"What lies Beyond Narita Airport" Top 5 Page for this destination Narita by Wild_Orchid


Narita Travel Guide: 147 reviews and 237 photos

Naritasan Shinsoji Temple - Narita
Naritasan Shinsoji Temple

Naritasan Shinsoji Temple


On my second visit to Japan in May 2005, I had a morning flight out of Narita airport. This time, I decided to stay overnight at Narita town, rather than at an ubiquitous American Chain hotel. Well, I'm glad I did because there's more to Narita than just the airport!

I would like to say a Special thank you to VT'er manuel_eb and one time frequent traveller to NaritaMike Newman for helping with information relating to this quaint and interesting little town.

Narita Excel Hotel gardens - Narita

Narita Excel Hotel gardens

Narita Airport-Your Gateway to Japan


Arrival: In late 1994, I arrived at Narita Airport slightly groggy from my 7+ hour overnight flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, via Singapore's Changi Airport.

The toilets at Narita were spotless and we managed to freshen up quite comfortably, before heading to the immigration counter. This was completed with minimal fuss despite the number of arrivals. Clearing customs took a bit longer as the female officer wanted me to open my luggage bag. (I had only 1 bag!) She then shot me a few questions in staccato-English. Fortunately, I managed to understand and replied accordingly. My colleague who was standing near me was amazed because she thought that our entire conversation sounded like it was being conducted in Japanese!

Outside, I spotted a water cooler, so I avoided buying any mineral water (my first taste of just how expensive it was in Japan...).

Departure: From the Narita Excel Hotel, we joined the shuttle coach to the airport. It was basically uneventful.

What lies Beyond Narita Airport - Narita

When I arrived at the airport, I got a friend to take a picture of me at the airport car-park to remind me of the airport, and also to remember how bloated my face looked after having slept for only 2 hours on the plane! LOL

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Narita town is a little Gem that should be explored if you have the time
  • Cons:it is rather a distance between the town and the airport
  • In a nutshell:more than just an airport. Make time to check out the rustic town and Naritasan temple
  • Last visit to Narita: Nov 2006
  • Intro Updated Mar 27, 2007
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Reviews (14)

view from JR Narita station - Narita Getting to Narita town Transportation (1)

Getting to Narita town from downtown Tokyo was easy in theory but not as easy in practice, especially when you're... more travel advice

at the entrance of Naritasan Temple - Narita Visit Naritasan Temple Things to Do (4)

The Naritasan Shinsoji Temple is a key feature and a must-see for all visitors to Narita town. This temple was built... more travel advice

airplanes - all in a row - Narita Narita has two terminals-don't miss your... Favorites (2)

I found out that there are two terminals at Narita. I had arrived and departed via Terminal 1 on my first trip to Japan... more travel advice

Statue at the centre of town - Narita Take a stroll around Narita town Things to Do (4)

I highly recommend that you take a stroll around Narita town. It is a very quiet and pleasant little town, one that is... more travel advice

Comments (23)

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  • kamikawalili Dec 2, 2008 at 3:50 PM Report Abuse

    sorry to comment but the flower is obviously "petunia", not Azalea

  • mallyak's Profile Photo
    mallyak Feb 16, 2008 at 12:22 AM Report Abuse

    Nice tips for our stop over at narita en route london in July.thanks for sharing.rgds kashi

  • Toshioohsako's Profile Photo
    Toshioohsako Oct 20, 2007 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

    Hi Its great you showed the worth of visiting Narita, not only flying from or into this city. Bu I have never been there myself. Greetings

  • sayedaburas's Profile Photo
    sayedaburas Apr 2, 2007 at 11:18 PM Report Abuse

    (~_~)

  • Vulindlela's Profile Photo
    Vulindlela Mar 26, 2007 at 8:12 PM Report Abuse

    Great information! The airline I work for has a hub at NRT so I will have to take your advice and explore the area.

  • Confucius's Profile Photo
    Confucius Mar 23, 2006 at 4:15 PM Report Abuse

    It's great to see more shopping tips for Narita Airport. Also the ryokan alternative is a great idea for travellers who are stuck in Narita without one of those wonderful hotel vouchers issued by the airlines.

  • luckyzen Jan 8, 2006 at 8:28 AM Report Abuse

    Hi W_O, Great pic's and info on Narita. p.s. Your Home Page is really very special! So much warmth in your family pictures.

  • muddybok's Profile Photo
    muddybok Sep 29, 2005 at 10:04 PM Report Abuse

    My Narita experience is only in & out of Japan. Sigh!!

  • robertgaz's Profile Photo
    robertgaz Aug 9, 2005 at 10:59 PM Report Abuse

    You craggy tree hugging hippy you :-)

  • AKtravelers's Profile Photo
    AKtravelers Jul 29, 2005 at 7:57 PM Report Abuse

    I learned something today!! Wow -- Narita is more than just the airport! I'll have to try theryokan thing on my next Japan visit.

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