Exploring Narita Airport: Activities And Attractions

what can you do in narita airport

Narita International Airport is a bustling hub with plenty to offer beyond its gates. Before heading to nearby Tokyo, travellers can explore unique shops, restaurants, and art installations within the airport. Those seeking a glimpse of old Japan can visit nearby Narita town, with its curio shops, eel vendors, and the grand Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple. For aviation enthusiasts, the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences offers aircraft displays, simulators, and hands-on activities. Narita also boasts the Sakura no Oka Observation Area, temples, gardens, and the open-air museum, Boso-no-Mura, showcasing the transition from the Edo to Meiji period. With convenient transport links, Narita Airport serves as a gateway to Japan, offering a blend of culture, history, and modern amenities.

Characteristics Values
Transport to/from the airport Airport limousine bus, Narita express train, shuttle bus, taxi, pre-booked taxi, shared minibus/taxi services, regular cabs
Airport facilities Toilets (including gender-neutral, accessible toilets), baby changing spaces, lactation rooms, nap rooms, showers, lounges, nail salon
Shopping Souvenir shops, convenience stores, Airport Mall, Aeon Mall, Pokémon Store, ANA FESTA, 7-Eleven, Plaza Capcom, curio shops, Shisui Premium Outlets
Dining Restaurants, coffee shops, 7-Eleven
Other services ATMs, luggage courier services, ticket counters, currency exchange, SIM card and pocket wifi rental counters
Attractions Art, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, Soranoyu Onsen, Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, Japanese gardens, Boso-no-Mura open-air museum, Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, Suigo Sawara Aquatic Botanic Garden

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Shopping: Visit the Airport Mall, Aeon Mall, or Terminal 2's selection of shops

Narita International Airport offers a range of shopping options for travellers looking to indulge in some retail therapy. One option is to visit the Airport Mall, which features a variety of shops and dining options that are available after the security check. Although the specific stores have not been mentioned, you can expect to find fashion and fashion accessories, convenience stores, and shops selling anime characters and toys. There is also a Disney Store pop-up located in Terminal 2.

Another shopping destination near Narita Airport is the Aeon Mall. This mall is located within a 15-minute driving distance from the airport and is open seven days a week. It houses specialty stores, a food court, and a restaurant area. The operating hours of the specialty stores and food court are from 10:00 to 21:00, while the restaurant area operates from 11:00 to 22:00. The AEON Food Section on the first floor is open from 8:00 to 23:00, and other AEON sections are open from 9:00 to 22:00.

Terminal 2 itself also offers a selection of shops, although the specific details and types of stores available are not mentioned. It is recommended to check the Narita International Airport website or inquire at the airport for more information about the shopping options available in Terminal 2 and the Airport Mall.

Whether you're looking for last-minute souvenirs, duty-free items, or simply wanting to browse, the shopping options at Narita International Airport and the nearby Aeon Mall can enhance your travel experience and provide a convenient way to pass the time before your flight.

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Art and culture: Explore Japanese paintings and digital art, or visit the nearby town of Sawara, an outdoor museum

If you're interested in art and culture, there is plenty to explore near Narita Airport. The airport itself showcases various artworks, including Japanese paintings, digital signs, and spatial presentations by artists.

A short distance from the airport, you can find the charming Edo-era town of Sawara. This historic canal town is known for its beautifully preserved old buildings, picturesque canals, and cultural traditions. Stroll through the town and discover centuries-old wooden structures with tiled roofs, such as the Nakamura Shoten, Shobundo Bookstore, and Fukushin Kimono Shop. Visit the red brick Sawara Mitsubishi Building, a Western-style edifice that now houses a museum and visitor centre. Take a relaxing river excursion aboard a small boat called a "sappa bune" on the Ono River. Sawara is also home to traditional sake breweries, where you can enjoy tours and sample delicious varieties of sake.

Located in the middle of Sawara, the Ino Tadataka Museum celebrates the work of Ino Tadataka, an Edo-period surveyor who created highly accurate maps of Japan. Across the Ono River from the museum lies Ino's former residence, which is also open to visitors. Sawara is also known for its festival, the Sawara Matsuri, featuring floats topped by giant dolls representing mythological Japanese warriors and heroes. The festival takes place twice a year, in July and October.

For those willing to venture a bit further, the city of Sakura, near Narita, offers a glimpse into old Japan. It boasts preserved samurai residences and the National Museum of Japanese History. Sakura is also home to the Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, one of Japan's major art museums. Additionally, Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura, an open-air museum located near Narita, recreates the world of samurai, farmers, and merchants during the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period.

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Relaxation: Unwind in the airport's nap rooms or the Narita Excel Tokyu Hotel's Japanese garden

If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind during a layover at Narita Airport, there are a few options available to you. For a quick nap, day rooms are available to rent by the hour in Terminals 1 and 2. These rooms are equipped with en-suite shower/toilet facilities, single or twin beds, and include towels, shampoo, soap, and a hairdryer. Rates start at 1,560 yen per hour for a single room and 2,520 yen per hour for a twin room. Additional time is charged at 780 yen per hour for a single room and 1,260 yen per hour for a twin room.

