What comes to your mind when you hear “Narita?”
Isn’t it the main International Airport that serves the Greater Tokyo area ?
Yes, is one answer.
Narita is synonymous to both Airport’s Terminal 1 and 2 of the Narita International Airport.
No, is another answer, because, Narita is not ” just the airport” my friends.
Narita City is in Chiba Prefecture, home of this airport. However, many have not “discovered” this place as a tourist place.
Most tourists take the train to Tokyo from the airport, thus, many “skip” this city.
Some foreigners seen walking around the quaint, side streets of Narita are usually part of the airline staff and personnel.
Compared to Tokyo, Narita is more relaxed and tranquil. It is also known for golf courses and rice fields.
It is just about 20 minutes from the airport.
So, if you are going to stop over Narita Airport for a few hours – I recommend you ask the Immigration to grant you permission to go out of the airport so you can “taste and feel” Japan even for just two hours.
Yes, for those with a layover at the Narita airport – go out and see “mini-Japan” in Narita.
Tokyo is about 70 kilometers away and thus too far and tiring for one with little time.
The main attraction in Narita is the famous Naritasan or the Naritasan Shinsyoji Buddhist Temple.
However, another Blog will be dedicated to this Temple.
Why I mentioned this is because of the main street that leads to the temple, the Omotesando.
The street that leads you to the Narita Temple
As we walk along this winding road, we see lots of shops, old and renovated ones. Food shops, souvenir shops, and many restaurants serving a palette of both Japanese and International food.
Sake anyone? Rice wine?
Osenbei - the traditional Japanese Rice cracker is sold here
There are Noodle shops – Udon and Ramen; Japanese delicacies like Takoyaki, and most of all I was surprised to see lots of Unagi restaurants. One shop even shows how they “prepared the Unagi” from start to finish. (My Unagi blog)
Unaju
There are two trains that will get you to Narita.
If you are coming from Narita airport, you can either take the JR train or the Keisei train. Am not sure, but they may have a bus that will take you to Narita station.
Now, if you are planning to come from Tokyo, the most economical ride I would recommend would be the Keisei train from either Ueno or Nippori stations on the Yamanote line.
It is easy to find the main road, Omotesando, from the Narita station. There are signs, but if you don’t see them, there will always be someone eager to show you where to go.
Walking around Narita city reminded me of a few old towns and cities in Japan, it was like being in Kyoto and Nikko. 
It is definitely a good way to capture and feel Japan and the Japanese culture. Highly recommended for those with limited time.
It is now a part of my list where to bring friends and family.
Narita City , am so glad I rediscovered you!
Naritasan's main gate
Filed under: Japan and me, Places Tagged: | Japan, Narita, Naritasan, Unaju
When I arrive late in Narita Airport, I usually hop a bus to Naritatown and stay in one of their Ryokans. They used to be about $ 25 to 35.
But that was when The Yen was 140 to a Dollar. I enjoyed it so much, I usually stayed for a day even if I didn’t arrive late. Surprising thing, is they didn’t require payment in advance, and I had to look for the proprietor in the morning. With Business Hotels, advance payment is required, and you have to leave in the early morning.
Wow, lots of cool information and pictures. It looks like a great place to visit.
Thank you Josh. Yes, it is a cool place to visit if you have just a little time in Japan. It is a place where you can see a bit of Japanese culture and a Japanese temple and garden at the same time. Thank you for dropping by my blog.