VIDEO| Quick trip to Sawara, Japan

Fairly accessible from any of bases in Kanto Plain via the Higashi Kanto Expressway, Sawara is home to fascinating streets filled with old traditional townhouses along the river. Katori Shrine and Shinshoji Temple, are known as some of the most majestic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in the area. Check out Iris Park in neighboring Katori City, Chiba. The park offers an impressive display of over 400 different types of irises and over 1.5 million iris flowers in total.