19 Fun Things to Do in Narita: Recommended Tourist Attractions, Shopping, Dining, and More near Narita Airport

More Than Just an Airport! Discover the Charms of Narita and its Surrounding Area

Narita City and its surrounding areas in Chiba Prefecture are known for their charming old temple town, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple’s Omotesando, and the historical district recreated in Boso no Mura. The streetscape is rustic and evokes a sense of traditional Japan. Additionally, there are large-scale shopping facilities such as Aeon Mall Narita and Shisui Premium Outlets, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and dining all at once.

Narita City, in particular, offers convenient access from Narita Airport and Tokyo, making it perfect for those who want to explore a tourist destination for half a day before leaving Japan or have some spare time before or after their flight. It’s a great opportunity to make the most of your time!

Getting to Narita from Tokyo

Narita is primarily serviced by Japan Railways (Narita Station) and Keisei Electric Railway (Keisei-Narita Station). Both are one station ahead of the airport stops.

The sightseeing portion of the Narita area is easy to get around on foot, bus, or train. For convenience, it may be easiest for many visitors to first get to Narita Airport, store luggage there, and then backtrack to Narita Station.

Getting to Narita Airport by Train
The train stations at Narita Airport are Narita Airport Terminal 2･3 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, which are both on the JR and Keisei lines.

The Keisei Skyliner offers quick access to eastern Tokyo, namely the Ueno and Asakusa areas. JR offers convenient access to eastern (Tokyo Station) and western Tokyo (Shinjuku Station), and rides are covered under the JR Pass.

If you plan to visit tourist spots around Narita Airport, many of them can be reached within a 10 to 30-minute ride on these two rail lines, making it convenient to stop by before or after your flight.

Taking a Bus to Narita Airport
The benefits of taking the Airport Limousine Bus include the convenience of direct transportation, no need to carry your luggage, and affordable fares, allowing you to travel easily and without hassle.

Moreover, renting a car from Tokyo or the airport gives you the option to drive around Narita City and beyond, making it particularly recommended for families with a lot of luggage or if you are planning on some sightseeing around Chiba.

Without further ado, let’s start introducing the recommended spots in Narita City by category.

9 Recommended tourist spots around Narita City

1. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: A New Year’s destination for 3 million visitors

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the leading temples in Japan, known for enshrining Fudo Myoo, a deity believed to have saved people’s lives with a fierce expression. It boasts historical structures such as the 58-meter-tall Heiwa Daigoto (Peace Pagoda) and the intricately carved three-story pagoda standing at 25 meters in height.

Access to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is approximately 12 minutes by train from Narita Airport and about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station, either by taking Keisei Electric Railway to Keisei Narita Station or by JR train to JR Narita Station. If you have some spare time before your departure, we recommend exploring nearby Aeon Mall for shopping or taking a half-day tour to make the most of your visit.

2. Naritasan Park: A picturesque blend of seasonal nature and temples

Naritasan Park is a spacious park located behind the main hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, covering an area of approximately 165,000 square meters. It is particularly renowned for two events: the Narita Plum Festival in March and the Autumn Leaves Festival in mid-November. During the Autumn Leaves Festival, in particular, a tea ceremony is held at Sekisho-an tea house, and anyone can participate in this event free of charge.

From Keisei Narita Station and JR Narita Station, it takes around 15-17 minutes on foot to reach Naritasan Omotesando and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. On a sunny day, it’s highly recommended to buy take-out snacks from the Omotesando area and enjoy a picnic in the park.

3. Experience fascinating Japanese aviation at the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences and Hikoki-no-Oka Park

At the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, you can explore exhibitions showcasing information about aviation in Japan. The grassy area features numerous displays of actual aircraft and models that were once in flight. Additionally, with prior reservations, you can experience jet aircraft simulator sessions and guided tours inside the aircraft.

From Narita Airport, you can board the JR Higashi-Kanto Bus bound for “JR Narita Station.” If you are at Terminal 1, the bus stop is located on the 1st floor at bay 30, and if you are at Terminal 2, it is located on the 1st floor at bay 28C. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes, and you will arrive at the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.

Moreover, there are direct buses from Tokyo as well. From Tokyo Station Yaesu Minami Exit, you can take either the JR Bus Kanto or Chiba Kotsu Bus, which will take you directly to the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you want to experience the thrill of observing airplanes taking off and landing up close, in addition to the observation exhibition room on the 5th floor of the museum, Hikoki-no-Oka Park, located about a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, is a popular spot. You can feel the power of the engines and experience the exhilaration as planes approach, providing an immersive experience with the roaring sounds of the aircraft.

