Sawara is known for its National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区) along the Ono River near JR Sawara Station. Many traditional Japanese merchant buildings dating from the Edo Period.

82 files, last one added on Sep 07, 2016
Album viewed 275 times

Festival of ornate floats paraded around Sawara in Oct. Floats (called dashi) are about 7 meters high and weigh 3 to 4 tons. They have intricate wood carvings and a large doll depicting a historical or legendary Japanese figure. Each float is from a neighborhood in Sawara. Most of the floats and dolls were made in the late 19th century or early 20th century.

Dating back 300 years, the festival is held for three days in July (10 floats) and Oct. (14 floats). The float pullers also dance and the main highlight is when they turn the float a few times. The festival is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In fall 2016, it will be one of the 33 Yama, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals in Japan to be inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held near JR Sawara Station (JR Narita Line) and along Ono River's traditional townscape.

101 files, last one added on Sep 07, 2016
Album viewed 287 times