< Previous90 HOKKIDO Text by Natasha P As cities become more congested and the world seems to spin round faster than ever, taking breaks from a fast-paced lifestyle have become essential for one’s wellbeing. The low- rise city of Katori, in Chiba Prefecture of Japan, is an ideal destination to head to with its historic town of Sawara which will immediately slow down your sense of time. This well-preserved example of a glorious bygone epoch with its traditional storehouses dating back to the Edo era lining cobblestoned paths on the banks of the Ono River is located just 27 kilometres east of Narita International Airport. Nicknamed the “Japanese Venice”, Sawara was once on the main trade route by water to Edo (Tokyo), and the Ono River was then twice the width it is now. Today, men and women in traditional costume offer boat KATORI or café. Casa Alberata Ristorante is one of these, the elegant setting of a traditional Japanese house with a unique garden serving as the backdrop for a menu of fine Italian dishes under the helm of dedicated Chef Kazishige Namiki. Freshly-made pasta and charcoal-grilled dishes are the signature here, which may be enjoyed with choices from the refined drink list. Within walking distance from the river, on its east side, sits Yasaka Shrine embraced by peaceful and lush surroundings. The shrine itself is simple, but the location’s highlight lies to the far left – Dashi Kaikan, or the Festival Float Museum. Sawara is famous for its grand festivals which mostly date back 300 years and still take place twice a year, in July and October, so this is not to be missed. A trip to Katori would not be complete without a visit to Katori Shrine which was built around 2,655 years ago and which, for a period, became the most important military base in the far north of Japan for the old Japanese administration. It was always believed to be the residence of Hutsunushi no Okami, or the God of Battles, and was thus worshipped by samurais in previous eras. NEXT DESTINATION rides for a charming glide through their history, passing 200-year-old wooden shophouses which now sell handicrafts and often feature memory at the back. Some of the historical buildings sitting on the banks of the Ono have been restored and their interiors adapted to serve as a restaurant Next >