For many visitors to Tokyo, they will most likely fly into Narita Airport. However, Narita should not be overlooked as simply being a transportation route to access Tokyo as it has plenty of great attractions for visitors to enjoy during a 1 day visit! With Narita being based in Chiba prefecture, it is a fantastic place to visit for those staying in Narita City either after or before their flights from nearby Narita Airport, those with a short layover in Tokyo or simply for those seeking adventure to see a different side of Japan! Narita is a beautiful and historic city that offers visitors a chance to become connected to Japan’s traditional culture beyond the realm of Tokyo. Here at SMR we have compiled a list of the top experiences you can enjoy during your Narita trip, with some of these experiences even being included on one of our tours! So read on to find out more.
WHERE IS NARITA?
Situated in Chiba prefecture, and approximately 75 minutes to 110 minutes from Tokyo is Narita. To reach Narita from Tokyo, take a train from Shinjuku station for 75 minutes using the Narita Express Line or a combination of JR lines such as the Chuo Line, Yamanote Line and Joban Line. If like many people, you’re staying in Narita before or after a flight from nearby Narita Airport, Narita city is easily accessible.
8 THINGS TO DO IN NARITA
If after reading this article you feel inspired to experience Narita City for yourself, then why not join our 1 Day Narita and Sawara tour!
1 / Visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
If like many people, you’re staying in Narita before or after a flight from nearby Narita Airport, the good news is that the beautiful and historic Naritasan Temple is just a short 15 minute walk from Narita station. It is a vast complex and home to one of Narita’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. Established in the year 940 CE, it became a popular pilgrimage site and is now one of the most visited temples in Japan. The complex is made up of stunning pagodas, worship halls, a serene park, Calligraphy museum and Shakado treasure hall. So there is plenty to see and do during your visit. You should leave yourself at least 60 minutes to 120 minutes to enjoy the temple. Check out our Naritasan Temple page for more information!
2 / Narita Omotesando Street
The beautiful street of Narita Omotesando is only a 5 minute walk from Narita train station. Narita Omotesando Street is a perfect blend of history, culture and food! It is a long traditional street that leads up to Naritasan Temple. Walking along the picturesque and historic street is a must do when staying in or visiting the Narita area. The street is lined with an array of wonderful shops, cafes and eateries selling street food, souvenirs and local crafts! This is the perfect first or final stop for souvenir shopping after or before your flight! The origins of Omotesando street goes back as far as 300 years ago when the street first acted as a busy pathway for pilgrims and locals visiting the nearby Naritasan temple. The street retains much of the traditional Edo period atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy seeing the traditional wooden architecture of houses and shops. The street is an impressive 800 meters long, so if you want to take a leisurely stroll, shop and eat here, then we recommend spending 80 - 120 minutes enjoying all it has to offer.
3 / Enjoy Viewing and Trying ‘Kyūdō’ Japanese Archery!
Narita is home to many places where you can enjoy and experience Kyūdō! This is a fun and engaging way to experience a traditional cultural practice during your visit to Narita! If you’re more keen to simply observe the practice, Naritasan Temple offers demonstrations via seasonal events and festivals which showcase this tradition against the historical backdrop of the temple. Just make sure to check the Temple’s schedule online to ensure you can see Kyūdō during your visit. However, if your visit doesn’t align with any seasonal events or festivals, don’t worry! Narita has a few wonderful Kyūdō Dojos (Archery Halls) offering classes and demonstrations! Many welcome visitors and tourists to take part, offering friendly beginner lessons with some offering instruction in English. One of our favourites is Hankyu Dojo located on Narita Omotesando street! They offer beginner lessons starting from 1,500 yen and offer instruction with an experience professional in English!
