More Than the Airport: Narita

More than just being the entry port to Tokyo, Narita airport is the access point for most international guests looking to visit different regions of Japan. And while the airport is well recognized as being one of the top five around the world, the nearby city of Narita is often missed by most eager travellers looking to head straight to Tokyo. If you take a small pause however, you will discover a charming city that celebrates their roots and traditions through their architecture, hospitality, and local flavours.

1. The Full Ryokan Experience

   Japan is home to countless onsen (hot springs) towns dotted across the country in more remote areas, but for travellers who are thinking of making Tokyo their main hub, they may be missing out on a truly Japanese cultural moment dedicated to slowing down and relaxing. Bathing culture is about more than keeping clean, but rather an intentional moment to restore balance to the body and mind. As if to prove their commitment to this mindset, oftentimes these bathhouses are connected to a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a full-service experience to get you in the right mind space. These traditional inns in Narita deliver an experience at their hot baths to help pull away the fatigue either from the long flight in or to mark the end of an adventure. Ryokans are more than just a place to sleep; they are known for their tatami flooring, with beautiful sliding doors and yukata robes as well as a huge emphasis placed on their hospitality. The staff practice the art of invisible attentiveness beyond anything you’ve likely experienced before. Well-crafted traditional haute cuisine meals usually accompany your stay with guests' meals beautifully arranged and served inside your own room. When done, as you enjoy the hot baths, service staff will prepare your room with turn-down service with comfortable bedding awaiting your return.
   
   
   

2. Omotesando Street

   Looking to step into a shopping street with the charm of Kyoto? As you walk down Omotesando Street, you'll catch sights of Japanese snacks like senbei, dango, and yokan. If you're feeling more like a full meal, you need to make sure to try the unagi don (grilled eel on a bed of rice). A local specialty, the savoury, sweet, salty and smoky notes will have you wanting more, bite after bite. Once you're full, there's also a variety of local shops selling unique crafts in ceramics, bamboo and even artisan soaps. When you do decide to visit and type in "Omotosando Street" into Google Maps, just make sure that you pick the one in Narita - if you end up near Shinjuku, you've gone way too far.
   
   
   

3. Shinsoji Temple

   Continuing the Kyoto-esque charm is the beautiful Shinsoji Temple on Naritasan (Mount Narita). With a beautifully cultivated garden on its grounds, this is a unique pause within nature to take a breath and enjoy the well-tended surroundings. As an added bonus, if you visit during March, you’ll be able to catch the plum festival or if you make your way there in mid-November you may come across their famous Autumn leaves festival with “momiji” as the backdrop. At both festivals, there will be music from bamboo flutes and other traditional instruments performing an outdoor concert along with tea ceremonies where you can enjoy freshly prepared matcha on temple grounds.
   
   
   

4. Souvenirs and Stress-Free Departures

   Whether you have an extended layover or are visiting this city at the tail end of your trip, it is the perfect place to recharge from a long flight or relieve any worries of making it to the airport on time by choosing to stay the night in Narita. More than just being a cultural gateway, it truly is the best place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs and omiyage. In addition to the more unique gifts you may find on Omotesando Street, Aeon Town shopping mall is less than a 10-minute walk away from Narita Keisei Station, making it a valuable stop for packaged treats, beauty products, home goods, electronics and all other essentials you may want to have throughout your trip or to bring home with you.
   
   
   

5. One Stop Away

   If after reading this you’re 90% convinced to visit Narita city, this last point should remove any lingering uncertainty. By taking a train on the Keisei Line, it is only one stop away from the connected airport station, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes. Just make sure to check the train schedules to ensure that it matches up with your plans. This means that even if you have a layover at the airport to another destination, as long as you account for time at customs, it is worth making your way to this unique city, even as a mini day-trip. If you're looking for a more comfortable way to get to the city, in keeping with the Momiji & Maple experience, private car options offer a smoother, more spacious ride while skipping the hassle of stations and navigating the platforms with heavy luggage. Whichever way you choose, Narita is an easy detour that makes the stop worthwhile.
   
   

If you've been thinking of visiting Japan but the planning seems like too much work, our small-group travel experiences are an easy way to make that trip a reality. With our curated experiences, Momiji & Maple does the planning and you're able to immerse yourself without having to think about the logistics. Take a look at our itineraries and join us on an upcoming departure.