Lois Larson
Narita International Airport is the world's gateway to Japan, and there's plenty to see and do in the area, whether you're looking for cultural activities, shopping, or dining. The airport itself offers cultural tasters, from dance performances and ikebana exhibitions to the chance to try on traditional armour or yukata. You can also check out the Kabuki Gate, a kabuki-themed gallery and shop, and the Gallery Toto, dedicated to Japanese toilets. Outside the airport, the historic town of Sawara, the outdoor museum of Boso-no-Mura, and the Shisui Premium Outlets offer excellent shopping. For foodies, the famous local eel rice dish at Kawatoyo is a must-try, and you can stroll along Naritasan Omotesando to discover small shops selling traditional snacks, crafts, and artifacts. If you're looking to relax, the Narita Airport Onsen is just 4km from the airport, offering a natural hot spring, a hot stone spa, bedrock baths, and more.
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What You'll Learn
Try grilled eel (unagi) over rice at Kawatoyo
If you're looking for a bite to eat near Narita Airport, you might want to try grilled eel (unagi) over rice at Kawatoyo. This restaurant has been serving unagi since 1910, when it started catching freshwater fish and selling them wholesale near the approach to Naritasan Temple.
Kawatoyo is known for its insistence on using freshly prepared unagi, nurtured in well water and served steamed or grilled. Each skewer of unagi is grilled by the chef and dipped in a secret sauce—the same sauce that has been used since the restaurant was established. The result is a plump texture and a mouthwatering flavour.
You'll find the restaurant by following your nose! The aroma of grilled eel wafts down the street, and you can watch the chefs at work as they fan the flames and prepare the fish. The fish is prepared right outside the store, and it's fascinating to see how they take it apart. The multi-level building has a nostalgic feel, and the large wooden board on the restaurant counter is made from a single plank of wood from a huge gingko tree.
One review says that the eel is "grilled to perfection", with "succulent, tender" meat that "melts in your mouth". Another says that it is a "phenomenal experience" to watch the chefs prepare the fresh eel live. However, one reviewer was disappointed by the meal, finding the bones too hard.
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Visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
The Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of Japan's oldest temples and a site of many Buddhist ceremonies. The temple is dedicated to the fire god Acala and is an important religious site for the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The temple's striking architecture, intricate carvings, and richly decorated three-storied pagoda are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The temple is located within walking distance of Narita Station and Keisei Narita Station, which are just one stop and a 10-minute train ride from Narita International Airport, respectively. Narita Omotesando, a pleasant shopping street, leads to the temple and offers a variety of traditional snacks, souvenirs, and restaurants specialising in fresh barbecued eel.
The temple hosts several celebrations and events throughout the year, including one of Japan's largest drum festivals in the spring, with over 200 drummers participating. The New Year's celebration at the temple is one of the biggest, attracting over 3 million visitors, making it the second most-visited temple in Japan during this time. The Narita Gion-Matsuri in early summer is another notable event, featuring a parade of portable shrines of all shapes and sizes.
One of the most interesting attractions at the temple 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's peaceful and serene atmosphere, especially during off-peak times, provides a relaxing and reflective experience for visitors.
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Shop at the Pokémon store
If you're a Pokémon fan, you're in luck! The Pokémon Store at Narita Airport is the perfect place to shop for exclusive souvenirs and merchandise. The store is small but packed with a variety of Pokémon products that are sure to delight fans of all ages.
The Pokémon Store at Narita Airport is a casual shop that offers a carefully curated selection of goods from the official Pokémon Center stores. With over 2,500 products available in the official stores, the airport store provides a revamped inventory to cater to travellers' needs. You can expect to find a range of items, including Pokémon cards, plush toys, and other collectibles.
One of the most popular items at the Pokémon Store is the exclusive Pikachu plushie, which comes in unique variations such as a pilot and flight attendant uniform. These plushies are highly sought-after by collectors and make for the perfect souvenir to remember your trip to Japan. The store also offers other Pokémon-themed souvenirs, such as a special ¥200 coin featuring Pikachu wearing a pilot uniform, which you can only find at the Narita Airport store.
