This place offers a rare chance to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Nestled in the historic canal town of Sawara — often called “Little Edo” — the hotel is part of the NIPPONIA project, which transforms heritage buildings into unique accommodations. Here, former merchant homes have been carefully restored, preserving Edo-period charm with traditional wooden beams and tatami floors, while adding conveniences like heated flooring and luxurious bathrooms.

Sawara itself is a hidden gem just 60 minutes from Narita Airport, where you can wander cobblestone streets along picturesque canals, visit historic sake breweries, and experience the town’s enduring merchant spirit. After exploring, return to the hotel to savor locally sourced seasonal cuisine, thoughtfully prepared to reflect the region’s culinary traditions. From canal boat rides to serene walks by lantern-lit streets, your stay at Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA offers more than sightseeing — it’s a journey into Japan’s rich past with the comforts of the present.