4 / Naritasan Park
Located within the grounds of Naritasan Temple, Naritasan Park is also worthy of a mention in this list. If you’re looking for a slice of nature and serenity during your Narita trip, then spending some time walking the stunning grounds of the park will not disappoint. It is a beautifully landscaped park and garden covering over 16 hectares! It has many traditional features found in Japanese gardens such as ponds, walking paths, bridges and waterfall. The garden and park also offers fantastic seasonal highlights in the form of Cherry Blossom in the Spring and vibrant Autumn colours. We highly recommend combining both the park and the temple during your visit.
5 / Narita Calligraphy Museum
Also located within the grounds of Naritasan Temple, the Calligraphy Museum is a unique attraction showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the art of Japanese Calligraphy ‘Shodō). The museum is home to an impressive collection of Calligraphic art, notable works and tools, including works by renowned Japanese Calligraphers from Japan’s ancient times. You can also see works from Korean and Chinese artists as well. An interesting aspect of the museum is that they rotate the exhibitions throughout the year showcasing different styles, themes and works from different historical periods so visitors will always be able to enjoy seeing something new. The museum is open from 09:00 - 16:00, and admission costs 500 yen for adults.
6 / Narita Yokan Museum and Information Centre
Located just 3 - 5 minutes from Narita station is the Narita Yokan Museum and Information Centre. This is an interesting place for anybody interested in traditional Japanese sweets, specially Yokan. Yokan is a centuries old traditional dense sweet jelly made from red bean paste, sugar and agar. It is enjoyed all year by Japanese people, but is most popular during the warmer months. Yokan can look like small works of art, with designs featuring many colours and seasonal patterns such as Autumn leaves and Mount Fuji! The museum celebrates the history and craft of Yokan where visitors can learn all about its production techniques and significance. Visitors can even sample different varieties of Yokan including traditional and more unique flavours. There is also a shop where you can buy the perfect souvenir! The centre is actually free, so makes for a fantastic activity for those on a budget.
7 / Enjoy ‘Onsen’ Hot Springs
If you want to fully relax and unwind after or before a long flight from Narita Airport, then enjoying Onsen is the perfect way to do this. Narita has many public bathhouses with onsen facilities, and some will even have private onsen options especially if you’re staying at hotel or Ryokan with Onsen available. Places such as Yamato no Yu and Narita Hot Spring Biyu at ART Hotel Narita are some good options. If you’re lucky enough to have a private onsen, soak it all in! (pun intended!). You can relax in your room without the inconvenience of needing to use a public onsen. Have a cold beer or a glass of sparkling Sake to make your luxurious stay even better! Check out our ’Onsen in Japan’ page if you’re curious to learn more!
8 / A Trip to Sawara
Sawara is only then a 30 minute train journey from Narita train station. Please note that the trains running to and from Sawara only run once every hour, so please factor this into your day when planning. Visiting Sawara is a true gem and a perfect addition to your Japan itinerary. Take a day trip from Tokyo and be transported back in time to ’Little Edo’. Sawara is a beautifully preserved historic town filled with history, impressive architecture and authentic experiences. This small but highly significant area is famous for its beautifully and carefully preserved buildings dating as far back as the Edo period (1603 – 1868). It is extremely picturesque and there are many authentic experiences to be enjoyed here. From taking a boat cruise on the Ono River, sampling award winning Sake at local Sake Breweries, enjoying the historic architecture and visiting the cultural museums, Sawara will leave you with a deeper connection to a more hidden Japan.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Nearby to Narita, the city of Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic hands on experiences to make your trip extra special. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in nearby Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
THE BEST DAY TRIPS AND GETAWAYS FROM TOKYO
If you want to enjoy more hands on experiences across Japan, why not check out our 30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: The Best Day-Trips & Getaways From The Capital page! This page will give you more information and inspiration on what excursion day trips, overnight stays and multi day trips you could do outside of Tokyo. You could be enjoying a tea experience in a bamboo forest, feeding Koi Carp at a temple, praying at a world famous temples or have a go at throwing clay pottery on top of a mountain to bring good fortune!
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.