Narita-san Private Layover Tour from Narita International Airport

Narita , Japan

Narita-san Private Layover Tour from Narita International Airport

Active

(3 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour is ideal for travelers staying near Narita Airport on a layover!

Our licensed, experienced English-speaking guide will pick you up at Narita Airport and take you to the magnificent Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history. Along the way, you’ll learn about Japan’s rich history and culture.

The approach to the temple, known as Omotesandō, is lined with charming shops and restaurants, offering local cuisine, traditional sweets, and unique souvenirs — a perfect chance to enjoy the local flavor of Japan.

Available options

Narita Airport Pick-up

Pickup included

What's included

Round trip tickets from Tokyo Station to Narita Station

Experienced English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

The guide will meet you at the tourist information desk on the ground floor of either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

After being picked up from your hotel in central Tokyo, we'll take a limited express train to Sakura Station, then transfer to a local train to Narita. Let’s enjoy a pleasant 1-hour train ride!

(If you choose Narita Airport as your pick-up point, the guide will take you to Narita Station by local train. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.)

Narita is a city located near Narita Airport (formerly known as Tokyo New International Airport) in Chiba Prefecture, about 70 kilometers east of Tokyo. The city is famous for its historic and expansive Buddhist temple, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. After we get off the train, we’ll enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk to the temple. The narrow path leading there is lined with many traditional Japanese-style buildings, offering a charming glimpse into old Japan.

The Buddhist temple has a history of over 1,000 years and attracts more than 10 million worshippers from across Japan each year. The main deity enshrined here is Fudō Myōō, said to have been created by Kūkai, the famous Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon sect in Japan.

The temple grounds feature many beautiful wooden structures, rich in traditional architecture. You can also witness the Goma-daki ritual, a sacred fire ceremony where monks burn wooden sticks as offerings while chanting powerful sutras, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

A vast park is located on the hillside behind Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. With its beautiful streams and ponds nestled in the forest, it creates a very serene and peaceful atmosphere.

After exploring the temple and the park, let’s enjoy some local cuisine at a restaurant along the main street. In particular, unagi (freshwater eel) is a local specialty in this area. The eel is simmered and then grilled, glazed with a special soy sauce–based sweet sauce, and served over steamed rice — it’s absolutely delicious! (lunch is optional)

The guide will accompany you back to the airport from Narita Station.

What's not included

Gratuity

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please prepare rain gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.

Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.

The tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors. We suggest wearing sneakers or comfortable shoes.

About Narita

Narita is a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, best known as the location of Narita International Airport, the primary gateway for international travelers to Japan. The city offers a unique blend of modern convenience and traditional charm, with numerous temples, shrines, and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Narita-san Shinso-ji Temple

This ancient Buddhist temple is the spiritual heart of Narita and a significant cultural landmark. It features beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and numerous smaller temples and shrines.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Free (some areas may have small fees)

Narita Toy Museum

A fun and interactive museum featuring a vast collection of toys from around the world, including vintage and modern toys.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥1,000 (approx. $9)

Narita Tomyo-ji Temple

A lesser-known but historically significant temple with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful grounds.

Historical/Religious 1 hour Free

Narita Lakeside Park

A scenic park located along the Inba Nunobiki River, offering walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Narita Yakitori

Grilled chicken skewers, a popular street food in Narita, often served with a savory-sweet sauce.

Snack Contains meat, gluten (soy sauce)

Unagi Don

Grilled eel served over rice, a local specialty in Narita.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (soy sauce)

Narita Soba

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free (if not mixed with wheat), vegetarian (if no fish broth)

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby nature parks Biking around the city Visiting Narita Lakeside Park Enjoying a traditional onsen (hot spring) Exploring Narita-san Shinso-ji Temple Attending local festivals Boat rides on the Sawara Canal Visiting during the Narita Illumination festival in December

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Narita is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and always use metered taxis.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Narita Station

By bus

Narita Station, Airport Terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are the most efficient way to get around Narita and connect to nearby cities. The Keisei Electric Railway operates frequent services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Narita Narita Station Area Kurimoto

Day trips

Sawara

30 km (18.6 miles) from Narita • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional houses, and scenic canals. Sawara offers a glimpse into old Japan.

Inba Nunobiki Kofun

15 km (9.3 miles) from Narita • Half day

A large ancient burial mound, or kofun, dating back to the Kofun period (300-710 AD). It is one of the largest and most well-preserved kofun in Japan.

Katori Jingu

20 km (12.4 miles) from Narita • Half day

A significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (spirit) of agriculture and sword-making. It is one of Japan's most important shrines.

Festivals

Narita Festival • October Narita Illumination • December Narita Sanja Matsuri • May

Pro tips

Arrive early at Narita-san Shinso-ji Temple to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Try local specialties, such as Narita yakitori and unagi don, for an authentic dining experience.
Explore the Omotesando shopping street for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks.
Visit Narita Lakeside Park for a relaxing stroll and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Take a day trip to nearby destinations, such as Sawara or Inba Nunobiki Kofun, for a mix of history and culture.