Sachin Walls
If you're facing a long layover at Narita International Airport, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The airport is located about 60km from central Tokyo, so if you have a long enough break, you can head into the city centre and explore. However, if you don't have time to venture that far, there are still plenty of things to do near the airport. You can visit the nearby town of Narita, which is just a 15-minute train ride away and offers cultural experiences such as the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a 1000-year-old Buddhist temple. If you're looking to relax, the Narita Airport Onsen is just 4km away and offers natural hot springs, a spa, and restaurants. Back in the airport, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine, explore the shopping scene, visit the Japanese Garden on the observation deck, or catch a film at the airport theatre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Narita City, Japan |
| Distance from Tokyo | 60-90 minutes by train |
| Distance from Narita City | 15-20 minutes by train |
| Airport Amenities | Art, Japanese cultural events, restaurants, cafes, bars, airport lounges, baggage storage, and a capsule hotel |
| Nearby Attractions | AEON Mall, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Naritasan Park, Samurai Restaurant, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Senso-ji Temple, Imperial Palace Gardens, Ginza, Tsukiji Market |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Explore Narita City and its temples, countryside, and traditional shops
Narita International Airport is located about 60km from central Tokyo, within Narita City. The city is a great place to explore during a layover, with its temples, countryside, and traditional shops.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, also known as Naritasan Temple, is one of the country's most famous temples, especially during the New Year period for hatsumode celebrations. The temple is over a thousand years old, built around 940 AD. The road leading up to the temple, Omotesando, is lined with traditional crafts, snacks, sweets, and restaurants, all with classic Japanese charm. The temple grounds include a three-storied pagoda and a huge pagoda known as the Great Pagoda of Peace.
The Ajisai-kan is attached to the well-stocked Fureai Market, where you can find local snacks like onigiri sets, dango (sweet dumplings), and rice crackers. The Naritasan complex also includes several temples of different styles and a beautiful pagoda.
Naritasan Park is a vast haven with a beautiful Japanese landscaped garden. The park has three little ponds, and the Japanese garden is a calm resting place with koi carps.
For those interested in the Edo period (1603-1867/8), Sawara is a merchant town running along the Tone River, about a 30-minute drive from Narita Airport. Today, it is a quiet, picturesque city with a canal flanked by merchant houses. Boutique hotels have renovated some of these merchant houses, combining Edo-era architecture with modern luxury.
Airports: Unhealthy Havens or Healthy Hubs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Experience Japanese culture through food, art, and events at the airport
If you're looking to experience Japanese culture through food, art, and events during your layover at Narita Airport, there is plenty to explore. The airport features three terminals, each with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering Japanese cuisine and international options.
For a taste of traditional Japanese dishes, head to the JAPAN FOOD HALL in Terminal 2, which opened in 2023. Here, you can find signature dishes like unagi bowls, sushi, and ramen. If you're a vegetarian or health-conscious eater, WithGreen in Terminal 1 offers fresh and authentic Japanese ingredients with seasonal menus. You can try their popular options, such as "Steamed Chicken Breast and Apple Salad" or "Low-Temperature Cooked Pork Salad."
For a special treat, visit Kyoto Katsugyu, also located in the JAPAN FOOD HALL. This specialty tonkatsu restaurant serves high-quality Japanese beef fried into crispy, thinly sliced cutlets with a light, non-greasy coating. If you're craving ramen, Matsudo Tomita Men-Tan in the central building is a highly popular choice, known for its long lines. Their homemade noodles and rich broth have won first place in a national tsukemen competition.
To explore Japanese culture and art beyond the airport, the large and popular Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is just a short distance away in Narita City. This Buddhist temple, built during the 10th century, offers a glimpse into Japan's cultural and spiritual side and is an ideal spot to pray for a safe journey.
If you're looking for a relaxing experience, the Narita Airport Onsen is located right next to the airport. This natural hot spring features iodine-rich saltwater, hot stone spas, bedrock baths, and open-air baths on the roof, providing a soothing and pampering experience during your layover.
Best Airport Options for Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visit AEON Mall for shopping and dining
If you're looking for a place to kill time, shop, and dine during your layover at Narita International Airport, AEON Mall is a great option. Conveniently located within a 15-minute drive or a 20-minute direct bus ride from the airport, this mall is the perfect spot for travellers looking to indulge in some last-minute shopping and dining before their flight.
AEON Mall offers a wide variety of shopping options, ranging from tax-free tourist-friendly stores to popular Japanese bargain shops like Daiso and Book Off. You can also find electronics stores with mobile phones and Apple products. The mall is highly recommended for its cleanliness, organisation, and helpful staff, with many speaking English, making communication a breeze.
When it comes to dining, AEON Mall has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. You can find a vast array of restaurants, including popular choices such as Tonkatsu Wako, Kaew Jai, and Ginzasouzaiten. There's also a large AEON supermarket with shelves of packaged foods, snacks, and souvenirs specifically catered to tourists. The mall's food court and restaurant area are open until 9 PM and 10 PM, respectively, giving you ample time to explore the dining options.
