Roberta Aguirre
Narita International Airport is a bustling hub that offers travellers a glimpse into Japan's Edo-period past and a variety of attractions. The city of Narita, located in Chiba Prefecture, is known for its well-preserved historical sites, including the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, a popular Buddhist temple with a rich history. The temple attracts over 10 million visitors annually and features nearby attractions such as Naritasan Park and the old Edo town of Sawara. Beyond the temple, Narita offers an array of experiences, from the Shisui Premium Outlets for shopping enthusiasts to the AEON Mall, which provides a unique shopping experience. For those seeking cultural insights, the open-air museum, Boso-no-Mura, transports visitors back to the Edo period, showcasing the lives of samurai, farmers, and merchants. The city also boasts the National Museum of Japanese History and the Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art. With its proximity to Tokyo, Narita provides easy access to destinations like Ueno Park and Asakusa, known for its traditional shitamachi atmosphere. For a relaxing break, visitors can enjoy the natural hot spring, Sora No Yu, located just 10 minutes from the airport.
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What You'll Learn
- Visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a popular Buddhist temple with over 1000 years of history
- Explore the town of Narita, with its curio shops, eel vendors, and the massive temple complex
- Shop at the Shisui Premium Outlets, offering exclusive shopping experiences and interesting shops
- Stroll through Ueno Park, home to the Toshogu Shrine and a variety of other shrines
- Experience the Edo-period charm of the small town of Sawara, with its preserved historic canal district
Visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a popular Buddhist temple with over 1000 years of history
If you're looking for a cultural experience near Narita Airport, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a great option. This large and popular Buddhist temple, located in Narita City, is just a short walk from JR Narita Station, which is only one stop from Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Station. With over 1000 years of history, impressive architecture, and a rich calendar of events, it's a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and spiritual side of Japan.
The temple is known for its striking architecture, with the new and former Great Main Halls renowned for their scale and intricate carvings. The richly decorated three-storied pagoda and the Great Pagoda of Peace are also popular attractions. The temple is dedicated to the fire god Acala and is an important religious site for the Shingon sect of Buddhism. One of its most fascinating attractions is the daily Goma Fire Ritual, a thousand-year-old tradition where priests pray before a large fire to help address the problems of temple visitors.
The temple also offers free guided walks by volunteers around the temple grounds and the nearby Naritasan Park, a 165,000-square-meter park with three ponds, beautiful trees, and flowers. The park is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The temple is particularly crowded during festival times and busy seasons, so visiting during off-peak times can provide a quieter and more serene experience.
To reach the temple, you can take a train to Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station, or stroll along the winding Narita Omotesando, a quaint shopping street with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and restaurants specialising in fresh barbecued eel. The temple is also accessible via a free two-way shuttle from the airport, making it a convenient stop during a layover.
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Explore the town of Narita, with its curio shops, eel vendors, and the massive temple complex
The small but bustling city of Narita, located northeast of Chiba, offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo-period past. The town itself centres around the winding Narita Omotesando, a quaint old-school shopping street with curio shops, freshwater eel vendors, and the massive Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple complex.
Narita is known for its freshwater eel dishes, which have been a part of the local food culture for centuries. The eel dishes originated from the river fish of Lake Imba, which was considered a "treasure house of blessings from nature". Today, you can find many well-established restaurants in Narita serving traditional freshwater eel dishes, with some specialising in sushi, tempura, or grilled eel.
The Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple complex, also known as Naritasan, dates back to AD 940. The temple attracts over 10 million visitors per year and is the second most-visited temple in Japan during the New Year period, second only to the Meiji Shrine. The temple features impressive architecture, with intricate carvings and richly decorated pagodas, including the three-storied Great Pagoda of Peace. Throughout the year, various ceremonies and festivals are held at the temple, including the Goma Fire Ritual during New Year and the Narita Gion-Matsuri in early summer, where portable shrines are paraded through the city.
A short walk from the Narita Omotesando shopping street, you will find Naritasan Park, a 165,000-square-meter park with three ponds, walking trails, and attractive trees and flowers. The park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling town and is a great place for families, as children can enjoy feeding the colourful carp in the ponds.
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Shop at the Shisui Premium Outlets, offering exclusive shopping experiences and interesting shops
If you're looking for a unique shopping experience near Narita Airport, look no further than the Shisui Premium Outlets. This retail paradise, nestled on the outskirts of Tokyo, boasts over 180 stores, offering a diverse array of luxury and lifestyle brands. From fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics, Shisui Premium Outlets has something for everyone.
One of the most appealing aspects of shopping at Shisui Premium Outlets is the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's unique fashion sensibilities while also exploring global fashion trends. Local Japanese brands sit alongside internationally renowned labels, offering a holistic shopping experience that goes beyond just retail therapy. The outlet is known for its exceptional collection of brands, including iconic names like Gucci and Prada, often at discounted prices.
