SHIKISAI GARDEN: The New Relaxation Area at Narita Airport Terminal 1

• Table of Contents
• Unveiling Terminal 1 After 367 Days of Renovation
• The Charm of SHIKISAI GARDEN: Art and Relaxation Inspired by Japan's Four Seasons
• An Open Food Court Adorned in Seasonal Colors
• Discover Japanese Aesthetics at Terminal 1 of the "Gateway to Japan"

Unveiling Terminal 1 After 367 Days of Renovation

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Narita Airport unveiled the redesigned Terminal 1 (T1). The renovation, which took approximately one year to complete, was celebrated in a dreamlike atmosphere filled with fluttering cherry blossom petals.

The renovation spans approximately 8,000 square meters, covering the 4th-floor atrium (prior to outbound passport control) and a significant portion of the 5th floor. This space has been reimagined as SHIKISAI GARDEN -Seasonal colors-, a new environment that blends the vibrant colors of Japan’s four seasons ("shikisai") with a serene garden-like atmosphere.

The space features six distinct areas aligned with this theme, all designed to transform a simple wait into "the perfect conclusion to a journey—a place to deeply experience Japanese culture."

The Charm of SHIKISAI GARDEN: Art and Relaxation Inspired by Japan's Four Seasons

SHIKISAI GARDEN —Seasonal Colors— embodies the desire for "travelers to experience Japan while enjoying their time at the airport."

This expansive area is unified by two central themes: the "flow of water" and the "four seasons."

A seamless "flow of water" creates unity across the 8,000-square-meter space. This sequence begins with the observation deck’s footbath and continues through digital and bamboo art installations down to the 4th floor.

The transition of the four seasons further ties the space together, expressed through changing scenery, seasonal plantings, curated fragrances, and dynamic lighting effects.

Below, we will introduce each area in detail.

Sky Ring: 30,000 Bamboo Stems Leading the Way to SHIKISAI GARDEN

The Sky Ring, created by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, serves as a striking centerpiece that connects the 4th and 5th floors to the observation deck.

Crafted from approximately 30,000 skillfully woven bamboo stems, the work evokes the image of water cascading from the observation deck to the floors below.

A closer look reveals a deliberate color shift between the 4th and 5th floors. By incorporating three distinct varieties of bamboo, the artist has created an exquisite gradation and a profound sense of depth that permeates the entire space.

Viewed from the 4th floor, the installation’s scale is so immense that it transcends the viewer's field of vision. Its raw power—reminiscent of looking up at the trunk of a giant, ancient tree—is enough to make any passerby stop in their tracks.

Designed for Every Traveler: Three Relaxation Spaces to Soothe Your Journey

A new Japanese-style relaxation space offers a serene environment to unwind before your flight. Travelers can choose from three distinct areas: Cha-no-ma (Tea Room), I-no-ma (Living Space/Tatami Area), and Sho-no-ma (Study Area). The entire space is infused with a warm, traditional atmosphere and features a wide variety of seating styles to suit every preference.

The area is fully equipped with conveniently located charging stations throughout.

As you enter, a faint, pleasant fragrance greets you. Currently featuring a spring scent, the aroma will change periodically to reflect the shifting seasons.

Cha-no-ma offers 48 seats set against a beautiful green gradient, designed to evoke the atmosphere of an authentic Japanese teahouse.

The seating features a palette of light green—suggesting the "breath of spring"—and rich forest tones. This tranquil color scheme creates a serene environment that may leave you instinctively craving a warm cup of matcha.

When asked for their impressions of Japan, many international travelers immediately think of "tatami." The I-no-ma reflects this, offering 12 seats within a space unified by warm tatami mats, natural wood flooring, and wooden furniture.

Designed as an area where you can remove your shoes and fully unwind, it allows you to feel the texture of the tatami underfoot and bask in soft lighting—the perfect way to soothe travel fatigue.

The final relaxation space is Sho-no-ma (Study/Writing Area), which provides 45 seats. Its primary appeal is the ability to lie back and relax without needing to remove your shoes. The area features two types of lounge chairs, allowing you to freely adjust your leg height for maximum comfort.

From this reclined position, you can enjoy a leisurely view of the Sky Ring—the terminal's iconic centerpiece that dynamically ascends through the space.

Beyond relaxation, the space invites you to explore your surroundings, where the craftsmanship of master artisans is evident in every detail.

