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Are you in for a long layover at Narita Airport and feeling disappointed that it’s such a way off from Tokyo? And, well, just about every well-known touristy area? It doesn’t have to be that way, and you certainly don’t have to confine yourself to just shopping at the airport. Lucky for you, you can get a taste of Japan almost directly at its doorstep!
For if you have a 6-hour layover at the place, Narita surprisingly has a lot to offer. Just hop onto one of the trains at the airport and make your way to Narita Station. The journey itself takes about 15-20 minutes, enough for a quick look-see at some spectacular Japanese buildings (some of which are Important Cultural Assets, dating as far back at 1701) and Japanese culture in general.
Intrigued? Read on.
Naritasan Omotesando
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Just about an 8-minute walk from Narita Station lies Naritasan Omotesando. Ideal for doing a spot of shopping and generally enjoying the old-time Japanese air that permeates it, Naritasan Omotesando is lined with traditional Japanese-style shops, restaurants, snacks and cafes. You can get your souvenir shopping done here, or if that isn’t your thing, then enjoy Japanese food and or sweets.
This is one of my favourite places to bring my friends whenever they have a layover at Narita Airport. 🙂 I personally enjoy chilling out at one of the cafes while trying out a new dessert or two.
Bonus: The next two sights are located in the area!
Naritasan Shinsoji temple
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Remember when I said that Narita has a couple of buildings that are considered Important Cultural Assets? This is where you can find them.
The temple complex, which was built in 940 BC, is vast and made up of a number of temple precinct buildings including Three-Storied Pagoda (1712), Koumyou-dou Hall (1701), Shaka-dou Hall (1858), Gaku-dou Hall (1861) and Ni-ou-mon Gate (1830). What sets this temple apart from the ones I’ve visited thus far is just how comprehensive the temple complex is. It is so huge that there is something to see in just about every corner. I know I spent quite a bit of time admiring each individual building, the lines of stone statues erected past the main gate, the turtle pond, the bell tower, and the inscribed rocks on the small hillside of the pond, just to name a few.
Last but not least, located at the last bit of the temple grounds is the imposing Heiwa Daito, or Great Pagoda of Peace. Constructed in 1984, it rests just above Naritasan Park, which doesn’t disappoint either.
Naritasan Shinsoji Temple details:
- Admission fee: Free
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
Naritasan Park
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One of my favourite things about Japan is their parks. A pocket of nature hidden away from the bustling crowds of everyday life, it is refreshing to take refuge in one every now and then, especially if you live in Tokyo.
Naritasan Park, which was completed in 1928, sizes up to a sprawling estimate of about 165,000 square meters. Much like many parks in Japan, it changes colours and flowers according to each season that comes by–so you can expect soft to bright hues from cherry trees and azalea in Spring; followed by lush green foliage during Summer; and finally, the iconic yellow leaves that accompany every Autumn season.
If the breathtaking scenery it has to offer isn’t enough for you, then you can occupy yourself at the Calligraphy Museum, the Suikin-kutsu (a facility built for listening to the sounds of falling water), and the tea ceremony room. There are also the Hikkon-hi and the Literature/Haiku Monument if you’re into monuments.
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Or if you’re the type who prefers to sit back and relax, then perhaps you could luxuriate in the open calmness of the carp pond. There is something incredibly relaxing about being close to such still waters, watching carps swim around with ease. Some of which are rather fat; evidence of how well-fed they are, no doubt, hehe.
To fully enjoy this park with leisure, ensure you have about an hour to spare for it.
Naritasan Park details:
- Admission: Free
- Events: The apricot festival (mid-February to mid-March) and the Momiji festival (mid-November)
There we go. It is a short list, but each attraction is certainly worth a visit. And as an added bonus, despite how charming Narita is, it is somewhat overlooked by tourism. Which means you have plenty of room to enjoy yourself without the crowds of tourists that so often overrun the more popular attractions in Japan.
Instaworthy photos without a ton of random people in the background? Oh yes.
For more pictures of Chiba, Japan you can check out my Instagram at #melissakartiniinchiba
