Katori City is located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture and is a city that blends history, culture, and natural scenery. It is also known as one of the "Three Little Edos." Spanning the banks of the Tone River, the city boasts abundant water resources and a rich history of river transport, making it a key river port and commercial hub where roads and waterways intersect. The city’s waterside areas are part of the "Suigō-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park" and have been selected as one of the "Top 100 Water Towns," showcasing the unique charm of Japan’s aquatic heritage.
The Sawara district within Katori retains many historical sites and traditional buildings and has been designated as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings." It is also listed among the "Heisei 100 Views" and "Japan Heritage" sites, reflecting its deep historical and cultural richness. Sawara, as the temple town in front of Katori Shrine, is also a significant intersection of culture and faith. Katori Shrine enshrines Futsunushi-no-Kami, a deity associated with the Japanese myth of the Transfer of Land, and has a long historical connection with Kashima Shrine in Kashima City.
Katori is also renowned for its rice production, having the highest rice shipment volume in Chiba Prefecture. The Sawara district was once the commercial base of Tadataka Inō, a renowned surveyor during the Edo period. His former residence, now a national historic site, is preserved, and the Inō Tadataka Museum exhibits nationally significant artifacts related to his work.
The city is dotted with many historically valuable buildings, such as the Sawara Mitsubishi Hall (built in 1914), Seibundō Bookstore (built in 1880), and the Koboriya Main Store (built in 1900), all of which add to the city’s nostalgic charm. Attractions like "Tōibashi Waterfall" (one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes), "Yokōtone Lock Interaction Park" (selected among Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks), and the "Great Camphor Tree of Fuma" (one of the Top 100 Fragrant Landscapes) also make Katori a captivating travel destination where history, nature, and culture come together.