4. Sakura-no-Yama Park: Enjoy stunning cherry blossom scenery and airplanes in Narita City

Sakura-no-Yama Park in Narita City, located right near Narita Airport, is another renowned spot for planespotting. This park is situated on a hill on the north side of the 4,000-meter runway of Narita Airport, allowing visitors to experience takeoffs and landings at close proximity.

Especially during the spring season from late March to early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it is truly impressive to see airplanes passing through the vibrant cherry blossom trees at such a close distance. This spectacle attracts numerous photographers every year. Even outside the cherry blossom season, the park is adorned with lush greenery and flowers, providing a delightful space for children to run around and play.

From Narita Airport Terminal 2, you can take the Sakura-no-Yama Line or Soramaru Line operated by Narita Airport Transport. Get off at the “Sakura-no-Yama” stop, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, from the Narita Station Omotesando Exit (East Exit), you can board the JR Bus bound for the “Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.” Alight at the “Sakura-no-Yama” bus stop, and the travel time is around 15 minutes.

5. Stroll through beautiful flower fields at Lake Inba and Sakura Furusato Square

In Chiba Prefecture, there is a famous location called Lake Inba, which is divided into “Kita-Inba-numa” (North Lake Inba) and “Nishi-Inba-numa” (West Lake Inba). It is renowned for its stunning sunsets and picturesque flowers. Adjacent to Nishi-Inba-numa is Sakura Furusato Square, which boasts a rich variety of flowers throughout the seasons, including tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn.

At Sakura Furusato Square, you can also find a shop called “Saranka” that offers local agricultural products, coffee, and ice cream made with locally sourced milk. This makes it an ideal place to visit for families with children as well as busy individuals seeking a peaceful retreat to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

To access Sakura Furusato Square, you can take the Keisei Electric Railway to Keisei Sakura Station and transfer to the local bus “Sakura Community Bus,” which takes approximately 10 minutes. From Narita Airport, it is about a 40-minute drive by rental car.

6. DIC Kawamura Memorial Museum: Enjoy nature and art

The DIC Kawamura Memorial Museum is a unique art museum where artworks, architecture, and nature harmoniously blend together. The museum primarily focuses on 20th-century art, showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet and Picasso. The outdoor garden, adorned with a tranquil pond and seasonal flowers, offers a serene and elegant space to spend your time.

Admission to the garden is free, while individual exhibition fees within the museum may vary depending on the displayed content. Please refer to the official website for specific details.

From Narita Airport, there are two options to reach the DIC Kawamura Memorial Museum. The first option is to take a train to Keisei Sakura Station and transfer to the complimentary shuttle bus at the south exit of the station. The second option is to take a train to JR Sakura Station and use the same complimentary shuttle bus at the south exit.

Additionally, there is a direct highway bus from Tokyo. You can walk for approximately 5 minutes from Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit to the Keisei Bus Stop No. 3 and board the “My Town Direct Bus,” which will take you to the museum in about 60 minutes.

7. Sakura Samurai Houses: Immerse yourself in the daily lves of Edo-era samurai

The Sakura Samurai Houses is the largest samurai residence complex in the Kanto region, comprising three historic samurai houses: the Former Kawahara Residence designated as a cultural asset by Chiba Prefecture, the Former Tajima Residence designated as a cultural asset by Sakura City, and the Former Takei Residence. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the daily life during that era through the exhibited items and various samurai artifacts, making it a must-visit for those interested in Japanese history. Additionally, there is a bamboo grove path known as “Hiyodori-zaka” surrounding the houses, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional martial arts, giving you a feeling as if you were on the set of a period drama.

The Sakura Samurai Houses are around a 15-minute walk from JR Sakura Station. From Narita Airport, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes by JR to Sakura Station, and from Tokyo Station, it takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

8. Sakura Castle Park: Explore one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles

Photo: PIXTA

Sakura Castle Park is a lush green park located within the grounds of Sakura Castle Ruins. Visitors can explore the remains of the castle, including the foundation of the main tower and the dry moat surrounding it. The park is also renowned for its approximately 1,110 cherry trees of 48 different varieties, making it a beloved cherry blossom spot in Chiba.

Sakura Castle Park is about a 20-minute walk from Keisei Sakura Station, with the National Museum of Japanese History located along the way, providing a closer access point. From Narita Airport, taking the Keisei Limited Express will get you to Keisei Sakura Station in just 22 minutes, while it takes approximately 60 minutes from Tokyo Station.

9. National Museum of Japanese History: Gain insight into Japanese history and culture

Photo: PIXTA

The National Museum of Japanese History is located within the same premises as Sakura Castle Park, occupying a section of Sakura Castle Ruins. Foreign tourists can enhance their understanding of Japanese history by using the official smartphone app to access audio guides in various languages (please refer to the official website for app download and usage instructions).

