Tokyo / Narita Hotels

Natty Narita

Known as a mere stopover point because of its Greater Tokyo-servicing International Airport, Narita is home to some of the most relaxed and charming neighbourhoods in all of Japan. So if you’re looking for a breather from the hustle and bustle of the capital, this is the place to get it.

Start your Narita trip looking back, at the National Museum of Japanese History. The museum traces the cultural growth of the country through extraordinary exhibitions. Then head to Boso Village, an open-air museum where you can get crafty at one of the traditional papermaking workshops and have a spot of tea.

Don’t forget to explore the stack of temples in the town, either. One of the best is Katori Jingu, a Shinto shrine dating back to the 18th century. All up, Narita will have you enchanted with its quaint streets, polite locals and stunning natural setting. Tokyo who?

Narita's Top 10

Narita History

• Sogo Goichidaiki-kan – Thirteen dioramas depict the heartbreaking story of the 800s Sakura Riot.
• Naritasan Shinnshoji Temple – A Buddhist temple complex built around 940 and home to a legendary Buddhist Fudomyoo statue.
• Niomon Gate and Lantern – Since Edo times, it has been tradition for the fish market to donate a lantern to the gate.
• Naritasan Buddhist Library – A collection of Priest Ishiwaka’s extensive library that now comprises some 230,000 Buddhist manuscripts.
• Calligraphy Museum – An unusual museum in Narita that hosts 200-plus works of calligraphy from the Yedo period (early 1600s) on.

Narita Art & Culture

• Narita Kankokan – A park-centred structure for tourists to find out more about Narita and traditional Japanese culture.
• Relax in a Dayroom – A small space rented for merely part of a day to relax, a favourite Japanese custom.
• Chiba Prefecctural Boso no Mura – Traditional Japanese architecture is showcased in this small area of living history.
• Heiwa Daitou Festival – During May, the Great Pagoda of Peace Festival dance parade is held.
• Museum of Aeronautical Science – Air history exhibits including a life-sized model of one of the first planes to ever take flight in Japan.

Narita Shopping

• Aeon Shopping Mall – Everything for the enthusiastic tourist and seasoned local shopper.
• Naritasan Temple Road – Running from the JR train station to the Naritasan Temple entrance, this road offers several quaint shops and restaurants.
• Antique Fair – Every third Sunday of the month in Narita, this flea market offers unique shopping opportunities.
• Otaiyasai Festival – At this event held in early September during the festival of Sakura Sogoro Kiuchi, a hero whose sacrifice to help farmers resulted in a temple in his honour, one may find unique souvenir items.
• Wholesaler’s Market – A large market for purchasing fresh food.

Gay & Lesbian Narita

• Olimpico – Formerly Skinpray, this bar boasts a mixed crowd but strives to be the gayest place in Narita.
• Narita Tokyu Excel Hotel – Gay-friendly sauna with a busy lounge.
• Take the Gay Train – Take a train or limousine bus to Shinjuku Ni-chome in Tokyo for a 24-hour gay sauna or the nightlife.
• Yamato no Yu – An accommodating place for more of a spiritual opportunity than a cruisy one.
• Cage – A mixed crowd, but the gay flight attendants who frequent here can make this stop very interesting.

Narita Outdoor

• Naritasan Park – A relaxing city park founded in 1928.
• Cherry/Plum Blossom Season – In early spring, Narita is one of the few leisurely places where cherry and plum tree flowers can be observed without huge crowds.
• Colored Leaves Festival – In mid-November, Naritasan Park becomes one of the loveliest fall scenes in Japan, where visitors can play koto and experience an authentic tea ceremony.
• Sakataga-ike Park – A natural sanctuary and incredible system of bridges and serene natural gardens.
• Old Narita Town – Interesting views of Japanese architecture and the perfect opportunity to people-watch.

Narita Sport

• Experience the acrobatics of the Narita taiko drum festival.
• Be blessed by the sumo wrestlers during this February fortune-wishing ceremony.
• Dance in the Bon Odori and become one with the town’s midsummer pulse.
• Unwind on the greens in the heart of the Chiba Prefecture’s Taiheiyo Club.
• Pursue all the action, adventure and great outdoors you want at Narita’s huge Sport Authority shop.

Narita Events

February brings Setsubun, a celebration of new spring season, and Shinsho-ji Temple hosts traditional Setsubun ritual, Mamemaki (bean throwing ceremony) to dispel evil spirit and bring in happiness. Think of it as spiritual exfoliation.

The street surrounding Shinsho-ji Temple is transformed into a theatre for the Narita Taiko Festival in mid-April.

The pretty Odori Hanami festival in April is quite a sight. Watch local women dance in their best kimonos under the blooming cherry blossoms.

The biggest festival in town is July’s Gion Festival. Expect a massive parade with floats galore!

The Chrysanthemum Festival in mid-October to mid-November is feast for the eyes and nose. The floral symbol of Japan’s autumn is pretty much inescapable at this time.

When To Go

Narita has distinct weather changes for each season. Expect chilly winters hitting an average of 5°C (41°F) and summers staying around the 26°C (79°F) mark.

September to mid-October sees plenty rain, so pack the waterproofs!

For the best chance of snow, visit Narita in February.

Getting Around

The Retro Bus service is awesome and very efficient. The ‘Town Circle Course’ route will take you to nearly all the major attractions. Plus, each bus comes equipped with monitors communicating tourist-style info in a few languages, including English. Winner!

Aside from the ranks at the airport, taxis are pretty scarce. If you’re desperate, get your hotel to order one for you.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

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