Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple (成田山新勝寺) is one of the most visited and historically significant Buddhist temples in Japan. Located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, it’s just a short train ride from Narita International Airport, making it a popular stop for travelers arriving or departing Japan.
Built over 1,080 years ago, the temple has grown into a vast complex of sacred halls, gates, gardens, and cultural landmarks. Visitors come for prayer, sightseeing, seasonal events, and the charming streets surrounding the temple like Naritasan Omotesando.
The temple is located in Narita, about 10–15 minutes by train from Narita Airport. It’s ideal for a layover trip or as a cultural escape outside of Tokyo.
● Take the Keisei Line or JR Narita Line to Narita Station.
● From there, it's a 10-minute walk through Naritasan Omotesando Street to reach the temple grounds.
You can search “Naritasan Shinshoji Temple to Narita Airport” on Google Maps for accurate directions.
Traveling to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple from Tokyo is convenient and straightforward. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line (Rapid) directly to Narita Station, a journey that takes approximately 80 minutes. Alternatively, if you're departing from Asakusa, the Keisei Main Line offers a quicker route—around 70 minutes to Keisei Narita Station.
Once you arrive at either station, it’s just a short walk to the temple via Naritasan Omotesando, a charming historic shopping street filled with traditional eateries, souvenir shops, and local crafts. This lively pedestrian path leads directly to the temple grounds and adds a culturally rich prelude to your visit.
Naritasan Temple
The temple grounds of Naritasan Shinshoji are open to the public 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to explore the peaceful environment at any time. Entry to the outer areas is free of charge, making it a flexible and accessible destination.
However, if you wish to visit the main halls and worship areas, such as the Main Hall (Hondo), these are generally open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Certain buildings, including the Shakado Hall, the Great Pagoda of Peace, and the Calligraphy Museum, may operate on shorter schedules or have varying hours depending on the season. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the official Naritasan website before your visit.
There is no entrance fee for the temple grounds or Naritasan Park. You can explore the main areas for free. However, there may be small admission fees for places like the Calligraphy Museum or specific exhibitions.
The temple complex is large and filled with historical and spiritual attractions:
The heart of the temple, where people come to worship Fudō Myōō, a fierce Buddhist deity who protects against evil and obstacles.
Built in 1712, this colorful pagoda features carvings and Buddhist symbols and is one of the oldest structures in the temple.
Completed in 1984, this massive pagoda symbolizes world peace. Visitors can enter and explore multiple levels with religious displays.
This historic building served as the main hall in the 1800s and is known for its traditional design and wooden carvings.
A beautifully landscaped park behind the temple, featuring ponds, waterfalls, walking paths, and seasonal flowers. Many people ask, “Is Naritasan Park free?” Yes—it’s completely free to explore.
Popular photo spots include:
● The grand Niomon Gate
● The elegant Three-Storied Pagoda
● The seasonal blooms in Naritasan Park
● Fire rituals and monks in ceremonial robes
If you’re wondering what the most famous street in Narita is, look no further than Naritasan Omotesando. This vibrant and historic road stretches from Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, offering visitors a charming introduction to the city's culture and hospitality.
The street is lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and local cafés, as well as food stalls selling regional specialties and craft stores offering handmade goods and souvenirs. One of the main highlights is the array of restaurants specializing in grilled eel (unagi), a local delicacy. Walking down Naritasan Omotesando is like stepping back in time, making it one of the best places to experience the traditional atmosphere and culinary richness of Narita.
Narita is particularly renowned for its grilled eel (unagi), which is carefully cooked over charcoal and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. This flavorful dish is a specialty of many restaurants along Naritasan Omotesando and is a must-try for visitors. Another local favorite is senbei, traditional rice crackers often grilled fresh in small shops along the street, filling the air with their irresistible aroma.
For those with a sweet tooth, yokan, a dense jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste, is widely available in gift shops and makes for a popular souvenir. These foods not only reflect Narita’s culinary traditions but also add a delicious dimension to your visit.
Narita offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different travel needs and budgets. Travelers can choose from business hotels conveniently located near Narita Station, which are ideal for short stays or early departures.
