Weather in Narita

Narita is best known to travellers as the location of Tokyo's main international airport, but the town itself has a genuinely worthwhile draw in Naritasan Shinshoji, a sprawling temple complex founded over a thousand years ago, fronted by Omotesando, a traditional shopping street famous for its grilled eel restaurants. It makes an ideal first or last stop in Japan, easing visitors in or out without the intensity of central Tokyo.

Best areas to stay in Narita

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

A large Buddhist temple complex with multiple halls, a pagoda and landscaped gardens, founded in 940 AD.

Omotesando

The cobbled approach street to the temple, lined with traditional shopfronts, eel restaurants and souvenir stalls.

Narita Station Area

The compact town centre around the station, with hotels and casual dining for airport stopovers.

Narita Airport Area

The airport itself, with terminal shopping, a museum of aviation history, and easy onward transport to Tokyo.

Getting to Narita

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Flights

Fly directly into Narita International Airport (NRT), one of the main gateways for international arrivals to Tokyo.

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From London

~12-13 hours total from London

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Getting around

The town centre and temple are a short walk or bus ride from Narita Station, itself a few minutes from the airport by train.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Narita?

Anytime works well given its role as an airport gateway, though spring and autumn add cherry blossoms or foliage to the temple grounds.

How do I get to Narita from the airport?

Narita town is just a few minutes by train or bus from Narita International Airport, making it an easy stopover before or after a flight.

What is there to do in Narita?

Naritasan Shinshoji temple and its gardens are the main attraction, alongside the Omotesando approach street lined with shops, eel restaurants and traditional buildings.

Is Narita worth visiting if I'm just transiting?

Yes - even a few hours between flights is enough to walk Omotesando, visit the temple, and try the famous unagi (grilled eel) before heading back to the airport.

How far is Narita from central Tokyo?

Around 60-90 minutes by train, making it a feasible day trip from Tokyo as well as an airport-adjacent stop.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Spent our last morning in Japan walking Omotesando and eating unagi before flying home - a really nice, low-key way to end the trip without rushing across Tokyo.

Helen C. · March 2024

★★★★☆

Naritasan Shinshoji was much bigger and more impressive than I expected for a 'stopover' temple, the autumn colours in the garden were beautiful.

Marco D. · November 2023

★★★☆☆

Convenient given the airport location, but if you have more than a day in Japan I'd prioritise Tokyo itself - Narita is best as a bonus, not the main event.

Priya N. · June 2024