Given that Narita International Airport is one of Japan’s most well-known airports, it is unsurprising that most inbound travelers associate Narita City with this landmark. However, Narita City is far more than just a transportation hub and features a variety of destinations that embody the country’s uniqueness.
From Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita’s city center is a short 10-minute train ride on the Keisei Line (to Keisei-Narita Station) or an 11-minute train ride on the Narita Line (to JR Narita Station). From Narita Airport Terminal 2･3 Station, the travel times are about the same or slightly shorter. If you are traveling with luggage, both Keisei-Narita and JR Narita Station have coin lockers so you can comfortably explore the area.
Discover Narita City’s impressive culture, nature, and food below!
Culture and history
With Narita-san Temple at its heart, Narita City flourished as a temple town during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Today, the city’s vibrant past is well represented not only through Narita-san but also its collection of historic storefronts. The quaint ambience will truly make you feel as though you stepped into another era.
Narita-san Omotesando
Starting roughly from Narita Station and extending about 800 meters to Narita-san, Narita-san Omotesando is a shopping street lined with 150 stores that sell crafts, souvenirs, and mouthwatering cuisine. The area features an engaging balance of traditional and modern shops, making it suitable for a range of visitors.
As you stroll along the scenic route, you will come across clothes, ceramics, wooden items like chopsticks, spoons, and baskets, Japanese pickles, jewelry, and much more! The bustling atmosphere, fueled by the excited chatter of passersby, exchange of wares, and intoxicating food aromas, is contagious. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the street’s collection of cute zodiac animal statues as well!
To ensure a comfortable experience, the street also has plenty of modern conveniences, including a rest area and free Wi-Fi spots.
Narita-san Temple
Founded in 940, Narita-san is a widely popular Buddhist temple that enshrines a sacred statue of the deity Fudo Myoo, which is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Buddhism’s Shingon Sect. This expansive complex is free to enter and is home to five Important Cultural Assets that exemplify traditional Japanese architecture.
From Narita-san Omotesando, visitors typically enter the temple through the 15-meter tall So-mon, or Main Gate.
Near the entrance, the main points of interest are Ni-o-mon Gate, which leads to the Great Main Hall, and the Three-storied Pagoda, which is renowned for its intricate detailing and coloring. In fact, if you look closely, you will notice that the pagoda’s eaves are adorned with fierce dragon sculptures.
At the far end of the complex, past other noteworthy structures, rests the relatively new Great Pagoda of Peace, which houses historical exhibitions, as well as a room for copying Buddhist Scriptures in Japanese. With the temple’s sweeping grounds, you could easily spend an hour or more exploring its wonders.
As a parting souvenir, be sure to peruse Narita-san’s variety of charms, amulets, and traditional items, such as daruma.
The Association of Narita Volunteer Guides offers free guided tours of Narita-san in English, as well as Chinese, Spanish, and Russian upon advanced request. The service hours are from 10am–3pm and the reception area is located at the information desk in front of the Great Main Hall.
Nature
In addition to its cultural offerings, Narita City is also home to urban nature spots where visitors can unwind in soothing environments.
Narita-san Park
Located in the northeastern part of Narita-san, Narita-san Park is a 165,000-square meter urban oasis filled with picturesque charm year-round. In the spacious environment, tranquil walkways weave through beautifully landscaped plantlife and water features to the melody of running water.
The park has a variety of seasonal plants, including plum trees, cherry trees, azaleas, and more! In autumn, the area also shines with vibrant foliage. The park’s three ponds—Monju-no-ike, Ryuju-no-ike, and Ryuchi-no-ike—are perfect for watching wildlife, including ducks, koi, and turtles! There is even a cafe near Ryuchi-no-ike that sells fish food.
After the bustling energy of Narita-san Omotesando and Narita-san, the park is a relaxing space where you can recharge.
Food
While Narita City is a treasure trove of sweet and savory treats, it is most famous for its quality unagi (freshwater eel) dishes. Actually, Narita City’s tourism mascot, named Unari-kun, is an eel merged with an airplane! Read on to learn more about the area’s tasty cuisine.
Snacks and sweets on Narita-san Omotesando
After all your walking, you are sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Narita-san Omotesando has you covered with quick treats, both sweet and savory, that are guaranteed to energize your body and satisfy your tastebuds.
One popular snack is obanyaki, which is a traditional Japanese sweet that has a thick pancake-like exterior filled typically with sweet bean paste. On Narita-san Omotesando, you can purchase these handheld snacks right off the griddle so you can enjoy them while they are still warm. The soft, yet slightly chewy dough pairs wonderfully with the thick bean paste.
For other desserts, the street also serves matcha sweets and sesame ice cream!
If you prefer salty snacks, pick up some senbei, which are seasoned rice crackers or grilled dango (rice dumplings) glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.
Unagi
When you are ready for a proper meal, we highly recommend treating yourself to some unagi. On Narita-san Omotesando, the aroma of charcoal is as ubiquitous as the air, so you will likely already be craving this grilled delicacy. Since Narita City is close to freshwater, namely Lake Inba-numa, unagi cuisine has long been a staple in the area.
Typically, restaurants filet unagi onsite and then immediately roast them over charcoal while applying thick coats of a sweet and salty glaze. The fish is then served over rice. The unagi meat is incredibly soft and tender and has a mild flavor that expertly compliments the smoky notes and unagi sauce. If you were not a Japanese foodie before, unagi will certainly send you down that path.
Since Narita’s unagi is incredibly popular, please note that the street can become crowded during lunch time.
Accommodations
If you are looking to enjoy an extra day or two in Narita City, rest assured that there are plenty of ryokan, traditional Japanese inns, and English-speaking hotels to meet your needs. The city is a convenient and intriguing place to spend the night before embarking on your next destination in Japan.
Narita City looks a bit different now, right?
With its diverse collection of rich history, culture, urban nature, and authentic Japanese eats, Narita City is much more than just its airport and acts as an engaging introduction to the country. So, next time you fly to Narita International Airport, do not pass up the opportunity to explore Narita City!
