Narita: Oct.1, 2011

The name of Narita is known as a home town of the New Tokyo International Airport. But it has more than that.

The city hosts Narita-san Shinsho-ji, one of nation’s popular and important temples.


There are hundreds of restaurants and gift shops along the road from JR Narita railway station to the temple. Tens of restaurants serve unadon or eel rice bowl.

Visiting Narita-san became popular in the Edo era as it was only about 50 kilometers between Edo (Tokyo) and Narita and was easier than other famous shrines or temples (such as Ise Shrine) to visit. Temple town also developed.


Narita-san has a huge place. There are many buildings including the main building and towers in the area. There spread a nature-rich park behind the temple. Sculptures, stone monument and tombs spreads in the woods.


The temple was built in the 10th century and developed as one of the main temple of Shingon Buddhism.
Millions of people visit here in the new-year season.

Narita Airport is about five kilometers from the central city. The area is called Sanrizuka and Shibayama.


Strong resistance movement occurred when the government announced its plan to open a new airport in the mid 1960s. Far left extremists joined the movement and it took more than 10 years before the airport opened in 1978.

Sanrizuka was farming area and the royal family’s stock farm was there. Now, a memorial park keeps the Imperial farm’s history.


Airplanes fly over the houses in Sanrizuka.