If you're looking for something more unique and Japanese-inspired, the Narita Excel Tokyu Hotel offers a 3-star accommodation experience with easy access to Naritasan Park and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The hotel features a beautiful Japanese garden, as well as a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool, and a sauna. You can unwind with a rejuvenating massage after a long flight or a day of sightseeing. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk service, room service, and a currency exchange facility.

For those on a tighter budget or looking for a unique experience, a capsule hotel is located adjacent to Terminal 2. Nine Hours Narita Airport offers 24-hour check-in and reception for their capsule sleep pods. Located on the multi-story Car Park P2, B1F, these capsules can be booked by the hour from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for 1,500 yen for the first hour and 500 yen per hour thereafter. Overnight stays are also available, and guests have access to shower facilities.

Several nearby hotels, such as Hotel Nikko Narita, also provide free airport shuttle services for guests who prefer a more traditional hotel experience. These hotels often offer additional amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

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Dining: Try Japanese cuisine at the airport's restaurants or the nearby Soranoyu Onsen

If you're looking to sample some Japanese cuisine when passing through Narita Airport, you're in luck! The airport itself offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants serving traditional Japanese dishes. You can also find cafes, bars, and restaurants serving international cuisine to cater to all tastes.

For a truly unique dining experience, however, you may want to venture a little further to Soranoyu Onsen, a relaxation facility located just 4 kilometres from the airport. Here, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and enjoy a range of culinary delights.

Soranoyu Onsen is known for its variety of dining options, including the popular Cafe&Bar Kiraboshi. Here, you can savour light meals such as pasta and sandwiches, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer and highballs. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink or a casual bite to eat.

If you're seeking a more substantial meal, Soranoyu also offers a grand menu with a variety of noodles and meat dishes. You can indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine and savour the flavours of the region. After your meal, you can even rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding area, including the nearby village of Narita with its charming temple and gardens.

For those with a sweet tooth, Soranoyu has you covered as well. After soaking in the onsen or sweating it out in the sauna, treat yourself to a delicious ice cream. It's the perfect way to cool off and satisfy your sugar craving.

With its proximity to the airport and array of dining options, Soranoyu Onsen is an excellent choice for travellers looking to experience Japanese culture and cuisine during their layover or before their departure from Narita Airport.

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Attractions: Discover the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, the Sakura no Oka Observation Area, or the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

There are several attractions near Narita Airport that are worth visiting. Here are three notable ones:

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

The Museum of Aeronautical Sciences is an aviation museum located just outside Narita Airport, at the southern end of its main runway. The museum appeals to both plane enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, with a range of exhibits and activities. On display are full-scale replicas of historic planes and components of modern aircraft, such as the landing gear and engine of a Boeing 747. Visitors can also try their hand at piloting a plane using the museum's life-sized simulators. The museum also features observation decks on the third, fourth, and fifth floors, offering excellent views of planes taking off and landing. The fourth floor is also home to a restaurant.

Sakura no Oka Observation Area

The Sakura no Oka Observation Area, also known as Sanrizuka Sakura no Oka, is a park with over 100 cherry trees and azaleas. It covers 8,000 square meters of high ground and is divided into three zones, each providing dynamic close-up views of arriving and departing aircraft. Sakura no Oka is a popular spot for aircraft fans, as well as families and couples, offering a grassy observation area to relax and watch the planes. It is easily accessible from the airport via a bus or taxi service.

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

The Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is a scenic temple located near Narita Airport. It is within walking distance of Narita Station and Keisei-Narita Station, which are just a short train ride from the airport. The temple is also close to various accommodation options, including traditional Japanese-style rooms and hotels with modern amenities. The temple is a peaceful and cultural attraction, offering a contrast to the airport's hustle and bustle.

Frequently asked questions

Narita Airport has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained while waiting for your flight. Terminal 1 has a shopping and dining area spanning three floors, while Terminal 2 has an Airport Mall on the 4th floor with unique shops like the Pokemon Store and ANA FESTA. There's also a 7-Eleven on the south side of the mall if you're looking for something cheap. If you want to buy duty-free, head to the South Wing, which has Narita Nakamise, the largest airport duty-free brand boutique mall in Japan. Terminal 2 also has a good selection of shops and restaurants before passport control.

Narita Airport is located in the city of Narita, which offers a glimpse of Japan's Edo-period past. The town has curio shops, eel vendors, and the massive Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple complex, which attracts over 10 million visitors per year. Nearby is the historic town of Sawara, known as "Koedo" or Little Edo, which preserves the townscape of Japan's Edo period. You can also visit the open-air museum Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura, which reproduces the world of the samurai, farmers, and merchants during the Edo period.

Yes, the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences is located near the southern end of the main runway of Narita Airport. The museum has real aircraft on display, simulators, and hands-on activities. From the rooftop observation deck, you can see the outdoor exhibits and the runway. The museum is closed on Mondays and costs 500 yen to enter.

Narita Airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Tokyo by airport limousine bus or Narita express train. You can also take a bus or taxi from any of the terminals.

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