You can appreciate contemporary Japanese art up close, including ceramic artist Takahiro Koga’s "Ho-yoroi-hai" (Cheek-Armor Cup), noted for its powerful sculptural beauty, and lacquer artist Mine Tanigawa’s elegant piece, "Following the Wind."

A Digital Bamboo Forest That Responds to Human Movement

Ascending the escalator from the 4th floor, you are greeted by the faint, refreshing rustle of bamboo. Guided by these sounds, you will discover "in sync," a digital bamboo forest corridor that connects the relaxation area to the observation deck.

As you walk through the passage, sensors react to your movement, triggering the digital bamboo panels to rotate and cast ethereal light across the dim space. This installation is designed to recreate the stunning contrast of light and shadow found in a natural bamboo grove, offering an immersive outdoor experience within the terminal.

As you pass through, be sure to wave your hand; the ethereal digital bamboo will sway and flutter in direct response to your movements.

Sky Park: Play Equipment Where You Can Play While Watching Airplanes

This renovation also introduces brand-new facilities designed specifically for families. In addition to a popular capsule toy (gachapon) corner, the area features Kinder Platz, a premium indoor playground, and the Baby Play Space, which is available free of charge.

A major highlight is the ability to watch airplanes take off and land at close range from right behind the play area—a dynamic experience unique to an airport setting.

Furthermore, Narita Airport has introduced its first-ever Baby Room featuring a private family space for the entire household. This addition ensures that travelers with small children can enjoy the airport’s amenities with total peace of mind.

The centerpiece of this area is Kinder Platz, one of Narita Airport’s largest premium indoor playgrounds. Operated by Froebel-kan Co., Ltd., the facility is divided into indoor and outdoor zones.

On clear days, the outdoor play area is a must-visit, allowing children to play freely under the vast, expansive sky.

Admission to Kinder Platz is available for children aged 6 months to 12 years; all children must be accompanied by a guardian.

The indoor area features five themed zones, including a dedicated space for infants (ages 6 to 24 months), ensuring even the youngest travelers can play safely and securely.

Facility Usage Fees

Children (1--Day Free Pass): 2,200 yen (with tax)

Adults (1-Day Free Pass): 1,100 yen (with tax)

*Operating Hours: 10:00–19:00 (Last admission 18:30)

One Last Memory of Japan: Free Footbaths and Iconic Runway Views

Adjacent to the kids' area, the GARDEN WALK observation deck features a Footbath, Lawn Area, and Mountain Deck.

From the vantage point of the 3-meter-high Mountain Deck, you can overlook a stunning row of cherry blossom trees stretching into the distance. This unique location even allows you to capture the perfect shot of cherry blossoms and airplanes in a single frame.

To make your visit even more memorable, new "Photo Frames" have been installed. These frames are designed so that anyone can easily snap social-media-ready photos with a taxiing airplane perfectly framed by the "NRT" logo.

After a journey spanning several days, your feet may be feeling the weight of your travels. Gently soak them in the footbath—heated to a soothing 40°C and infused with fragrant aroma oils. As you close your eyes, the distant hum of airplane engines creates a peaceful, rhythmic backdrop.

For travelers just moments away from departing Japan, this offers a final, luxurious touch of Japanese hospitality to conclude their journey.

GARDEN WALK Observation Deck Opening Hours

Summer (April 1 – September 30): 6:30 – 21:00

Winter (October 1 – March 31): 7:00 – 21:00

Terminal 1 (T1) Floors 2 – 5 Operating Hours: 5:00 – 24:00

An Open Food Court Adorned in Seasonal Colors

Rest assured, if you find yourself hungry before your flight, Narita Airport Terminal 1 offers a wealth of gourmet options across the 4th and 5th floors.

As part of the recent renovation, the food court pillars have been redesigned with vibrant colors, transforming the entire space into a brighter, more visually engaging environment.

Discover Japanese Aesthetics at Terminal 1 of the "Gateway to Japan"

Narita Airport serves as both the primary gateway for international travelers arriving in Japan and the final location for their farewell. Following an extensive year-long renovation, Terminal 1 has evolved into a space that embodies Japan’s four seasons and vibrant colors. It is designed to engage all five senses while offering a deep sense of relaxation and renewal.

We invite you to experience SHIKISAI GARDEN on the 5th floor of Terminal 1. Why not create one last irreplaceable memory of your journey right here?

Sponsored by Narita International Airport Corporation