For a more immersive experience, there are traditional ryokan inns that feature tatami flooring, futon bedding, and local Japanese meals. Additionally, many airport hotels near Narita International Airport provide free shuttle services, making them a practical option for travelers with layovers or late-night flights.
Whether you’re planning to stay overnight to explore the area or just need a few hours of rest before your next journey, Narita has something for everyone.
Founded in 940 AD, Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple has a history of over 1,080 years. It was originally built to enshrine Fudō Myōō, the “Immovable Wisdom King,” and to celebrate the end of a political rebellion.
In the Edo period, the temple gained national fame thanks to the support of Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō I, who promoted the temple across Japan. Since then, it has remained a powerful spiritual and cultural center.
The temple is dedicated to Fudō Myōō, a protective deity in Japanese Buddhism. He is often shown with a sword and flame, representing his power to remove ignorance and evil.
The top attraction is the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple complex, a historic and spiritually significant site with centuries of tradition.
After exploring the temple, visitors can unwind in the adjacent Naritasan Park, a tranquil green space with ponds, walking paths, and seasonal flowers. A stroll along Naritasan Omotesando Street is another must, where you can enjoy local food, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the old-town atmosphere.
For a truly unique cultural experience, try to catch a Goma fire ritual, a sacred ceremony involving rhythmic chanting and flames, performed daily by temple priests. These combined activities offer a well-rounded taste of Narita’s heritage and charm—all without needing to leave the city.
Together, the temple and park form a complete destination. The temple buildings showcase centuries of architecture and tradition, while the park offers nature walks, seasonal flowers, and photo spots.
Whether you're visiting in cherry blossom season, during autumn leaves, or even in winter, Naritasan Shinshō-ji is worth the trip.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji. The temple grounds and Naritasan Park come alive with cherry blossoms (sakura), attracting both tourists and locals. Pink and white petals fill the paths and pond surfaces, offering incredible photo opportunities. Visitors often sit under the trees for hanami picnics, and local shops sell seasonal sweets like sakura mochi.
While summer in Japan can be hot and humid, the temple grounds offer shade under large cedar and zelkova trees. In June, hydrangeas bloom in vibrant blues and purples, especially near the ponds in Naritasan Park. Summer festivals, such as bon dances and local parades, bring music and lanterns to the surrounding streets. Morning visits are ideal to avoid the midday heat.
Autumn foliage in Narita is spectacular. Maple and ginkgo trees in Naritasan Park turn shades of red, gold, and orange. The quiet pathways and crisp air make it a favorite time for photography and relaxed walks. It's also a time for reflection and seasonal temple rituals, making autumn both visually and spiritually rewarding.
Winter is peaceful, with fewer tourists and a calm atmosphere. Snow sometimes blankets the temple roofs and gardens, creating a picture-perfect scene. During New Year’s (Oshōgatsu), the temple becomes one of the busiest places in Japan, as people from all over come for hatsumōde, the first temple visit of the year. Temporary food stalls and prayer areas are set up, and the atmosphere is festive and vibrant.
Naritasan Temple
One of the most unique and memorable experiences at Naritasan Shinshō-ji is the Goma fire ritual, held multiple times a day in the main hall. In this ceremony, monks burn wooden sticks while chanting mantras, creating towering flames that symbolize the burning away of bad luck and obstacles. Visitors can observe the ritual freely, and many people choose to write their wishes or prayers on wooden tablets to be blessed during the fire ceremony.
Visitors can also take part in various religious services offered at the temple. You can request blessings for safe travels, good health, business success, or academic achievement. The temple also has a shop where you can buy omamori (good luck charms), ofuda (talismans), and other spiritual items. These are excellent, meaningful souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
For those looking to engage more deeply, the temple occasionally offers shakyō (sutra copying) and zazen (seated meditation) sessions. These are usually held in Japanese but can sometimes be joined with the help of interpreters or group guides. It’s a unique way to connect with the spiritual culture of Japan.
