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The Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: Just 10 Minutes From Narita Airport

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Naritasan Shinshoji, a temple in Chiba Prefecture with a rich history, is located ten minutes on foot from Narita Airport. You can enjoy a free guided tour around this temple through the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program.

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The History of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, located near Narita Station, is a temple with a solemn atmosphere.

The temple dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185), with a history spanning over 1,000 years. About 3 million people come here every New Year's, making the number of visitors the second largest in Japan, following Meiji Shrine. Likewise, this temple is one of the most famous places in Narita City, steeped in Buddhist culture.

Check Out Numerous Important Cultural Assets

The vast site has a magnificent atmosphere with many structures designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan.

The first thing that catches your eye is the impressive temple gate. It was built to commemorate the 1,070th anniversary of the temple.

After passing through the gate at the entrance, the next thing you'll see is the Niomon Gate.

This is also a Japanese intangible cultural asset. Two guardian deities called "Nio" are erected on the right and the left side of the gate.

The surrounding scenery will make you feel like you've been transported back in time. The temple's premises has a grand, dignified atmosphere.

After going up the stairs behind Nio Gate, you will reach the symbol of Naritasan: the main building called Daihondo Main Hall. This is where temple-goers come and pray. You may enter the main building and pray here as well.

Access the Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in 10 Minutes From Narita Airport!

Head down the path after appreciating the beauty of the three-story pagoda.

Access the Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in 10 Minutes From Narita Airport!

You'll see another building called the Shakado Hall of Buddha. Before constructing the Daihondo Main Hall, this was actually used as the main building of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

If you walk further down from the Shakado, you'll reach Komyodo Hall. This is the oldest structure on the temple grounds and was the main building before the Shakado was built. There is a Noh theater performance called Takigi Noh, illuminated with beacon fires around the stage, held annually in May.

Komyodo Hall is famous for granting blessings and wishes to loved ones, so it's a popular place to visit year-round.

Being surrounded by this serene historical temple helps visitors soothe their nerves and feel refreshed.

Access the Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in 10 Minutes From Narita Airport!

Near the tower, there is also an incredible natural park, Naritasan Park. This extensive park is almost four times as large as the Tokyo Dome.

Access the Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in 10 Minutes From Narita Airport!

Nowadays, most people prefer to walk around with headphones while listening to music or watching TV. However, we recommend unplugging and sinking into the peaceful atmosphere while listening to the breeze and bird songs. You'll find yourself in relaxing bliss.

Access the Impressive Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in 10 Minutes From Narita Airport!

The grounds of Naritasan are quite vast. If you'd like to focus on the highlights of the precincts, we recommend visiting the temple buildings and tower, first followed by the park if time permits. This temple is easily accessible from Narita Airport, which makes it the perfect place to visit if you have a stopover. If you'd like to take a tour of Naritasan, please check out the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program.

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旅行と写真が好き。 バックパッカーの旅を通して、日本の素晴らしさを再確認。 もっと多くの人に日本の文化や美しさを知ってもらうために、日本の魅力を発信中。

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