Narita : Top 12 Things To Do 2025

08/18/202508/23/2025

Contents

Narita Overview

Narita is often associated only with its international airport, but the city itself is filled with hidden gems worth exploring.

Rich in cultural landmarks, traditional streets, and family-friendly attractions, Narita offers a perfect snapshot of Japan in a compact area.

Whether you’re in transit or planning a day trip from Tokyo, Narita is an excellent destination for sightseeing.

Let's Join Our Tour!!

Please Check out What We Offer 😃

Prices From $120!!

Narita Sightseeing – Access and Travel Tips

Getting to Narita is straightforward, with multiple transportation options connecting the airport, city center, and nearby towns.

Travelers can plan either a half-day visit before a flight or dedicate a full day for a deeper experience.

Access from Tokyo

JR Narita Line: About 70 minutes from Tokyo Station.
Keisei Line: About 60 minutes from Ueno Station (cheaper than JR).
Airport Access: Narita city center is only 10–15 minutes by local train or bus from Narita Airport.

Recommended Stay Durations

When planning your Narita sightseeing, it’s helpful to think about how much time you have available.

Some travelers may only have a short layover at Narita Airport, while others can dedicate a full day or even stay overnight.

The table below outlines recommended durations to enjoy the best Narita attractions depending on your schedule.

Scrollable

Type of Visit	Suggested Duration	Recommended Focus
Layover (3–4 hrs)	Half-day	Temple + Omotesando Street
Day Trip (6–8 hrs)	Full day	Temple, Park, Market, Museum
Extended Stay	1–2 days	Add Sawara Town, Spa, or Farm

Best Narita Attractions – Top 10 Sightseeing Spots

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the most iconic landmark in Narita and one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.

Founded in 940, it has welcomed millions of pilgrims and travelers for over a thousand years.

The temple complex includes multiple historic halls, gates, and a striking three-storied pagoda.

Visitors can witness spiritual rituals, seasonal festivals, and enjoy the calm yet powerful atmosphere of a living religious site.

Highlights

Great Main Hall with the Fudō Myōō deity
Niōmon Gate and Three-Storied Pagoda
Daily goma fire ritual ceremonies
Seasonal festivals such as the Taiko Drum Festival

Naritasan Omotesando Street

Naritasan Omotesando Street stretches from Narita Station to Shinshoji Temple and is the lively heart of the city.

This historic street has been serving pilgrims and visitors for centuries, with shops, restaurants, and inns creating a warm, bustling atmosphere.

ONO

Today, it is famous for Narita’s specialty cuisine, traditional sweets, and a wide variety of souvenirs!!

Walking along this street lets visitors experience the charm of a traditional temple town combined with modern hospitality.

Highlights

Unagi (eel) grilled in soy sauce, Narita’s specialty dish
Traditional sweets such as yokan and peanut senbei
Souvenir shops offering charms, crafts, and daruma dolls
Lively atmosphere from morning to evening

Naritasan Park

Naritasan Park lies just behind the Shinshoji Temple and offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds.

The expansive garden is beautifully designed with ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and seasonal flowers.

It is especially popular in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold.

Visitors can enjoy a tranquil walk, photography, or quiet relaxation surrounded by nature.

Highlights

Cherry blossoms in spring
Brilliant autumn foliage
Carp ponds and stone bridges
Peaceful walking trails and shaded benches

Sakura-no-Yama Park

Sakura-no-Yama Park is one of Narita’s most unique attractions, combining nature and aviation in one place.

Situated near Narita Airport, the park provides an up-close view of planes taking off and landing, making it popular with aviation enthusiasts and families.

During spring, hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom, creating a dramatic backdrop against the planes.

This park offers an unforgettable experience, blending Japanese seasonal beauty with the excitement of modern air travel.

Highlights

Clear views of aircraft takeoffs and landings
Cherry blossoms in spring and colorful flowerbeds year-round
Picnic-friendly lawns for families and groups
Popular spot for photographers capturing planes with blossoms

＼ Join Our Tour!! ／

Tokyo Guided Tour

Bar Hopping in Shinjuku with a Local

3hours

From $120 /

Narita Wholesale Market

The Narita Wholesale Market gives visitors a rare look into the energetic world of Japan’s food distribution.

Known especially for its early-morning tuna auction, it draws locals and tourists eager to see professional buyers in action.

Beyond the auction, the market offers stalls with fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It is also a great place to enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast made with the day’s catch.

Highlights

Famous tuna auction (reservation often required)
Fresh seafood and seasonal produce
Sushi and seafood breakfasts inside the market
Authentic glimpse into local Japanese trade culture

Museum of Aeronautical Science

The Museum of Aeronautical Science, located next to Narita Airport, is a must-visit for aviation fans.

It combines education and entertainment with large-scale aircraft displays and interactive simulators. Children and adults alike can learn about aviation history while enjoying hands-on exhibits.

The museum’s observation deck even lets you watch planes on the runway, making it an excellent destination for both families and enthusiasts.