To get to the mall, you can take advantage of the direct buses that depart from the airport every few minutes. Remember to check the schedule in advance as timings may vary, and you don't want to risk missing your connecting flight due to unexpected delays. If you prefer more flexibility, there's also the option of taking a bus from the Keisei Narita train station, which is located a short distance from the airport.
Whether you're looking to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, indulge in Japanese cuisine, or simply stretch your legs during your layover, AEON Mall provides a convenient and enjoyable experience for travellers passing through Narita International Airport.
Louis Armstrong Airport: A Sprawling Gateway to New Orleans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Relax at Narita Airport Onsen, a natural hot spring
If you're looking to relax and unwind during your layover at Narita International Airport, the Narita Airport Onsen is a natural hot spring facility located just next to the airport. The hot spring water at Narita Airport Onsen is a strong salt spring rich in iodine, giving the water a smooth and velvety feel.
The facility offers a variety of relaxation options, including a hot stone spa, bedrock baths, open-air baths on the roof, a gym, and an entertainment space. After a refreshing dip in the hot spring, you can unwind in the relaxation area, complete with reclining chairs and a peaceful atmosphere. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bicycle, try your hand at bouldering, or indulge in some simulation golf or table tennis.
For those who prefer saunas, Narita Airport Onsen has you covered. The sauna is set at a toasty 90 degrees Celsius for men and a slightly cooler 85 degrees Celsius for women. There is also a daily rotating herbal sauna for women, offering a unique and aromatic experience. If you're looking to cool off, the cold water bath is maintained at a refreshing 15 degrees Celsius all year round.
If you're travelling early in the morning or late at night, Sora no Yu, located just 4 kilometres from the airport, offers a free shuttle service for added convenience. With its superb baths and relaxation facilities, it's the perfect way to start or end your journey feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
So, if you're seeking a calming and soothing experience during your layover, look no further than the Narita Airport Onsen. Immerse yourself in the natural hot spring, indulge in the various spa amenities, and take advantage of the convenient location to transform your layover into a rejuvenating experience.
Banff Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Take a train to Tokyo for sightseeing
Narita Airport is located about 60 kilometres outside of central Tokyo, so a taxi ride into the city centre is not recommended. However, there are several other ways to get to Tokyo from the airport.
The fastest way to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport is by taking the Narita Express (N'EX) train, which takes as little as 53 minutes. This JR limited express train is renowned for its speed and convenience, directly connecting the airport to Tokyo's major stations. There are two seat classes: Green Cars (first class) and Ordinary Cars (economy class), and all seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased easily and the train carriages are clean, comfortable, and spacious, with designated luggage storage racks.
Another option is the Skyliner, a limited express train that takes 36 minutes to get to Nippori Station and 41 minutes to Ueno Station. At Ueno Station, you can change to the Tokyo Metro's Ginza Line and Hibiya Line, Toei's Oedo Line, or access JR Ueno Station. The Skyliner offers a single class of equally comfortable, wide, and clean reserved seats, with a luggage storage area at the end of each car.
The cheapest option is to take the regular trains on the Keisei Line, which take between 80 and 120 minutes, depending on your destination in Tokyo. Some services connect directly with the Toei Asakusa subway line, while others terminate at stations on the JR Yamanote Line (Tokyo's central loop line). This option may not be ideal if you have a lot of luggage, especially during rush hour. To use these trains, you can purchase a ticket or use a topped-up Suica or Pasmo card to pass through the ticket gates.
If you have a layover of less than 5 hours, it is recommended to opt for exploring the nearby city of Narita instead of travelling to Tokyo. You can take the Keisei train line from the airport and reach downtown Narita in under 20 minutes. Enjoy a meal, do some shopping, or visit the Naritasan Park and Buddhist temple.
Ben Gurion Airport: Temporary Shutdown or Long-Term Closure?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If your layover is under 8 hours, you can visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a large and popular Buddhist temple in Narita City. You can also try the Narita Airport Onsen, a natural hot spring with a spa, baths, restaurants, and a gym. If you want to stay in the airport, you can try Japanese cuisine or watch a film at the Narita Airport Theater.
If your layover is over 8 hours, you can leave the airport and head to Ueno Park in Tokyo, which has museums, shrines, and a zoo. You can also visit the town of Narita, which is a 15-minute train ride away. Here, you can visit the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, eat at local restaurants, and shop for souvenirs.
You can try the traditional Japanese restaurant Kawatoyo Honten, which specializes in eel, or the Samurai Restaurant, which offers a wild show of lasers, lights, samurai, and dancers. You can also try Sushi Kyotatsu, Blue Sky Miso Kitchen, and Goemon.
Narita and its surrounding cities offer a range of accommodation options, including traditional Japanese-style hotels called Ryokans, capsule hotels, and hostels. There are also hotels near the airport, such as the Hotel Nikko Narita, that offer breakfast buffets.
![Transit [DVD] [2018]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61UBxnEtSSL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