From Narita Airport, it takes around 20 minutes on the Keisei Electric Railway to reach Keisei Sakura Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the museum. If you have some time before your flight, visiting the museum is a great opportunity to delve deeper into Japan’s history. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about Japan before departing.

4 Recommended shopping spots around Narita City

1. Convenient shopping delights at Aeon Mall Narita – Just 20 minutes from the airport!

Aeon Mall Narita is a huge shopping complex that caters to the diverse shopping needs of both foreign tourists and locals alike. It features popular shops such as Muji, Village Vanguard, 3COINS+ plus, and Daiso, which are particularly loved by foreign visitors. Additionally, you’ll find Aeon Style Narita, where you can find a wide selection of clothing and groceries. The mall also houses various dining options, food courts, amusement facilities with crane games and capsule toys.

Furthermore, Aeon Mall Narita provides essential services such as duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and Free Wi-Fi, making it an unmissable spot for foreign tourists.

For access, take the train to Keisei Narita Station or JR Narita Station, which are approximately 12 minutes from Narita Airport and about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Keisei Electric Railway. There are direct buses operating every 15 minutes from Bus Stop No. 6 in front of Narita Station, with a travel time of around 10 minutes.

One of the most convenient options is the direct bus that connects Aeon Mall Narita with Narita Airport, taking around 20 minutes. Additionally, there are buses that operate around the airport area and Narita City, making stops at Aeon Mall Narita.

With some 170 shops, Aeon Mall Narita offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities across various genres, making it the ideal choice for your pre-departure shopping needs!

Shop for great deals! Japan’s largest-scale shopping mall

2. Visit MEGA Don Quijote Narita if you’re looking to shop late at night

Don Quijote is a must-visit discount chain store in Japan that offers a wide range of products, including cosmetics, snacks, noodles, groceries, electronics, and watches. With affordable prices and tax-free shopping options, it’s a recommended shopping destination, especially if you arrive late at Narita Airport since they are open until 3:00 a.m.

The nearest stations, Keisei Narita Station and JR Narita Station, are just a 5-minute walk from Aeon Mall Narita. This makes it convenient to visit MEGA Don Quijote Narita Store after shopping at Aeon Mall Narita. Additionally, Narita-san Park and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple are also nearby, both accessible within a 10 to 15-minute walk.

3. Shisui Premium Outlets: Popular among foreign visitors

Shisui Premium Outlets, the closest Tokyo-area outlet mall to Narita Airport, offers a wide selection of outlet products from popular sports brands like Adidas, Nike, Coach, as well as Japanese brands loved by the younger generation, such as MOUSSY and earth music&ecology. There are also shops that will delight children, including the LEGO® Store and Sanrio OUTLET, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit.

Due to its proximity to Narita Airport, Shisui Premium Outlets attracts a significant number of foreign tourists. It provides services tailored to tourists, including duty-free shopping, lockers, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and multilingual assistance.

You can reach the airport in about 15 minutes by direct express bus. From Tokyo, you can take a direct express bus (bound for Choshi) from the Yaesu #14 bus stop at Tokyo Station, which takes around 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to JR Shisui Station and transfer to a local bus, which will take you about 80 minutes to reach the airport.

4. Naritasan Omotesando: Enjoy dining and souvenir shopping in a traditional streetscape

Naritasan Omotesando is a bustling shopping street located near Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, featuring numerous souvenir shops and dining establishments like Kawatoyo’s Unagi (eel) Bento and Pan Chaya’s Unagi Bread.

When it comes to souvenir shopping, we recommend visiting unique places like Chomeisen, the only sake brewery in Naritasan, and Sabonsama, known for their purifying soap.

The closest stations are JR Narita Station and Keisei Narita Station, which are around 12 minutes from Narita Airport and about 1 hour from Tokyo. Once you exit the station, it’s an 8 to 15-minute walk until you start seeing shops lining the streets.

The charming streetscape exudes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to experience the beauty of Japan’s traditional streets.

3 Recommended dining spots around Narita City

1. Kawato Honten: Must-try specialty cuisine with over 100 years of history

When visiting the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple’s Omotesando, you must try the renowned specialty dish: unagi (grilled eel)! Among the numerous eel restaurants, one notable establishment is Kawato, which has a history dating back to 1910. From its wooden exterior, you can witness skilled craftsmen grilling the eel. They prepare fresh eel, skewer it with bamboo, and grill it, coating it with their secret special sauce that has been passed down since the restaurant’s founding. The dish exudes a delightful aroma and offers tender eel that brings out the essence of its flavor.

At Kawato, it’s not possible to make reservations or secure a seat in advance. However, you can obtain a numbered ticket and check your calling number on their website, making it convenient for tourists to visit.