Located within the park area, the Naritasan Calligraphy Museum is a lesser-known but fascinating part of the temple complex. It displays a collection of ancient and modern Japanese calligraphy, including works by famous monks and artists. There is a small entrance fee, and it’s well worth a visit for those interested in traditional Japanese arts. The museum itself is housed in a serene, traditional-style building surrounded by gardens and walking paths.
The New Year period is the busiest time of the year at Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple. More than 3 million people visit over three days to perform hatsumōde, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Temporary food stalls line the roads, incense fills the air, and people queue to pray, draw omikuji (fortune slips), and buy lucky charms for the year ahead. Trains and buses run extra services to handle the crowd.
The Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony is held at the temple to celebrate the end of winter and drive away evil spirits. Celebrities, athletes, and even sumo wrestlers are often invited to throw roasted soybeans from the stage. The chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“Demons out, good fortune in”) echoes through the grounds.
Held over three days in summer, Narita Gion Festival is one of the most lively events in the area. Giant wooden floats (dashi) are pulled through the streets of Narita, including up and down the slope of Omotesando Street. The atmosphere includes music, chanting, taiko drums, and colorful kimono-clad performers.
Chrysanthemums have a special place in Japanese culture, and Naritasan Shinshō-ji celebrates them with an annual flower exhibition. Visitors can see elegant displays of seasonal blooms shaped into animals, arches, and traditional scenes. It’s one of the quieter, more contemplative seasonal events at the temple.
If you have more time, Narita offers several interesting spots within walking or short taxi distance from the temple.
Located along Omotesando, this museum is dedicated to yokan, a traditional Japanese sweet made from red bean paste. It includes free samples and historical displays on the evolution of wagashi (Japanese confectionery). Entry is free and worth a 15-20 minute visit.
Just a short bus ride from Narita Station, Aeon Mall Narita is a convenient place to shop for daily goods, fashion, or gifts before returning to the airport. There’s also a food court and a large supermarket offering bento, sushi, and local snacks.
Located on the outskirts of Narita, this aviation museum is perfect for plane enthusiasts and families. It offers flight simulators, historical aircraft, and observation decks where you can watch real planes take off and land at Narita Airport.
While Tokyo and the surrounding areas have many famous temples—such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine in Harajuku-Naritasan Shinshō-ji stands out for a few key reasons:
|
Feature |
Naritasan Shinshō-ji |
Senso-ji (Asakusa) |
Meiji Shrine (Harajuku) |
|
Location |
Narita (near airport) |
Central Tokyo |
Central Tokyo |
|
Entry Fee |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Popular Food |
Eel, senbei |
Ningyo-yaki, melon bread |
Japanese sweets, sake |
|
Seasonal Highlights |
Sakura, fire rituals, festivals |
Lanterns, cherry blossoms |
Chrysanthemums, weddings |
|
Size & Complexity |
Large temple + park |
Moderate |
Large forested grounds |
|
Crowd Levels |
Moderate (except New Year) |
Always busy |
Calm except holidays |
Visiting a temple in Japan is not just about sightseeing—it’s also a cultural and spiritual experience. Here are some key etiquette tips to follow when visiting Naritasan Shinshō-ji:
● Dress Respectfully: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s best to avoid overly revealing or flashy clothing when entering sacred areas.
● Bow at the Gate: As a sign of respect, bow slightly when passing under the Niomon Gate or other entrance gates.
● Purify Yourself: At the temizuya (water basin) near the entrance, use the ladle to rinse both hands and your mouth before approaching the main hall.
● No Photography During Rituals: While photography is allowed in many areas, it’s polite to avoid taking pictures during religious services or inside the prayer halls unless explicitly permitted.
● Be Quiet and Mindful: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. Refrain from loud conversations or phone calls.
Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple is much more than a place of worship—it's a cultural, historical, and spiritual destination that offers rich experiences to both domestic and international visitors. Whether you're in Japan for a few days or just passing through Narita on a layover, this temple complex and the surrounding town provide a peaceful and enriching stop.
From centuries-old buildings and powerful rituals to lively festivals and scenic nature, a visit to Naritasan gives you a window into traditional Japanese life that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Our creative itinerary ideas will give you some travel inspirations. We will definitely tailor make unique trip for you and there are many more options available.