Narita as an International Tourism Model Area
Narita City, together with Sakura City, Sakae Town, and Shibayama Town, has been designated as the Narita International Tourism Model Area. The city has also been recognized as an international convention city.
In fiscal 2003, approximately 12.93 million people visited Narita City. Around 90 percent of these visitors were people visiting temples and shrines such as Naritasan Shinshoji and Sogo Reido, as well as people attending local festivals.
Japan Heritage: The Historic Towns of Northern Chiba
Narita City is included in the Japan Heritage designation “Edo Period Heritage of the Four Cities of Hokuso”, together with Sakura, Sawara, and Choshi. These four cities retain historic townscapes associated with the Edo period and offer visitors a sense of traditional Japan.
The Historic Streets Around Naritasan
The area surrounding Naritasan Shinshoji Temple developed as a lively temple town. Numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and traditional stores line the approach to the temple, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy strolling through the streets after worshipping at the temple, sampling local specialties, and looking for traditional Japanese souvenirs.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the most recognizable symbol of Narita and one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the Kanto region. Founded in 940, the temple belongs to the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism and attracts large numbers of worshippers throughout the year.
The temple complex includes several historically important structures, including the Three-Story Pagoda, Niomon Gate, and Komyodo Hall, some of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The temple was also awarded two stars in the 2015 revised edition of the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Traditional Buildings in Narita
Narita also has several traditional buildings that convey the atmosphere of its historic temple town.
- Onoya Ryokan – A long-established Japanese inn that preserves the atmosphere of traditional Narita.
- Mitsuhashi Pharmacy – A historic building with an impressive appearance that blends naturally into the surrounding streetscape.
Sogo Reido Temple (Toshoji)
Sogo Reido Temple (Toshoji) is an old temple of the Shingon Buddhism Toyoyama School in Narita. It is the family temple of Sakura Sogoro, a legendary local peasant leader remembered for standing up for the people.
The temple is also known as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, many visitors come to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the temple grounds.
Sports and Sogo Reido
Sogo Reido is also associated with Olympic marathon champion Naoko Takahashi, who is known for carrying her guardian Buddhist image while competing.
Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions in Narita
Narita City is home to numerous historic temples, shrines, archaeological sites, and other cultural attractions.
Former Mikogami Family Residence
The Former Mikogami Family Residence is a historic building preserved as an important example of the region’s traditional culture and architectural heritage.
Komikado Shrine
Komikado Shrine is dedicated to Lord Fujiwara no Morosuke, a loyal supporter of Emperor Go-Daigo. The shrine is recognized as one of the attractions representing the charm of the Boso region.
A large evergreen coniferous forest designated as a Chiba Prefecture Natural Monument spreads across the grounds, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy both history and nature.
Makata Shrine
Makata Shrine is one of the historic shrines in Narita and is associated with the ancient Engishiki, a collection of regulations and records compiled during the Heian period.
Behind the main sanctuary stands a huge Japanese cedar said to be approximately 1,200 years old. With a trunk diameter of around 8 meters, it is one of the largest ancient cedars in the Kanto region and creates an impressive natural landscape.
Junshinji Temple and Daijionji Temple
Narita is also home to old Buddhist temples such as Junshinji Temple and Daijionji Temple. Daijionji is traditionally said to have been founded in 761 by the famous Buddhist monk Jianzhen and is recognized as one of the attractions representing the Boso region.
Ryushoin Temple (Namegawa Kannon)
Ryushoin Temple, commonly known as Namegawa Kannon, is the 28th temple on the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Its main hall, built in 1698, and its Niomon Gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, are among its highlights.
Wat Paknam Japan
Wat Paknam Japan was established in Narita as a Japanese branch of a Thai Buddhist temple. It provides an opportunity to learn about Thai Buddhism and culture and attracts visitors interested in both religion and international cultural exchange.
Ancient Burial Mounds and Historic Sites
Naganuma Castle Site and Nagoya Castle Site
Narita City preserves the remains of medieval fortifications, including the Naganuma Castle Site and Nagoya Castle Site. These sites are of interest to visitors who enjoy Japanese history, archaeology, and medieval castle sites.
Arami Shell Mound and Ancient Burial Mounds
Various archaeological sites are scattered throughout Narita, including the Arami Shell Mound, Konduhara Kofun Cluster, and Funazuka Kofun. These sites provide valuable evidence of life in the region during ancient times.
Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura
Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura is a cultural and historical facility where visitors can experience traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyles. Historic buildings, including the Former Gakushuin Primary School Auditorium and Former Mikogami Family Residence, are preserved or recreated within the grounds.
Parks and Gardens Surrounded by Nature
Narita has many parks and gardens where families, nature lovers, and travelers can enjoy seasonal scenery.
Naritasan Park
Naritasan Park stretches behind Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and features a spacious Japanese garden filled with seasonal flowers and greenery.
The park is particularly famous for its plum blossoms. From February to March, the annual Plum Blossom Festival is held, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the colorful spring scenery.
Narita Sakura no Yama
Narita Sakura no Yama is located near Narita International Airport and offers an excellent viewpoint for watching aircraft take off and land at close range. It is popular with families and aviation enthusiasts, while the surrounding landscape changes beautifully with the seasons.
Sakatagaike General Park
Sakatagaike General Park is a nature-rich recreational area where visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing and hiking. The park is surrounded by pine trees and was selected in 1983 as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Pine Tree Sites.
Some pine trees in the surrounding area are more than 300 years old, adding to the park’s distinctive natural atmosphere.
Farm Attractions and Animal Experiences
Narita Dream Dairy Farm
Narita Dream Dairy Farm was established in 1987 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Akiba Farm. Visitors can interact with various animals, including sheep and goats, making it a popular destination for families.
The farm also has a campsite and produces dairy products using fresh milk. Visitors can enjoy fresh farm-made foods and experience a relaxing rural side of Narita.
Markets and Fresh Local Food
Narita Wholesale Market
The Narita Municipal Wholesale Market opened in 1974 and is known as a place where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, sushi, and seafood rice bowls from early in the morning.
Visitors can also tour the market and experience a lively side of Narita’s food culture while sampling local ingredients.
Museums and Memorial Facilities
Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura
Chiba Prefectural Boso-no-Mura is a large historical and cultural park surrounded by nature. Traditional streets and buildings have been recreated, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of old Japan.
The site has also been used as a filming location for movies and television dramas, making it an enjoyable place to explore while experiencing a historical Japanese landscape.
Sanrizuka Imperial Ranch Memorial Museum
The Sanrizuka Imperial Ranch Memorial Museum stands on the former site of the Imperial Household Agency’s Shimofusa Imperial Ranch. The museum displays historical materials related to the development of livestock farming in Japan.
The former ranch grounds feature a row of horse chestnut trees and literary monuments, creating a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk.
Naritasan Calligraphy Museum
Naritasan Calligraphy Museum is located within Naritasan Park and specializes in modern Japanese calligraphy. Its collection includes numerous important examples of Japanese calligraphic art.
It is an interesting destination for visitors who want to learn more about Japanese writing, traditional arts, and cultural heritage.
Narita Tourism Museum
Narita Tourism Museum introduces the history and tourist attractions of Narita. A traditional festival float used for the Gion Festival is displayed inside the museum.
Visitors can also learn about the history of pilgrimages to Naritasan and how the Narita Kaido road and surrounding townscape have changed over time, making the museum a useful starting point for exploring the city.
Narita Yokan Museum
The Narita Yokan Museum, located along the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji, is a corporate museum operated by a long-established yokan confectionery maker.
The museum introduces the history and production of yokan, a traditional Japanese confectionery that has become one of Narita’s local specialties. Exhibits and video materials provide an introduction to the area’s confectionery culture.
Festivals and Events in Narita
Narita hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, providing opportunities to experience local traditions and community life.
Narita Gion Festival
The Narita Gion Festival, held every July, is one of the city’s best-known traditional festivals and is associated with the summer celebrations of Naritasan Shinshoji.
Mikoshi portable shrines and festival floats parade through the streets, filling the historic temple town with energy and attracting large numbers of visitors.
Enjoying a Travel Experience in Narita
Narita offers a wide variety of experiences, from historic temples and shrines to nature-rich parks, beautiful gardens, museums, and cultural facilities. Visitors can explore the city’s long history while also enjoying local food, traditional festivals, and seasonal scenery.
Its proximity to Narita International Airport makes the city particularly convenient for international travelers. Narita can be visited as a destination in its own right or incorporated into a wider trip around the Tokyo and Chiba regions.
Narita Tourism Information
Located in the north-central part of Chiba Prefecture, Narita is a fascinating destination where Japanese history, religion, traditional culture, nature, and international travel come together. The area around Naritasan Shinshoji attracts many worshippers and tourists, while the city’s museums, parks, historic sites, and local specialties offer many additional attractions.
