Narita Airport Layover: Why Not Visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple?
Do you have a long layover at Narita Airport? Or have a hotel near Narita Airport and want to experience a historical and authentic temple in Japan? I recommend a visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji. Naritasan Shinshō-ji is a stunning temple complex with a beautiful garden and the perfect destination for those that are passing through Narita. Forget staying at Narita Airport during a long layover. Head out to Naritasan Shinshō-ji for a peaceful respite.
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If you have a long layover at Narita Airport and want to get out and explore some of what Japan has to offer, then I recommend taking the JR Line to Narita Station or Keisei Main Line Express to Keisei-Narita to visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji and Omote-sando.
It’s about a 12 – 15 minute train ride from Narita Airport to Narita Station. From Narita Station it is about a 15 minute walk to Naritasan Shinshō-ji.
Prior to reaching Naritasan Shinshō-ji, there is a shopping street called Omote-sando. This shopping street is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and other shops selling local goods and Japanese items.
It is only recommended to leave Narita Airport during a long layover if you have at least 3 – 4 hours. Take into account, the time it takes to leave the airport, purchase train tickets, finding the correct platform, and getting back to the airport and security in time.
Getting to Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple from Narita Airport
Getting to Naritasan Shinshō-ji and Omote-sando from Narita Airport is fairly easy and stress free.
Taking a train from Narita Airport is the cheapest way to get to Naritasan Shinshō-ji. But visitors can also take a taxi if you feel it’s necessary.
From Terminal 1, 2, or 3, you can take the JR Narita Line Rapid. This train ride is roughly 12 minutes to Narita Station.
Visitors can also take the Keisei Main Line Express to Keisei-Narita. This train takes about 10 – 12 minutes.
Both stations are located in Narita City and are across from one another, so it really does not matter which station you end up on. I’d recommend going with either option that works best for your schedule.
From either Narita Station or Keisei-Narita it is about a 15 – 20 minute walk to Naritasan Shinshō-ji.
Omote-sando
One of the benefits of visiting Naritasan Shinshō-ji during a long layover from Narita Airport is shopping for souvenirs and trying local Japanese food at Omote-sando.
This 800-meter long road is a historical road that dates back to the Edo period and connects Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshō-ji.
Earlier in the day when the shops begin to open Omote-sando is not as touristy but as the day progresses, it gets crowded, just keep that in mind.
Many of the shops sell local goods like chop sticks, masks, and antiques. This is a perfect place to come to if you are just passing through Narita or staying nearby to catch an early flight. You can get all your souvenirs here.
Another item on the list for visiting Omote-sando is trying fresh unagi or grilled eel. Unagi is a specialty in the area. You can’t leave without trying unagi at one of the local restaurants.
Naritasan Shinshō-ji
Naritasan Shinshō-ji or just Narita Temple is the largest and most beautiful temple that is within a quick train ride from Narita Airport.
Naritasan Shinshō-ji has a history dating back to over 1,000 years. Today there are buildings around the temple complex that vary in age dating back a couple hundred years.
You could spend hours walking Naritasan Shinshō-ji. There is a beautiful Main Gate, decorative three-story pagoda, and main hall. Don’t forget to walk around the back to see the impressive Great Pagoda of Peace.
One of the hidden gems of Naritasan Shinshō-ji is Naritasan Park. This park, like the temple is free to visit and is a beautiful Japanese and Western style garden.
Naritasan Park is made up of several walking trails, ponds, and beautiful structures. If you really want to escape Narita Airport and relax, then Naritasan Park is the best place for a peaceful respite.
Conclusion
A visit to Naritasan Shinshō-ji from Narita Airport or Narita City is as easy as a quick train ride away. If you have a longer layover at Narita and are itching to escape the airport to see a truly beautiful temple and area in Japan, then making your way to Naritasan Shinshō-ji is the perfect opportunity. The historical Omote-sando street is filled with shops to buy fun Japanese souvenirs. Then head over to Naritasan Shinshō-ji which is a massive temple complex with a beautiful garden. You could spend hours here. Just make sure you leave yourself with plenty of time to make it back to Narita Airport.
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