A story about four cities in northern Chiba Prefecture, near Narita Airport, has been recognized as the first "Japan Heritage" in the prefecture. The Japan Heritage title is the certification of stories about the country's cultural and traditional heritages. Added to the Japan Heritage list is the "Hokuso Yontoshi Edo Kikou" (Edo-Era Travelogue of Four Hokuso (Northern Chiba) Cities).  

The story is about the cities of Chiba that supported the megacity of Edo, present-day Tokyo, during the final years of the Edo period (1603-1867) to the early Meiji era (1868-1912). They comprised Sakura, a castle town which developed into a city of medicine; Narita, a town which flourished in front of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple; Sawara, a river town which developed into a water transportation and commercial hub; and Choshi, a prosperous port town. Having developed independently from one another as travelers frequented their way to and from Edo by land or water, the four cities still have rows of houses reminiscent of the period.

The four cities, all in a 60 km distance from Narita Airport, will conjure up nostalgic feelings about the Edo period among travelers and are certainly worth a visit.

Main Points of the Four Cities

- The cities supported the capital city of Edo in different ways from the late Edo era to the early Meiji period.

- Rows of old-fashioned houses and highways are reminiscent of the Edo period.

- A castle town, a temple town, a commercial town and a port town, all located in the same region.

- The nearest place from Narita Airport where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period.