When traveling from Tokyo to Narita Airport, many people go straight to the airport without stopping anywhere. However, you might be surprised to know that there are several worthwhile sightseeing spots located very close to the airport.
If your flight check in is scheduled for the morning, I highly recommend staying in Narita the night before. By sightseeing first and staying overnight, you can start your journey in a much more relaxed and comfortable way.
Accommodation in Narita
The place I stayed at was Retreat NARITA.
The total cost for two nights was about 55 dollars, which is extremely affordable.
The location is excellent, right along Narita Omotesando Street. This area is the heart of sightseeing in Narita, making it very convenient for walking around, eating, and visiting temples.
The dormitory style room was separated by traditional sliding doors, with futons laid out on tatami mats. The nostalgic atmosphere felt very comforting, and I slept deeply and peacefully.
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Narita sightseeing and food spots you can enjoy even in one day
Even if you only have one full day, Narita offers more than enough to feel satisfied. Below are the sightseeing spots and restaurants I personally visited and recommend.
Narita Omotesando Street
Narita Omotesando is a lively street filled with many food stalls and small shops, making it perfect for casual food exploration.
As you walk toward the temple, you can enjoy snacks along the way. I tried large filled pancakes, traditional rice dumplings, and coffee. There were also shops selling candied sweet potato snacks, which are definitely worth trying if you enjoy sweets.
Take your time, enjoy what catches your eye, and slowly make your way toward the temple.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the most famous temples in the Narita area. Despite the word mountain in its name, the area is very easy to walk and does not require any hiking experience.
The temple grounds are spacious and surrounded by calm natural scenery. Simply strolling through the area allows you to feel a sense of peace and relaxation. It is a perfect place to slow down and reset your mind during your travels.
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Kawatoyo Honten
Established in 1910, this is a historic eel restaurant with more than a century of tradition. Numbered tickets are distributed at the entrance, and your turn appears on a display inside the shop. Waiting times are also shown, making it easy to plan your visit.
The restaurant is famous for its sweet and savory sauce, which has been continuously reused and refined since its founding. Since it was the end of the year, I treated myself to a premium eel rice box with eel liver soup. The total cost was around 35 dollars.
Opportunities to enjoy eel dishes are rare for many travelers, which makes this experience even more special. If you visit Narita, this restaurant is highly recommended.
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Kushikatsu Kushinojo
In the evening, I visited this restaurant for a casual dinner and drinks. They serve excellent skewered fried items and grilled chicken.
I ordered recommended sets of skewers along with a lemon sour drink. I also enjoyed some sake, although I forgot to take photos. The combination of skewers, lemon sour, and sake made for a perfect and satisfying night.
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Final thoughts
Narita is often thought of only as an airport town, but after visiting, I realized it offers much more. With its rich history, traditional food, and calm atmosphere, it is a destination worth exploring.
Thanks to its easy access from Tokyo, Narita is ideal for staying the night before an early flight, stopping by before departure, or even relaxing after returning to Japan.
Instead of heading straight to the airport, consider spending some time in Narita on your next trip. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment and meaning to your journey.
