You surely know about Narita International Airport, the biggest Japanese airport, but do you know about Narita City? Located near the airport, it provides a wonderful Japanese experience.
Here are 10 reasons to visit Narita City:
1)Naritasan Shishoji Temple
Built in 940, Naritasan Shishoji is a temple complex, with many different temple buildings, and a park. Since it’s a very large complex, you should allow at least two hours for your visit.
2) Omote Sando
Omote Sando is a famous traditional street and the main road of Narita City, that takes you to Naritasan Shishoji temple. You will find many small shops and restaurants, with buildings dating back to the Edo period.
3) Food
Narita City is famous for its local specialties: “unagi” (grilled eel), peanuts, and tsukemono (Japanese pickles.)
4) No crowds
Unlike other famous spots in Japan, there are not many people coming to Narita City, so you will be able to visit it without crowds or annoying tourists!
5) Nature
If you are tired of big cities and are looking for a place with beautiful nature, Narita City is a great choice for you.
Surrounded by fields and trees, the city is a great place to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and red leaves in autumn (momiji.)
6) Festivals (Matsuris)
Narita city has many unique festivals, such as The Setsubun Matsuri (in February), The Gion Matsuri (in July), and The Narita Drum Festival (in April.)
7) Narita City cute mascot character
Unarikun is the cute mascot character of Narita City, and you will find him everywhere! His name is derived from “unagi” (meaning eel), and “Narita”.
8) Souvenirs
In Narita city, there are many stores selling souvenirs, from tchotchkes to traditional crafts and Sake. Actually, you can do almost all of your souvenir shopping here!
9) Museums
Near Narita City, you will find many museums, such as the National Museum of Japanese History, The Museum of Aeronautical Science, The Naritasan Calligraphy Museum, and the Boso No Mura Museum (an open air museum where residences of people living in the late Edo Period are reproduced.)
10) Free Guided Tours
Narita Transit & Stay Program offers free tours for people having long layovers or for people staying in Narita area. You can sign up online or directly at the Narita Transit Program counter in Narita Airport, Terminal 1 or 2. You will be given the choice of 4 different tours (Narita City, Shibayama Town, Tako Town and Sakae Town.) The tour is free, but you will have to pay for your own expenses, including trains and food.
Access to Narita City
Narita city have 2 differents stations, the Keisei station and the JR station, located next to each other.
・From Tokyo Station to Narita Station: Take the Sobû Line for Narita Airport (80min/1200yens)
・From Narita airport to Narita Station: From Terminal 1 or 2, take the JR Sobu/Narita Line Rapid for YOKOSUKA/ or ZUSHI/ or TOKYO (10min/200yens) or the Keisei Main Line Ltd. Exp. for KEISEI-UENO (8min/260yens.)
Photos: Kota Wada