The Pokémon Store is conveniently located within the airport, making it easily accessible for travellers. It was previously located in Terminal 2 but due to increased tourism and high demand, it relocated to Terminal 1 in January 2025. You can now find the new and improved Pokémon Store on the 4th floor of Terminal 1, open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Whether you're a Pokémon enthusiast or just looking for a unique memento from your trip, the Pokémon Store at Narita Airport is worth a visit. With its exclusive merchandise and convenient location, it's no surprise that it's one of the most popular stores for outbound tourists passing through the airport. So, if you find yourself with some time to kill before your flight, why not indulge your inner child and explore the wonderful world of Pokémon?
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Relax at the Narita Airport Onsen
If you're looking to relax at Narita Airport, the Narita Airport Onsen Sora no Yu is a great option. This facility offers a range of relaxation options, including hot spring baths, saunas, and an open-air bath with a view of airplanes. The hot spring water at Sora no Yu is a strong salt spring rich in iodine, which will keep you warm long after your bath. The sauna is set at 90 degrees Celsius for men and 85 degrees Celsius for women, and there is also a daily changing herbal sauna for women. If you're looking for a place to rest, the second floor offers a manga corner with about 8,000 books, a resting area with airport views, and a napping area with a wood stove. You can also rent futons to rest on, reservations are required.
For those looking to be more active, Sora no Yu also offers bicycle rental, bouldering, simulation golf, and table tennis. There is also a variety of dining options, including Cafe&Bar Kiraboshi, which serves beer and soft drinks, as well as light meals and desserts. The hotel also offers lodging facilities, making it a good base for your trip.
Another option for relaxation is the ART HOTEL Narita, located about 15 minutes from Narita International Airport by car. This full-service hotel is easily accessible and surrounded by abundant nature. It offers the only natural hot springs at a Narita area hotel, providing a laid-back atmosphere for guests to relax in.
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Watch a sumo wrestler morning practice session
If you're looking for an insider's experience at Narita Airport, why not try watching a sumo wrestler morning practice session? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this unique opportunity.
First, a bit of background: sumo wrestling is more than just a sport in Japan; it's intertwined with the country's religious and cultural history, dating back around 1500 years. The wrestlers, or rikishi, follow a highly disciplined lifestyle that dictates everything from their training to their eating and sleeping times.
Now, for the practical details: morning sumo practice starts early—usually around 8:30 am. There are a few ways to secure your spot at a morning practice session. JTB Sunrise Tours offer English-language tours of the prestigious Tatsunami Stable in Ryōgoku, one of the most prestigious sumo stables in Tokyo. Tickets are ¥18,000 and include a sumo souvenir. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can visit Arashio-beya, a Tokyo sumo stable that allows you to watch practice for free from outside. The stable has large, street-facing windows, so you'll still be able to get a decent view.
Once you're at the sumo stable, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Remember that a sumo stable is not a tourist facility—the wrestlers are there to train hard, so be sure to show respect to both the wrestlers and the stable master. You should also remain quiet during the training, refrain from walking around, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking inside the stable. When you enter, remember to take off your shoes and sit cross-legged on the floor, being careful not to stretch your legs towards the ring or dohyo, as it is considered sacred.
During the practice, you'll get to witness the wrestlers' warm-ups and stretches, led by a senior wrestler. This part can be slow, but it's a great opportunity to learn how to count in Japanese as the wrestlers count to 10 over and over. Then, the real action starts—the senior wrestlers will enter the dohyo and, at the trainer's command, smash into each other. After the training, you may even have the chance to take photos with the wrestlers and interact with some of their personal belongings, like a sumo-sized yukata.
So, if you're looking for a unique and memorable experience at Narita Airport, consider watching a sumo wrestler morning practice session. It's a great way to learn about Japan's cultural history and see the power of these athletes up close.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for things to do near Narita Airport, you could visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a large and popular Buddhist temple in Narita City. You could also check out the AEON Mall, which is a 20-minute bus ride from the airport, or the Sora no Yu Narita Airport Onsen, a natural hot spring with a spa, bedrock baths, restaurants, and an entertainment space.
For a unique dining experience, head to Kawatoyo, a famous local restaurant that serves grilled eel (unagi) over rice. You'll find it along the Narita-san Omotesando street.
Narita Airport offers various free cultural experiences, such as trying on yukata or traditional armour, ikebana exhibitions, and dance performances. You can also visit the Kabuki Gate, a kabuki-themed gallery and shop, or relax in the free-to-use Narita Sky Lounge Wa in Terminal 2.