2. Kikuya: Family-friendly choice with a wide menu selection

Adjacent to Kawatoyo, Kikuya is a Japanese restaurant with over 100 years of history. In addition to the famous Unagi Ju (grilled eel over rice) that is synonymous with Narita-san, they offer a variety of set meals including donburi, tempura, and shrimp fry. This allows both those who crave eel and those who prefer other options to enjoy a meal together. The restaurant is family-friendly and accessible for wheelchair users, and they have English menus and staff who can assist English-speaking customers, making it very accommodating for tourists.

The prices range from 3,900 yen for Unagi Ju (1 whole eel), 2,600 yen for Unagi Donburi (half eel), 3,100 yen for Domestic Unagi Donburi (half eel), to 6,850 yen for Domestic 2-tier Unagi Donburi (limited availability, half eel). Other dishes such as tendon (tempura rice bowl) and set meals range from around 1,500 to 2,500 yen. Miso soup and pickles are included with the meals.

3. Michinoeki Hakko-no-Sato Kozaki: Explore the infinite potential of fermented foods

Hakko-no-Sato Kozaki is a roadside station (or “michinoeki”) located about 20 minutes north of Narita Airport. At the Fermentation Market here, you can purchase Chiba’s agricultural products as well as local seasonings and snacks like miso and koji, making it a perfect place to find souvenirs.

In addition, the Café & Restaurant Oryzae here offers tasty dishes using koji fermentation. You can enjoy unique Japanese-style creative cuisine such as the “Pork Miso Koji Grilled Set” for 1,080 yen or the “Salt Koji Fermented Mackerel Set” for 980 yen.

3 Recommended activity spot around Narita City

1. Chiba Prefectural Open-Air Museum Boso-no-Mura: Explore the Edo Period in kimono for an exciting experience!

At Boso-no-Mura, you will find meticulously recreated samurai residences and Edo-era farmer-merchant houses, providing an immersive experience that transports you back to the Edo period. A leisurely stroll through the park will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone era. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Cosplay Annex situated at the entrance of Boso-no-Mura, where you can indulge in the fun of dressing up as a ninja, samurai, or even a town girl. With a variety of costumes available for both adults and children, it has become a popular choice among foreign tourists seeking an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Additionally, at Boso-no-Mura, you can enjoy various craft experiences. There are opportunities to try traditional steamed sweets called Barappa Manju, making rolled sushi (Tekkamaki), soba noodle-making, and crafting with washi paper. If you’re interested, make sure to sign up for these hands-on experiences as soon as you enter the park. The nearest JR station is Anji Station, and it’s just a 10-minute bus ride away.

2. Narita Dream Dairy Farm: A fun-filled experience for the whole family

Photo: KKday Japan

Narita Dream Dairy Farm is not only a tourist farm but also renowned as a production site for dairy products such as milk and yogurt. Their products offer a rich and flavorful taste, and it’s quite common to come across their delicious ice cream and other dairy treats when visiting Chiba.

When you visit this farm, be sure to try their fresh milk and indulge in their creamy milk ice cream. Additionally, they also offer homemade pizza with their own dough and delightful barbecue featuring high-quality Japanese Black Wagyu beef.

Moreover, the farm provides various experiential activities such as archery, a mini train ride, and a shuriken throwing dojo. You can also participate in activities like milking cows, making butter, and crafting jams. As Narita Dream Dairy Farm is popular among local families, it’s advisable to secure your spot in the limited capacity of these experiential activities. Therefore, if you’re interested, it’s recommended to book in advance.

To reach Narita Dream Dairy Farm from Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line Rapid Service to Narita Station, then transfer to the JR Narita Line and continue until you reach Suyakawa Station. The journey takes approximately 100 minutes.

3. Shisui Onsen Yuraku no Sato: Relax with a soothing bath before departure

Located just a 10-minute walk from Shisui Premium Outlets, Sawara Onsen Yuraku no Sato offers a variety of baths for ultimate relaxation. Immerse yourself in the natural hot springs of the open-air baths, enjoy the diverse indoor baths, or experience the soothing heat of the loyly sauna. After your bath, you can unwind and take a break in the comfortable lounge area.

If you have a late flight, you can plan a visit to Shisui Premium Outlets during the day and make Sawara Onsen Yuraku no Sato your final destination before heading to the airport in the evening.

Popular events held around Narita City

Not only does Narita offer popular shopping destinations like Aeon Mall and outlets, but it also boasts attractions such as airplane observation parks and bustling dining and souvenir options along Naritasan Omotesando. That’s why it’s recommended to include Narita in your itinerary, either as the first or last day of your trip in Tokyo.

Within Narita Airport, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and tax-free shops to cater to your needs. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, staying at a hotel near Narita Airport is also highly recommended!

*The information in this text is as of June 2023 and may differ from the actual situation. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official websites.