Top Activities Near Narita Airport
Narita Airport, Japan's largest international airport, serves as a transit hub for many travelers. Instead of wasting your time at the airport, consider discovering the numerous attractions in the Narita area, just a stone's throw away from the airport.
1. Explore Naritasan Shinshoji Temple & Omotesando
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a historical landmark with more than 1,000 years of history, is a must-visit when in the Narita area. Every New Year's Day, about a million people converge at the temple for the Hatsumode, making it an exciting spectacle. Naritasan Park, located at the back of the temple, offers beautiful park scenery with seasonal flowers, particularly plum blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
A leisurely stroll down Omotesando, an 800-meter-long street lined with over 150 souvenir shops and restaurants, leads to the temple. The area is renowned for its eel cuisine, with numerous restaurants specializing in the dish. This prosperous temple town, thriving in the Edo period, offers insights into Japanese local culture and architecture from the Taisho to Showa periods.
Naritasan Shinsoji Temple: 9am - 5pm, free admissionFrom Narita Airport: 8-minute JR train
2. Visit Narita Market
For those arriving at the airport early in the morning, a visit to Narita Market is an excellent choice. With a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of Tsukiji Fish Market, the market offers fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Make sure to check their updated calendar on their website for opening hours, as Sundays, Wednesdays, and other dates may be closed.
Narita Market: 6:30am - 12pm, free admissionFrom Narita Airport: 15-minute Keisei line + 10-minute walk
3. Shop at Shisui Premium Outlet Mall
For shopaholics, a trip to Shisui Premium Outlet Market Mall is worth considering. With over 200 stores selling fashion brands, accessories, and more, you may find fantastic bargains. International travelers can take advantage of tax refunds at this shopping mecca.
Shisui Premium Outlet Mall: 10am - 8pm, free admissionFrom Narita Airport: 15-minute shuttle bus
4. Relax at Narita Dream Dairy Farm
If you prefer a tranquil escape, Narita Dream Dairy Farm offers a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful nature. Enjoy watching cows, ducks, and other animals while savoring fresh milk from the farm. This farm is an ideal destination for families, with kid-friendly activities like feeding experiences, milking demonstrations, and pony rides.
Narita Dream Dairy Farm: 9am - 5pm, entrance fee of ¥1,400 yen (adult)From Narita Airport: 15-minute shuttle bus
5. Visit Boso-no-Mura Open Air Museum
The open-air museum of Boso-no-Mura offers an intimate glimpse into Japan's rich history, with well-preserved displays of Edo-period merchant towns, samurai houses, and rural villages. A variety of hands-on workshops and cooking classes allow visitors to create traditional Japanese crafts and dishes.
Boso-no-Mura: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Monday), admission fee of ¥300 (adult)From Narita Airport: 45-minute bus ride and walk
6. Make a Short Trip to the Sawara Area
The historical town of Sawara, surrounded by rivers, flourished as a shipping center linking Tokyo to various parts of Japan. A short taxi ride from Sawara Station takes you to Katori Shrine, dedicated to the god of peace.
Sawara: 9am - 5pm, free admissionFrom Narita Airport: 30-minute local train
7. Get Some Snacks at AEON Mall Narita
For last-minute essentials or snacks before departing, drop by AEON Mall Narita, a popular shopping destination among locals. With numerous restaurants and eateries, this mall offers a taste of Japanese culture while preparing for your travels.
AEON Mall Narita: 8am - 10pm, free admissionFrom Narita Airport: 20-minute shuttle bus
Alternatively, if you wish to explore Tokyo, there are options to reach the city by Airport Limousine bus or Skyliner express, taking approximately 60-90 minutes.
Other popular activities in and around Narita Airport include visiting certain onsens (hot springs), taking a private walking tour, and discovering local attractions within the airport itself. Check out the options for guided tours and airport transfers for a seamless travel experience.
Venture beyond the confines of the airport during your transit or layover and indulge in the rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and inviting hospitality that the Narita area has to offer.
8. Experience Sumo Wrestling & Traditional Japanese Food at Ryogoku
Explore Ryogoku, Tokyo's historic district, for an immersion in Japanese culture. In this area, you can visit the Sumo Hall, home to shogatsu (New Year's Day) tournaments, or take a sumo-wrestling stable tour to catch a glimpse of these esteemed athletes at work.
Nearby, discover a plethora of izakayas (Japanese pubs) and restaurants serving traditional dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura. The area's vibrant atmosphere provides an authentic taste of Japanese lifestyle and food culture.
Ryogoku: Sumo Hall, 10:30am - 5:30pm (tour times vary), admission fee of ¥1,500 yen (adult) - Sumo stable tours, check individual stable schedules and feesFrom Narita Airport: 50-minute Airport Limousine bus or Skyliner express to Tokyo Station, then a 5-minute train ride to Ryogoku Station
9. Stay at a Ryokan or Hotel Nearby
Extend your stay in the Narita area by experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality at a ryokan (inn) or booking a cozy room at a nearby hotel. Luxury hotels offer modern amenities, while ryokans provide a more traditional approach with tatami floors, sliding doors, and communal onsens.
RM Estate Narita: ryokan-narita.comS invariant: inn narita.com
Hyatt Regency Narita: 10-minute free shuttle bus from Narita Airport
10. Explore Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum
Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's most famous parks, offers various attractions such as zoos, museums, and scenic lakes. Among them, Tokyo National Museum showcases Japan's history and art with over 110,000 items, making it the oldest and largest museum of Japanese art in the world.
Ueno Park: 9am - 4:30pm, free admission (select museums have admission fees)From Narita Airport: 50-minute Airport Limousine bus or Skyliner express to Tokyo Station, then a 10-minute train ride to Ueno Station
Whether you opt for sightseeing or shopping, nature escapes or culture immersion, the Narita area provides ample opportunities to create unforgettable travel experiences. Adhere to travel tips and reviews to make the most of your visit. Safe travels and bon voyage!