Local Specialties and Famous Products
Traditional Sweets and Yokan from Komeya Sohonten
Neriyokan, a traditional type of yokan, is said to have been developed in 1882, inspired by a chestnut yokan known as “Kuri-kan” that was served as part of the vegetarian cuisine at Naritasan Shinshoji.
The confectionery became particularly popular among pilgrims visiting the temple. Over time, local confectioners continued to improve their products, and Narita became known for a wide variety of traditional Japanese sweets, including yokan, manju, and mochi-based confectioneries.
Narita Pickles – Uri Tetsuho-zuke
Uri Tetsuho-zuke is one of Narita’s best-known pickles. A melon or gourd is hollowed out, filled with green chili peppers wrapped in shiso leaves, and then pickled in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and other seasonings.
Its distinctive flavor and pleasantly spicy taste make it a popular local specialty and a memorable souvenir from Narita.
Narita Local Sake
Narita’s sake is brewed using rice grown in Chiba Prefecture and clear underground water drawn from the Narita geological formations. The combination of local ingredients and clean water contributes to the area’s sake-making tradition.
Local breweries such as Nabedana and Takizawa Honten produce sake that is popular among visitors looking for regional specialties.
Narita Tsukudani
Narita’s tsukudani tradition began around the 1880s, when goby and small shrimp caught in Lake Inbanuma were processed and preserved.
Sweet simmered seafood and other traditional preparations became local specialties and continue to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
Lotus Root from Former Shimofusa Town
Lotus root became an important specialty crop in the former Shimofusa area of Narita following changes in agricultural policy. By combining cultivation techniques such as greenhouse growing and harvesting after two years, producers have been able to supply lotus root to the market throughout the year.
In 2000, the producers received the top prize in the group organization category of the Japan Agriculture Award, recognizing their production and marketing efforts.
Beni-azuma Sweet Potatoes from Former Taiei Town
Beni-azuma sweet potatoes are a specialty of the former Taiei area of Narita. The region has long been one of the leading sweet potato-producing areas in Chiba Prefecture, with products shipped to markets including Tokyo.
A premium variety known as Daiei Manamusume is also produced as a high-quality local brand.
Naritomi Udon
Naritomi Udon is a local noodle dish associated with Narita. It is enjoyed by residents and has also become a regional food experience for visitors exploring the city.
Seasonal Festivals and Events
Narita hosts traditional festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The following are some of the major seasonal events.
Spring Events: March–May
- Odori Hanami – Held on April 3 as a traditional spring celebration.
- Tokō no Sanbansō – A traditional performance of Sanbansō held on April 3.
- Kitahatori Shishimai – A traditional lion dance performed on the first Sunday of April.
- Narita Taiko Festival – Held on the third Saturday and Sunday of April, featuring powerful taiko performances by groups from across Japan.
- Daito Festival (Sōodori) – A large-scale group dance held in mid-May.
- Hōnō Umewaka Naritasan Takigi Noh – A traditional Noh performance held around the third Sunday of May.
Summer Events: June–August
- Aoba Festival – Held from early to mid-June during the fresh green season.
- Narita Gion Festival – Held on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday closest to July 7, featuring mikoshi and festival floats moving through the streets around Naritasan.
- Sannomiya Shrine (Habun Shrine) Festival – A traditional shrine festival held on July 17.
- Makata Shrine Festival – A traditional festival held on July 31.
- Irei Rūtō Daihōe – A memorial ceremony held in early August in which lanterns are floated in remembrance of the deceased.
- Narita Furusato Festival – A local festival held in late August featuring regional products and traditional performing arts.
- Naritasan Mimata Festival – A traditional festival held at Naritasan Shinshoji on August 23 and 24.
Autumn Events: September–November
- Otaiya Festival – Held September 2–3 as a traditional autumn festival.
- Naritasan Chrysanthemum Exhibition – Held from mid-October to mid-November, filling the temple grounds with beautifully cultivated chrysanthemums.
- Gorishō Festival – Narita Gen Festival – Held around mid-October, combining music and traditional entertainment.
- Industrial Festival – Held in late November, bringing together local agricultural products and regional specialties.
- NARITA Fireworks in Inbanuma – A spectacular fireworks event held around mid-October near Lake Inbanuma.
Winter Events: December–February
- Osame Fudo – A year-end Buddhist ceremony held on December 28 to honor Fudo Myoo.
- New Year’s Visit – New Year’s Day visits to Naritasan Shinshoji to welcome the new year.
