Japan Trip | Travel Guide to Narita Temple
Narita Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and is considered one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan. Its history can be traced back to 809 AD, when it became a pilgrimage site for worshiping Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), attracting millions of visitors every year. Here are some travel tips for Narita Temple:
1. How to get to Narita Temple?
You can reach Narita Temple by tram, bus or rental car. The most convenient and economical way is to take the Keisei Main Line or JR Joban Line from the center of Tokyo to Narita Station, and then walk 15 minutes to the temple. You can also choose to take a public bus directly to Narita Sankou Station and then go to the temple. If you want to drive there, you can choose to depart from Tokyo or Chiba direction, and there are free parking lots available for visitors.
2. Temple opening hours and ticket prices.
Narita Temple is open to the public every day, but the opening hours may vary depending on the season and weather. Generally, the temple is open from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, and in summer, it is extended to 7:00 pm. The ticket price is 500 yen, and the price is the same no matter when you visit the temple.
3. Main attractions of the temple
Naritasan has many attractions worth visiting, including:
- Daihonzan: This is one of the most famous buildings in Narita Temple, built in the 17th century, mainly dedicated to the deity Acala.
- Bell Tower: The Bell Tower is 54 meters high and is one of the tallest bell towers in Japan.
- Ying'en Gate: This is the main entrance to the temple, with two 5-meter-high statues of Vajra warriors in front of the gate.
- Sanju-no-to: This is one of the oldest buildings in Narita Temple, built in 1607 and 55 meters high.
4. Activities and Festivals
Naritasan has many traditional activities and festivals, including:
- Paying homage to the great master Kukai: Every year on February 22nd, tens of thousands of people participate in this grand religious event.
- Cherry Blossom Festival: held every April, where you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.
- Temple renovation: once every 20 years, the next one will be held in 2025.
5. Dining experience
You can try Narita yaki, a crispy and sweet snack that is a specialty of Chiba. It is usually made with red bean filling and there are many snack shops around Naritasan Temple where you can buy this delicious food.
Here is the Naritasan travel guide I have prepared for you. I hope it can be helpful and wish you a pleasant journey! Naritasan Park.