Area Characteristics
The city of Narita is located east of Tokyo in the north-central area of Chiba Prefecture. The area flourished as the temple town for Shinsho-ji Temple by Mt. Narita for over a thousand years, and while it was busy with many worshipers, in 1978, the city developed into an international hub due to the opening of the Narita International Airport. It is an area that brings together history and an international presence surrounded by rich nature.
Major Sites
The symbols of Narita are Shinsho-ji Temple by Mt. Narita, the omotesando path leading to Mt. Narita and Mt. Narita Park. Aside from catching flights there, Narita International Airport is also popular for shopping and plane watching, and in the surrounding vicinity, there is Sakura-no-Yama Park where you can also see the planes and the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.
Food
Refined sake using hard water which is unusual in brewing and peanuts are specialties in Narita. When it comes to famous products at Mt. Narita, there is eel. Also, along the sando path to the temple, there are items such as pickles, bean jelly and preserved foods which are popular as souvenirs for those going to worship.
Transportation
There are train and bus routes heading from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport but there is no significant difference in travel times. There is the JR Narita Express in about 50 minutes, the Keisei Skyliner going through Nippori Station in 50 minutes, and the expressway bus in 60 minutes at the earliest. You can choose the transportation based on your budget and time. To get to Narita Station which is closest to Mt. Narita, the JR rapid-service Airport Narita is convenient. From the airport, there are also local buses which will take you to Sakura-no-Yama Park and the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.
Accommodations
It’s very easy to access the vicinity around Narita Airport and staying there overnight at the beginning or ending of your journey is ideal. The type of accommodations depends on the area with hotels being most common by Narita Station and Narita Airport while atmospheric ryokan are plentiful in the Mt. Narita area.