- Setsubun Festival – Held around February 3, featuring traditional bean-throwing rituals to drive away misfortune and welcome good fortune.
- Plum Blossom Festival – Held from around mid-February to mid-March when Naritasan Park’s plum trees are in bloom.
Narita International Airport and Tourism
Narita International Airport is one of Japan’s largest international gateway airports and plays an important role in welcoming travelers from around the world.
Because of its location and extensive international connections, Narita is frequently used as an arrival or departure point for travelers exploring Tokyo, Chiba, and other parts of Japan. The city itself also offers convenient accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and cultural experiences near the airport.
Naritasan Shinshoji and the City’s Religious Heritage
Narita is particularly well known for the large number of people who visit Naritasan Shinshoji. During the New Year period, the temple attracts exceptionally large crowds, with visitors arriving from across Japan for hatsumode, the first temple or shrine visit of the year.
The temple and its surrounding streets have played a central role in the development of Narita as a tourist city, while the historic pilgrimage route and temple-town culture continue to shape the character of the area today.
Geography and Nature of Narita
Narita City is located in the north-central part of Chiba Prefecture. Its distinctive urban structure combines the historic temple town around Naritasan Shinshoji, newer residential districts, and the extensive area occupied by Narita International Airport.
The city covers approximately 213.84 square kilometers. The southwestern part contains the historic temple town and newer urban areas, while the airport is located in the southeastern hilly area.
Rivers, Lakes, and Agricultural Landscapes
The western part of the city is connected to the watersheds of Lake Inbanuma and the Tone River, which have historically supported agriculture in the surrounding area.
Wetlands around Lake Inbanuma and the rolling hills of the Shimosa Plateau create attractive rural landscapes, where rice fields and other agricultural land extend across the countryside.
Climate of Narita
Narita has an inland-influenced climate and an annual average temperature of approximately 14.2°C. Compared with some other parts of Chiba Prefecture, the area can feel relatively cool, particularly during winter.
January temperatures can fall below freezing, with an average minimum temperature of approximately -2.4°C according to the figures provided. Fog is also relatively common because of the area’s inland climate, wetlands, and agricultural landscape.
Fog and Daily Temperature Differences
From spring through summer, southwesterly winds are common, while radiational fog can develop at night under suitable conditions.
When fog settles over the surrounding fields and wetlands, it can create a distinctive and atmospheric landscape that reflects Narita’s rural character.
History of Narita
From Ancient Times to the Modern Era
Archaeological discoveries indicate that people have lived in the Narita area since prehistoric times. Over the centuries, the region developed into an important settlement, with its character becoming particularly closely associated with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
During the Edo period, increasing numbers of pilgrims traveled to Naritasan. Restaurants, inns, and other businesses gradually developed around the temple, transforming Narita into a prosperous temple town.
Growth of the Temple Town
By the middle of the Edo period, the increasing popularity of pilgrimages encouraged restaurants, teahouses, inns, and other businesses to specialize in serving visitors.
The number of inns continued to grow, reaching 32 establishments by 1843. The lively streets around the temple became an important part of Narita’s identity.
Establishment of the Shimofusa Imperial Ranch
During the Meiji period, the Shimofusa Imperial Ranch of the Imperial Household Agency was established in the Narita area. The ranch played a role in the development of livestock farming in Japan.
Later, the construction and expansion of Narita International Airport brought major changes to the city’s economy and industrial structure, with tourism, transportation, and service industries becoming increasingly important.
Narita as a Tourism Resource
Narita Airport and Its Influence on the City
Narita benefits economically from the presence of the airport and the many businesses connected with international aviation and tourism. At the same time, the airport’s presence has required continued efforts to address issues such as aircraft noise and promote coexistence between the airport and surrounding communities.
A City Combining Convenience and Nature
Narita has also received recognition in assessments of urban living conditions. Its convenient transportation, extensive services, natural surroundings, and tourism resources have contributed to its reputation as a city where urban and rural characteristics coexist.
Summary
Narita City combines the character of an international gateway with the long history of a traditional Japanese temple town. While Narita International Airport connects the city with destinations around the world, the historic streets around Naritasan Shinshoji preserve traditions that have continued for centuries.
Visitors can explore temples and shrines, walk through historic streets, enjoy seasonal flowers and natural landscapes, discover local foods and traditional sweets, and experience lively festivals throughout the year.
With its combination of history, culture, nature, local cuisine, traditional festivals, and international accessibility, Narita offers travelers an opportunity to experience both the traditional and contemporary sides of Japan.