Is Narita worth visiting on a layover?

Yes. The temple and its approach are about 10 minutes by train plus a short walk from the airport, so even a four- to five-hour gap is enough for a relaxed visit and a meal.

What is Naritasan Shinshoji?

It is a major Shingon Buddhist temple complex with a main hall, a three-storey pagoda and a large landscaped park behind it. Daily fire rituals (goma) are held in the main hall and open to visitors.

What should you eat in Narita?

Grilled freshwater eel (unagi) is the town's speciality, prepared in long-established restaurants along the Omotesando approach where you can often watch it being filleted.

How do you get from Narita Airport to the town?

Take the Keisei or JR line one or two stops to Keisei Narita or JR Narita station; the temple approach begins a short walk from either. Coin lockers at the stations make it easy with luggage.

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Narita

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A temple town beside Tokyo's main international airport, built around the thousand-year-old Naritasan Shinshoji and its old pilgrim approach.

Who Narita is for

Travellers with a layover at Narita Airport, temple-goers, and anyone wanting an easy slice of old Japan near touchdown.

About Narita

Narita grew up around Naritasan Shinshoji, a large Shingon temple founded in 940 that still draws millions of New Year worshippers. The Omotesando approach leading to it is lined with wooden shops and unagi restaurants. Its position one train stop from Narita Airport makes it the classic first or last stop of a Japan trip.

Things to do

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Naritasan Shinsho-ji
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Complex featuring a 10th-century temple & a colorful 3-story pagoda, with free guided walking tours.
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AEON MALL Narita
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Spacious mall offering Japanese fashion & housewares, plus a food court & game arcade.
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Kawatoyo Narita
Unadon bowls of grilled eel & rice served at a simple restaurant with Japanese & Western seating.
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Sakuranoyama Park
Departing & arriving planes can be watched from this public park also known for its cherry blossoms.
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Naritasan Park
Trails skirting tree-lined ponds & a plum garden with seasonal blossoms, plus a calligraphy museum.
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Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
Aeronautical museum featuring flight simulators, replica planes & a wide variety of modern aircraft.
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Narita

About Narita

Things to do

Naritasan Shinsho-ji

AEON MALL Narita

Kawatoyo Narita

Sakuranoyama Park

Naritasan Park

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

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