What to know
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺) is a sprawling, highly popular Buddhist temple complex in Narita City, just a short distance from Narita Airport. It's an excellent place to visit if you have three or more hours near the airport and want to experience a slice of historic Japan.
Founded in 940 AD, the temple centers around a sacred statue of Fudo Myoo, a Buddhist deity. Legend has it that Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and a pivotal figure in Japanese religious history, carved the statue himself.
The temple grounds are home to a diverse collection of buildings, including the new and former main halls, a three-story pagoda, and a massive Tahoto-style pagoda known as the Great Pagoda of Peace. A pleasant park blends traditional Japanese and European landscaping elements.
Part of the charm of visiting Naritasan is the approach along Omotesando, a lively street lined with shops and restaurants. Stretching one kilometer from the railway stations to the temple, this historic street has been serving pilgrims and tourists with traditional crafts, foods, and souvenirs for centuries.
Naritasan is a 15-20 minute walk from JR Narita Station and Keisei Narita Station, which are about 200 meters apart. Both stations offer connections to central Tokyo and nearby Narita Airport. Simply follow the shop-lined Omotesando street all the way to the temple.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Always open
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Naritasan
- Original name
- Naritasan Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.