Historic Sawara near Tokyo: Canal Boat Ride & Hariko Painting

Duration4h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Escape the crowds and discover a quieter side of Japan in Sawara, a beautifully preserved canal town filled with Edo-period charm.

Cruise slowly along the Ono River, wander past historic merchant houses, and experience the atmosphere of a town where traditional Japan still feels very much alive. You’ll also create your own Hariko papier-mâché keepsake, guided through a local craft that has been enjoyed for generations.

For a more relaxed experience, you may replace the Hariko activity with an optional seasonal lunch in a beautifully restored historic building, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Advance request and confirmation are required.

With a private English-speaking guide, you can explore at an easy pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy Sawara away from the crowds of Japan’s major sightseeing spots. It is an easy cultural escape for travelers visiting from Tokyo or staying around Narita.

Options

Lunch Instead of Hariko Painting

Japanese Set Lunch at NIPPONIA: Enjoy a Japanese set lunch at NIPPONIA Sawara instead of the Hariko painting experience.

Historic Sawara near Tokyo: Ca

What's included

Hariko papier-mâché painting experience and materials(Standard Tour only)
English-speaking guide
Ono River boat ride
Round-trip taxi transportation between Narita and Sawara

Lunch and drinks (Lunch is included in "the Lunch Instead of Hariko Painting option")
Luggage storage fees at the airport or station
Personal expenses

What to expect

Historic Old Town area in Sawara, Katori
2h

Explore Sawara’s preserved Edo-period merchant district with your guide. Enjoy a traditional boat ride along the Ono River, followed by a hands-on Hariko papier-mâché painting experience. The boat ride and painting experience fees are included.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you after you exit the ticket gates at JR Narita Station, on the East Exit (Sando-guchi) side, toward Keisei-Narita Station, holding an ORU Trip sign.

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you after you exit the ticket gates at Keisei-Narita Station, on the West Exit (Sando-guchi) side, toward JR Narita Station, holding an ORU Trip sign. Please do not go toward the East Exit.

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you in the arrivals lobby of your flight terminal after customs, holding our company sign. Please provide your flight number and arrival terminal in advance.

End point

Your guide will meet you after you exit the ticket gates at JR Narita Station, on the East Exit (Sando-guchi) side, toward Keisei-Narita Station, holding an ORU Trip sign.

End point

Your guide will meet you after you exit the ticket gates at Keisei-Narita Station, on the West Exit (Sando-guchi) side, toward JR Narita Station, holding an ORU Trip sign. Please do not go toward the East Exit.

End point

Your guide will meet you in the arrivals lobby of your flight terminal after customs, holding our company sign. Please provide your flight number and arrival terminal in advance.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers must be able to board a small boat and walk on some uneven surfaces.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.