A Peaceful Trip to Katori: Discovering History, Great Food, and Hidden Gems in Japan

Hello everyone!

About a month ago, I took a trip to Katori in Chiba Prefecture, and it quickly became one of my favorite places that I have visited in Japan. Before going, I had heard a little about the area, but I wasn’t prepared for just how charming, peaceful, and beautiful it would be.

Katori reminded me a lot of Kawagoe, because both areas have preserved streets lined with traditional Edo-era buildings. However, Katori felt much quieter and less crowded. Instead of navigating through large groups of tourists, I was able to take my time, walk around at a relaxed pace, and really appreciate the atmosphere.

The historical district was wonderful to explore. The old buildings, traditional storefronts, and peaceful canals made me feel like I had stepped back in time. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of Japan’s rich history. It was the kind of place where simply walking around was enjoyable, even without a specific destination in mind.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting a café run by the descendants of Ino Tadataka. If you are not familiar with him, Ino Tadataka was a famous Japanese surveyor and cartographer who created the first accurately surveyed map of Japan during the Edo period. His work was incredibly important and remains well known today.

Not only did I get to enjoy a relaxing break at the café, but I also had the opportunity to visit his former residence, which is open to the public. Walking through the house gave me a fascinating glimpse into the life of someone who played such an important role in Japanese history. It is always interesting when a historical figure becomes more than just a name in a textbook.

The surrounding area outside the historical district was equally impressive. As I went through the countryside, I saw beautiful traditional homes, open fields, and peaceful scenery stretching into the distance. The slower pace of life was refreshing and made the entire trip feel like a perfect escape from the busy city.

Of course, no trip is complete without good food, and Katori definitely delivered.

During my visit, I stopped at a small local restaurant that served seafood dishes. I decided to order kaisendon, a bowl of rice topped with a variety of fresh seafood. It sounded delicious, and it absolutely was—but I underestimated just how large the portion would be!

To make matters even more challenging, I also ordered two oysters. When they arrived, I was shocked. They were easily the biggest oysters I had ever seen. Looking back, ordering two might have been a mistake.

The seafood was excellent, and I enjoyed every bite, but by the time I had finished the oysters, I was struggling to make any progress on the enormous bowl of kaisendon sitting in front of me. Even though it was delicious, I simply couldn’t finish it all. The photos I took barely capture the scale of the meal. The bowl was almost comically large and seemed more suited for a group than for one person.

Experiences like this are one of the reasons I love traveling around Japan. Every region has its own unique history, culture, scenery, and local specialties. Sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t the famous tourist attractions but the unexpected discoveries along the way—a quiet historical town, a fascinating museum, or a restaurant that serves portions far larger than expected.

Travel is also a great way to improve your English skills. When we travel, we naturally learn how to describe places, share experiences, express opinions, and tell stories. Being able to explain a memorable trip in English is an excellent conversation skill and a topic that comes up frequently in real-life situations.

At Jabble Musashi-Kosugi, many of our students enjoy talking about their travels, favorite destinations, and weekend adventures. These conversations help build confidence while practicing practical English that can be used both in Japan and abroad.

Have you ever visited Katori? Or have you discovered a hidden destination in Japan that surprised you? We’d love to hear about it during your next lesson!

See you at Jabble!

— Stacey

【スタッフによる要約】

皆さんは香取市を訪れたことがありますか？

今回のStacey先生のブログでは、千葉県香取市への旅行について紹介しています。歴史ある街並みや伊能忠敬ゆかりの場所を訪れ、美しい田園風景を楽しんだそうです。また、驚くほど大きな海鮮丼と牡蠣にも挑戦し、とても印象に残る旅になったとのこと。

英会話レッスンでも、旅行や休日の出来事は人気のトピックです。自分の体験を英語で伝えられるようになると、会話の幅が大きく広がります。

Jabble武蔵小杉校では、実際の体験をもとにした自然な英会話を大切にしています。ぜひレッスンで皆さんの旅行の思い出も聞かせてください！