
resident of the town,
my chicken was at the Kaguya Building,
a180 year old structure originally used
as a sweet rice wine storehouse.
Mirin.
This place is a fusion
of traditional architecture
and modern art,
creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
It’s fascinating
to see how features like the Attic Stairs
once used for storage
have been repurposed,
Adding character to the building.
The front desk area, with its high
ceilings and intriguing stories
shared by the staff, truly deepens
your understanding
and connection to the town.
There’s also a bar
and a restaurant in the back.
The bar
offering an open, retro, classic vibe,
is perfect for a meal or a casual drink.
The spacious restaurant,
often used for weddings, boasts
high ceilings like the front desk,
creating an airy and elegant atmosphere.
I checked in around 3 p.m.
when the venue was bathed
in natural daylight,
but I’m looking forward to seeing its
transformation for our dinner later.
It’s sure to offer a different ambiance.
The hotel
provided us with a handy walking map
to enhance our exploration
of Sora, along with insights
into our room’s unique features.
I learned that the hotel caters
to a wide range of guests,
from young travelers to families,
and even has pet friendly options.
It seems ideal for all kinds of trips,
whether you’re on a girls getaway,
a romantic excursion,
or a family adventure.
Today, I’m going to staying
at the Saga Room just a few minutes
walk from the hotel front desk.
This room with a maximum capacity of three
people is nestled among the charming
little Edo style buildings of Zuwara,
offering a walk through quaint alleys.
That is an experience in itself.
Say Goku 302.
Our Room for the night is a restored
storehouse of the Samia rhyme and family,
a prominent name in the grain and pawn
broking business from the Edo period.
The hotel
has beautifully preserved
the original structure of the room,
including the storehouse stores,
which are now secured
with traditional padlocks.
Unique blend of history and security.
Stepping into the room, you’re greeted
with an astonishingly spacious interior.
The ceiling soars up to five meters,
creating an expansive atmosphere.
The room is adorned with ample woodwork,
showcasing a Japanese esthetic
while providing a comfortable living space
with a large sofa area,
a tatami space and cozy bedrooms.
Despite its modern amenities,
the room retains the original charm
of the building, even on cold days.
The room remains warm
and cozy, equipped with kerosene heaters
and central
heating to ensure a pleasant stay.
The living area features
a large sofa with a table and a long table
with chairs perfect for relaxing
or getting some work done.
On the other side, the bedroom and raised
tatami guest area are equally spacious,
with two low
beds that match the room’s ambiance.
And it’s a tummy area complete
with traditional Japanese
lighting in the closet.
The edge of the room leads to a washroom
and bathroom
area, retaining a nostalgic Japanese feel.
The highlight is the cypress wood
bath, perfect for soaking away
the travel fatigue in a luxurious setting.
My stay was
made even more comfortable
with thoughtful amenities and services.
In the bedroom you will find a yukata
such as casual carmona and a
drawstring bag filled with toiletries
making for a comfortable overnight stay.
The best part you can take
the drawstring bag home as a souvenir.
With its high ceilings,
spacious layout and blend of comfort
with traditional Japanese
elements, this room offers
a unique and memorable stay.
Apart from the front desk
and our current lodging,
there’s a beautifully restored
building along the Onagawa River.
This serene spot used to be a riot.
A traditional Japanese restaurant
built in the Early Show, a period
now transformed into an exclusive
lodging experience.
Another gem is a12000 year
old merchant house, allowing guests
to immerse themselves in the historical
layout and lifestyle of a bygone era.
What makes these places
truly captivating is how they retain
their original structures
while being repurposed into something new.
A blend of history and modern hospitality.
There’s approach not only preserves
the town’s architectural heritage,
but also revitalizes
it as a bustling tourist destination.
It’s a brilliant example
of sustainable tourism, where
the charm of old buildings
is given a new lease on life.
Each time you visit, these diverse
accommodations offer a different
glimpse into Serwaa’s past.
As I wander through the
enchanting streets of Sora,
I’m excited to take you to
one of the distinctive caf that’s
part of our distributed hotel experience.
Welcome to Vim Caffe,
nestled in the bustling historic district
along the Onagawa River.
This caffe is a treasure trove of history
housed in a building
designated as a cultural property.
Constructed way back in 1855, its stately
exterior
gives you a sense of its grand past.
Imagine stepping into a building
that stood for over 160 years.
It’s truly inspiring.
Inside,
you’ll find remnants of its history
like the original safe and box stairs
seamlessly integrated into the cafe’s
charm.
Downstairs,
there’s a cozy setup with comfortable
sofas and tables suitable for groups,
all basking in the bright ambiance.
Thanks to the large windows
that led in plenty of sunlight.
Although the furniture is modern,
the historic essence of the building
is palpable, with wooden elements
adding to the traditional atmosphere.
I visited around PMB right in
time for a cafe break and the first floor
was bustling with patrons.
So we were guided upstairs
and what a delight
it was ascending the slightly steep, old
fashioned stairs.
We entered a tatami room where you can
relax without shoes, Japanese style.
The tables are spacious.
We arranged, offering a tranquil view
of the Onagawa River
and the picturesque town
from this elevated vantage point.
Seeing the riverside scenery
from this higher
perspective was a unique
and luxurious experience.
Do note the cafe’s hours.
It’s open from 11 a.m.
2 p.m. on weekdays and until 4:30 p.m.
on weekends and holidays.
And remember, it’s closed on Tuesdays.
The ambiance is further
enhanced by historical décor