The architectural design of the outlet is also noteworthy, seamlessly blending modern and contemporary elements with traditional Japanese influences. Strolling through the meticulously landscaped pathways, shoppers will discover intricate wooden structures, serene water features, and lush greenery, creating a relaxing and explorative atmosphere.
Shisui Premium Outlets is easily accessible from Narita Airport, with shuttle buses available for a small fee. It's a great option if you have a long layover and want to experience something beyond the typical airport shops. The outlet offers an exclusive and interesting shopping experience, with direct buses running to and from the airport every few minutes. With its unique ambiance, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, Shisui Premium Outlets is a must-visit destination for both fashion enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper exploration of Japanese culture.
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Stroll through Ueno Park, home to the Toshogu Shrine and a variety of other shrines
If you're looking for things to do near Narita Airport, one suggestion is to take a stroll through Ueno Park, which is home to the Toshogu Shrine and a variety of other shrines and temples.
Ueno Park is easily accessible from Narita Airport, with the journey taking around one hour and 20 minutes. The park is just a short walk from JR Ueno Station, which you can get to by train from the airport. The park is open daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, and admission is free.
The Toshogu Shrine, also known as the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, is a gorgeous building designated as a Cultural Property of Japan due to its resilience in surviving wars and earthquakes since its construction in 1627. The shrine was built to honour Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate, and is an excellent example of Edo-period architecture. The main structure was rebuilt in 1651, and features gold leaf trimmings and intricate carvings. The interior of the shrine is closed to the public to protect and preserve this cultural treasure, but the exterior is well worth admiring.
In addition to the Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Park is home to several other shrines and temples, including the Kaneiji Temple, which was one of the largest and wealthiest temples in the city during the Edo period. Although most of the temple was destroyed during the Boshin War, remnants of the original complex, such as the five-storied pagoda, are scattered throughout the park. The current Kaneiji is a small, unassuming temple located in a quiet neighbourhood near the northwest corner of the park.
Another notable temple in Ueno Park is the Kiyomizu Kannondo, originally built in 1631 as part of the Kaneiji Temple complex. Its design includes a wooden balcony extending from the hillside, inspired by Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. The temple is dedicated to Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, and is particularly popular among women hoping to have children.
Besides its shrines and temples, Ueno Park has a lot to offer, especially during the cherry blossom season. The park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway, attracting large numbers of hanami parties during late March and early April.
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Experience the Edo-period charm of the small town of Sawara, with its preserved historic canal district
Sawara is a small town located in the northeast of Chiba Prefecture, around 45 minutes from Narita International Airport by train. The town is known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and charming retro scenery, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's past.
One of the most distinctive features of Sawara is its historic canal district. The town is centred around the Ono River, which was once a major transport route for rice shipments. Today, visitors can take a boat tour along the river to experience the town from a unique perspective. These tours are held on "sappa bune", a type of flat-bottomed boat traditional to the area, and offer a glimpse into the prosperous merchant culture of the Edo period. Along the river, you'll find beautifully preserved old buildings, such as the red brick Sawara Mitsubishi Building (now a museum and visitor centre) and the Fukushin kimono shop, which is nationally registered as a Tangible Cultural Property.
Sawara is also known for its picturesque canals and stone bridges, which create a tranquil and picturesque setting. The town's layout and architecture clearly reflect its evolution over the centuries, with many merchant homes continuing to pass on their family businesses from generation to generation. The local residents take pride in honouring their past, and you won't find advertising billboards, loudspeakers, or rows of vending machines disrupting the historic atmosphere.
In addition to its architectural and cultural charm, Sawara also offers a variety of culinary delights. You can stroll through the old town, sampling local treats like Imopuccino and gelato ice cream, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants serving everything from sushi to Italian cuisine. For a truly local experience, try a mom-and-pop restaurant like Hanayoshi, a favourite among the locals.
With its preserved historic canal district and rich cultural heritage, Sawara is the perfect destination for those seeking to experience the charm of the Edo period in a tranquil and easily accessible location.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do around Narita Airport, including:
- Visiting the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a large and popular Buddhist temple with over 1000 years of history.
- Shopping at the Shisui Premium Outlets in AEON Mall, which offers a unique shopping experience with interesting and fun shops.
- Exploring the town of Narita, which offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo-period past with its curio shops, eel vendors, and the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple complex.
There are several historical attractions near Narita Airport, such as:
- The town of Sawara, which preserves the townscape of Japan's Edo period and features the Suigo Sawara Aquatic Botanic Garden.
- Boso-no-Mura, an open-air museum that recreates the world of the samurai, farmers, and merchants during the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period.
- The city of Sakura, which offers a glimpse into old Japan with its preserved samurai residences and the National Museum of Japanese History.
Yes, there are a few nature spots and parks near Narita Airport, including:
- Naritasan Park, a 165,000-square-meter park with three ponds, attractive trees, and flowers.
- Shibayama Wetland Park, a hands-on natural parkland home to a diverse array of insects, fauna, and flora, offering an unspoiled rural landscape.
- The aircraft observation area near Runway B, which is a popular spot for locals and aircraft enthusiasts to watch planes take off and land.
