Inubozaki is located in the easternmost part of the Kanto region and protrudes into the rough seas of the Pacific Ocean. A white-walled lighthouse, designed by English engineer R. H. Brunton and lit in 1874, stands defiantly on the vertical bluff. From the observation room 99 steps up the spiral staircase, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the blue Pacific Ocean. Observe the powerful waves by walking along the promenade under the bluff.

By making the most of the natural water and greenery, this botanical garden is known for its Indian lotus and irises. June is the best season for irises. 1,500,000 irises of 350 species are in bloom throughout the gardens, home of the iris festival. More than 200 species of Indian lotus are spectacular in July and August, where their beautiful appearance helps you forget the hot weather, at least for a moment.

Along the Ono River where willows hang down to the river bank and small boats drift slowly by, this walking course fills you with the feeling of old streets from the Edo era. Many of the buildings portray the life of those days in Japan, where wooden Japanese inns with storehouses, white walls, black-tiled roofs and latticework remain. There is also a soba (buckwheat noodles) shop which still appears as it did in the Edo period.

Date: first Friday to Sunday after July 10
This festival, one of the two large festivals held in Sawara City, is historically significant from the Edo era and is splendid and full of life. Ten festival floats decorated with large dolls from each town are proudly paraded around the city. It reaches a climax at "nono ji mawashi" when all are rotated vigorously. Graceful Sawara musical accompaniments based on sato kagura are also nice to listen to.

In the seawater pool located in a courtyard, you can enjoy a dynamic show where playful dolphins perform high jumps, cross hurdles, and walk on the water's surface. In the aquarium, 2,500 fish of about 230 species from around the world are displayed, including some rare species.

Jingu (Shinto shrine) is a building for making offerings to a god, which sets it higher than a jinja (shrine). The history of Katori Jingu Shrine goes back all the way to Japan's mythological times, making it one of the most famous shrines in eastern Japan. Many important cultural properties are kept here, including the main hall, which was built in the Edo Period.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery along a river by riding a small hand-rowed boat called a sappa bune. Sawara City is situated in a riverside district that once prospered as an important stop for waterborne transportation. Boats travel around twelve bridges passing through narrow waterways around the city which still remain today.

Date: end of March
Joyama Park is spread out on a small hill 40 meters above sea level and has a fine view of a special place where approximately 1,000 cherry blossoms and 500 azaleas are planted. From the end of March to the beginning of April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it is visited by many people. The beauty of the cherry blossoms is especially wonderful at night under the lights.

This is a traditional Japanese sake plant. Refined sake Niyu has been produced here for 300 years. Although much of the process has been automated, the all-important fermentation process is still performed by hand, as in the past. In addition to observing the fermenting method, which can done through actual observation or through videos, you will be able to appreciate the rich aroma of sake.