and the creak of the old stairs,
all adding to the charm
of this heritage building.
We chose their signature freshly squeezed
Mont Blanc and tea for our refreshments.
The Mont
Blanc features locally sourced bene
haruka sweet potatoes from Kittery City
in Chiba, offering a delicate sweetness
that perfectly complements the pastry
it served on for tea enthusiasts.
The CAF offers
selections from Mighty Leaf,
a San Francisco based brand.
You can even choose your tea by smelling
the leaves before brewing a lovely touch.
The tea comes in a generously sized
pot, allowing for a leisurely,
relaxed experience.
It’s the perfect setting to unwind
and soak in the cultural ambiance
while enjoying the beautiful riverside
view.
Good evening.
Travelers tonight were dining at ruin.
The exquisite restaurant in the Caguioa
building where we checked in.
This restaurant used for elegant occasions
like weddings.
Perfectly blends traditional architecture
here with modern sophistication.
Ruin prides itself on its farm to table
philosophy.
Sourcing seasonal and fresh ingredients
from local producers and Sahara.
It’s a celebration of serwaa’s
culinary delights and its rich brewing
and fermenting culture.
For our drink,
we opted for a unique gin and tonic
made with tea favored by Serwaa’s
notable figure, you know Tatu taka.
The drink menu also had an impressive
selection of nonalcoholic options.
The dinner course was a feast
for the senses, starting with an amuse
bouche featuring local shojo soy sauce.
This was followed by an appetizer
of seasonal bonito from shochu,
complemented by local beats
and safely sauce.
Each dish beautifully
showcased the region’s produce.
The soup course featured
Satsuma sweet potatoes from Pottery City,
a local specialty.
The main fish dish was a delightful
serving of sea bream from Choshu port.
Paired with autumn eggplant
and other seasonal flavors,
it’s always a joy to find
such fresh seafood in Chiba.
The highlight was the main meat
dish, Casa Wagyu roast from Chiba.
It was served with local vegetables
and Murakami miso, epitomizing
the theme of local produce
and fermentation as a special touch.
The meal concluded with Eunji
Dashi Classic, which is eel rice soup,
a nod to source fame for you.
For dessert,
we savored a sweet made from Katori City’s
Chestnut pumpkins with an option
to switch to a satsuma sweet potato.
Mont Blanc
Dining here felt like a journey
through the region’s specialties.
Each dish, accompanied by stories
and explanations from the staff, adding
depth to our experience.
The restaurant’s ambiance
with spacious seating arrangements
allowed for relaxed conversations
without any distractions.
Good morning travelers.
For breakfast I will visit ruin
the same restaurant where I had our dinner
last night, but this morning
the atmosphere is completely transformed.
The space is now bathed in bright
morning light, offering
a fresh and lively start to the day.
For breakfast, we were treated to
a heartwarming, traditional Japanese meal.
We began with a small bowl
and salad plate.
The homemade tofu,
which we also enjoyed yesterday,
was paired
with broccoli sprouts and grated ginger.
I could have had several servings.
Continuing the theme of fermentation
from last night’s dinner,
we relish pickled western vegetables
like lady’s radish and cucumber
in koji miso and yogurt.
The breakfast spread also included
classic Japanese dishes like miso soup,
rice, grilled fish, Japanese omelet.
Now that we’ve had our fill
of a delicious breakfast,
there’s one more must visit spot in.
Sara I’d love to introduce
before we wrap up this spot.
Newly opened in April 2023, exudes
a bright and friendly atmosphere,
welcoming everyone who walks in
the interior has a casual local café vibe,
making it the perfect place
to drop by before heading home.
And for those looking to pick up
some unique
souvenirs, especially sweet potato
treats, this is the place to be.
With some
time to spare, we indulged in a peanut
toast and caffe latte.
A delightful way to end our journey.
They even served us sweet potato chips,
a local specialty on the house.
It’s been a fulfilling two day trip,
savoring local delicacies at every turn.
And for tea lovers,
they serve a variety of teas,
including Earl Gray and herbal teas.
Similar to what we found at VM Caffe.
It’s the ideal spot for a break,
especially after a long day of walking
or braving the cold.
During our visit, we encountered
local middle school students
on a school project
exploring serwaa’s rich history.
It was heartwarming to see the younger
generation engaged with their heritage,
and it made me appreciate the town’s efforts in preserving its historical charm.
So how was our two day trip to Samarra?
It’s a hidden gem near Tokyo, often
overlooked by travelers who typically
venture further from the capital.
I highly recommend it for your next trip
to Japan.
It’s easy to book hotels
and not too crowded.
See you in the next one by.

Today we’ll tell you about amazing day trips from Tokyo.

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♢Video Timeline Links♢

00:14 Sawara Station
01:46 Kakyoan
3:58　 Inase
5:26　 Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA Robby
7:55　 Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA Room
10:16 Walk besides Onogawa River
11:15 VMG CAFE
14:07 Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA Dinner
16:31 Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA Morning
17:24 Cafe Himawari

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Links mentioned in this video:
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◾️Sahara Station
　 74 Saharai, Katori City, Chiba

◾️Kakyoan
　 3844-2 Sawarai, Katori City, Chiba
　 https://www.kakyouan.com/

◾️Inae
　 511 Sawarai, Katori City, Chiba
　 https://sawara-inae.com/

◾️Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA
　 1708-2 Sawarai, Katori City, Chiba
　https://www.nipponia-sawara.jp/

◾️VMG CAFE
　 1720 Sawarai, Katori City, Chiba
　 https://www.nipponia-sawara.jp/cafe

◾️Cafe Himawari
　 3412 Sawarai, Katori City, Chiba
　 https://tabelog.com/chiba/A1204/A120404/12057302/
　 (Temporary Closed)

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