Highlights

Boeing 747 nose and engine displays
DC-8 flight simulator for hands-on fun
Observation deck modeled after a control tower
Outdoor exhibition of historic aircraft

Narita Dream Dairy Farm

Narita Dream Dairy Farm offers visitors the chance to experience rural Japan without traveling far from the airport.

The farm is designed to be educational and fun, with opportunities to interact with animals and try freshly made dairy products.

Families especially enjoy the homemade ice cream and open fields where children can run freely. Adding to its charm, the farm also features a narrow-gauge heritage railway with steam and diesel locomotives.

Highlights

Hands-on farm activities such as milking and animal care
Fresh dairy products and popular homemade ice cream
Narrow-gauge railway rides on heritage trains
Open fields and picnic areas for families

Sora no Yu Spa

Sora no Yu Spa is a modern hot spring facility located just minutes from Narita Airport. It provides travelers with the perfect place to relax and recover after a long journey.

The spa features both indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and special herbal baths. For those with a layover, it’s an ideal way to experience Japanese onsen culture without leaving the Narita area.

Highlights

Outdoor and indoor hot spring baths
Herbal and carbonated baths for health benefits
Saunas and relaxation lounges
On-site dining with Japanese meals

Sawara Historic Town

Sawara, often called “Little Edo,” is a preserved riverside town located about 30 minutes from Narita.

Once a prosperous merchant town, Sawara still retains its Edo-period atmosphere with wooden houses and canals.

Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the Ono River while admiring the traditional townscape. Festivals and museums add to the cultural depth, making it an excellent day trip destination.

Highlights

Edo-period merchant houses and riverside canals
Scenic boat rides on the Ono River
Seasonal festivals with decorated floats
Ino Tadataka Museum dedicated to a famous cartographer

Wat Paknam Japan

Wat Paknam Japan is the largest Thai Buddhist temple in Japan, located in Narita.

Built in authentic Thai architectural style, it stands out among Japanese surroundings.

The temple is not only a spiritual center for the Thai community but also a cultural hub where visitors can learn about Thai traditions.

Festivals such as Songkran bring lively events to the temple grounds, offering a unique cross-cultural experience.

Highlights

Authentic Thai-style pagodas and prayer halls
Vibrant Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations
Peaceful temple gardens for reflection
Blend of Thai and Japanese cultural influences

Shisui Premium Outlets

Shisui Premium Outlets is one of the largest outlet malls in the Kanto region, located just a short bus ride from Narita Airport.

Opened in 2013 and continuously expanding, it features over 200 international and Japanese brand stores.

Travelers often stop here for last-minute shopping before catching a flight, as the mall offers everything from fashion and sportswear to household goods.

With tax-free services and multilingual staff, it’s a convenient shopping destination tailored to inbound visitors.

Highlights

Over 200 shops including Nike, Coach, BEAMS, and other global brands
Duty-free shopping and services for international travelers
Direct shuttle bus from Narita Airport (about 15–20 minutes)
Dining options ranging from Japanese food courts to Western cafés

Itako

Itako, located about 30 minutes from Narita, is a charming riverside town known for its canals and seasonal flower festivals.

Historically, the town thrived as a port in the Edo period, and even today it preserves the atmosphere of a traditional water town.

Every June, the famous Itako Iris Festival fills the town with over a million colorful irises, attracting visitors from across Japan.

Boat rides through the canals, guided by boatmen in traditional attire, provide a unique and relaxing sightseeing experience.

Highlights

Over one million irises during the Itako Iris Festival in June
Scenic canal boat rides with traditional boatmen
Edo-period riverside atmosphere and old town streets
Easy access from Narita (approx. 30 minutes by train or bus)
Seasonal events and fresh local cuisine along the river

FAQ – Narita Sightseeing and Travel Tips

How do I get from Narita Airport to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple?: Take JR or Keisei train to Narita Station (10–15 min), then walk 10 minutes along Naritasan Omotesando Street.
Is Narita worth visiting if I only have a layover?: Yes, with 3–4 hours you can see the temple, walk Omotesando, and enjoy local food before returning to the airport.
How much time do I need for Narita sightseeing?: Half a day covers the temple and street; a full day includes parks and museums; two days allows side trips like Sawara.
What is the best season to visit Narita attractions?: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for foliage. Summer festivals and winter illuminations are also popular.
What local foods should I try in Narita?: Grilled eel (unagi), yokan sweets, peanut snacks, and fresh seafood from the wholesale market.
How do I reach Narita from central Tokyo?: JR Narita Line from Tokyo Station (70 min) or Keisei Line from Ueno (60 min).
Are there family-friendly things to do in Narita?: Yes, the Dream Dairy Farm, Sakura-no-Yama Park, and the Museum of Aeronautical Science are great for kids.

Final Thoughts on Narita Sightseeing

Narita is far more than just an airport stopover. It’s a city rich with history, culture, and unique attractions. From the thousand-year-old Naritasan Temple to the modern aviation museum, every traveler can find something to enjoy here.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider adding Narita sightseeing to your itinerary.

Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, these 10 spots offer the perfect mix of tradition, relaxation, and discovery.

Don’t miss this one too!