Less than 30 minutes from Narita Airport! Recommended sightseeing spots in the area you should visit

*Prices include tax.

<Experience>

See a cross section of a Boeing 747! Japan's first aviation museum
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

If you're thinking, "Since I've come all the way to the airport, I'd like to learn more about airplanes," then we recommend this museum, Japan's first museum dedicated to aviation.

The first thing you see when you enter the museum is a large model of a Boeing 747-400. It gives you a good understanding of the structure of an airplane, and you can even experience flying one of Japan's largest working models (numbered tickets required, for a fee). There are also many valuable exhibits, such as a close-up look at the engines and fuselage cross-section of a Boeing 747, which is a must-see for aviation fans.

There is also a cabin mock-up where you can take photos as if you were on board a passenger plane, and a DC-8 flight experience (numbered tickets available, fee applies), which is a renovated pilot training simulator, so be sure to try it as a souvenir. Don't forget to look for souvenirs at the museum shop.

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

Learn about the history leading up to the opening of Narita Airport
Narita Airport and Earth History Museum

Narita Airport is used by many people as an important location connecting Japan and the world, but did you know that there was a history of fierce struggle surrounding its construction?

The Sky and Earth History Museum, located within the grounds of the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences introduced earlier, is a facility that accurately conveys to future generations the historical background surrounding Narita Airport and the local area, as well as the struggles and feelings of the various people involved at the time.

Narita Airport opened in 1978, but there was a fierce opposition movement even before it opened. After that, through discussions, a movement has emerged aiming for "coexistence" between the local community and the airport, and for "mutual prosperity" between the local community and the airport, and this facility conveys the vision for Narita Airport in the future.

It's a place that tourists often visit without thinking much about it, but it should give you an opportunity to think about the history and suffering of the people behind it. Why not take your family and friends for a visit?

Narita Airport and Earth History Museum

<eat>

Enjoy local cuisine in a modern restaurant with a view of the spacious garden
Traditional Japanese-style restaurant DINING PORT Goryozuru

We can confidently recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to enjoy local cuisine. It was created with the desire to give back to Narita, which has been kind to JAL for many years.

This old house has been renovated with a modern atmosphere, and the interior was designed by a designer who also worked on airport lounges, creating a comfortable and quiet atmosphere.

The recommended dish is the "Goryo Tsuru Kobachi Zen" (2,500 yen). You can enjoy products from nine cities and towns around Narita Airport on one tray. There is also a lineup of other elaborate menus using ingredients from Chiba Prefecture and fruits harvested from the restaurant's own farm. It is also a must-see for JAL fans, as you can enjoy JAL in-flight meals and the popular JAL curry served in the lounge.

At our own farm adjacent to the restaurant, we are holding a highly acclaimed blueberry picking event until mid-September 2023. Restaurant guests can enjoy blueberry picking for 300 yen per person. Why not try tasting the sweet and sour taste of fresh fruit in our spacious farm?

Traditional Japanese-style restaurant DINING PORT Goryozuru

Take a break in a cafe unique to a sake brewery, and visit the shop selling the famous sake "Koshi Masamune"
Kinoene Magariya

If you like Japanese sake, head to the shop of "Koshi Masamune," a famous sake that has been around for over 300 years since the Genroku period of the Edo period. This shop is directly managed by the brewery "Iinuma Honke" in Shisui-machi, Inba-gun, Chiba Prefecture.

There is also a cafe space that uses original ingredients, so you can fill up here. You can enjoy meals that can only be tasted here, such as curry and udon noodles with the secret flavor of aged sake lees, and sweets made with fruits harvested from the restaurant's own orchard.

The shop has a wide selection of sake, from familiar Koshi Masamune standard sake to seasonal limited edition sake, which can only be found at a direct store. You can buy a special bottle for yourself or as a souvenir for friends or acquaintances overseas. If you have time, we also recommend a tour of the sake brewery.

Kinoene Magariya

<buy>

A roadside station specializing in fermentation that also stocks rare foods from around the country
Roadside Station Fermentation Village Kozaki

If you want to enjoy shopping, why not head to a roadside station with a slightly different concept? Roadside Station Kozaki offers a selection of carefully selected fermented products from all over Japan.

There are many rare foods on offer, including the gently sweet "Koji Baum" (200 yen), made with sweet sake carefully brewed in the local town of Kanzaki.

In addition, the "Fresh Market" sells local vegetables and fresh fish delivered directly from Choshi Fishing Port. There is also a fermentation-themed restaurant and cafe on the premises, so there is plenty to enjoy at this facility.

Roadside Station Fermentation Village Kozaki

Narita's famous confectionery "Exquisite Yokan" is perfect as a gift
Nagomi Rice Shop Main Branch

If you love sweets or want to buy a gift that is synonymous with Narita, try this famous confectionery that has been loved by locals for a long time. Founded in 1899, Nagomi Yoneya Sohonten is a long-established store facing the main approach to Naritasan, bustling with visitors to the temple and locals.

The specialty "Exquisite Yokan" is made using traditional methods and has a deep flavor that brings out the flavor of the red beans and a luster that will have you entranced. For those who love red beans, we recommend "Dainagon" and "Honren" (both 1,800 yen), but don't miss "Kuri" (2,300 yen), which is filled with large chestnuts.

In addition to selling Japanese sweets, there is a cafe where you can enjoy soba noodles and other sweets, and on the second floor there is the Narita Lifelong Learning Citizens Gallery. There is also the Narita Yokan Museum which displays the history of the store and the roots of yokan, so it's a great place to stop by when you're out looking for souvenirs.

Nagomi Rice Shop Main Branch

<To stroll around>

Recharge your mind and body at a power spot before your trip!
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Let's bring good luck to your side at these power spots so that you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a famous temple with over 1,080 years of history that often appears on television for New Year's visits and Setsubun ceremonies.

You will feel as if your soul has been purified when you see the grandeur of the Niomon Gate, Komyodo Hall, and Shakado Hall, which are all designated as important cultural properties by the national government. It is also nice that each hall has various blessings such as good luck, protection from misfortune, career advancement, business prosperity, and success in love.

You can also make reservations on the website for various experience programs, such as the "Shakyo-e" (initial offering: 2,000 yen) at the Shakyo Dojo and the Esoteric Buddhist Zen "Sudokukan" (free). Refresh your body and mind and head out!

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Relax and enjoy the seasonal flowers and trees
Naritasan Park

Behind the main hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a park that is open every day and free of charge for visitors to stroll through. The park features a well-maintained Western-style garden and a fountain, and is a place of relaxation where visitors can enjoy beautiful nature, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, wisteria, chrysanthemums, and autumn leaves throughout the seasons.

Surrounded by large rocks and trees, the sound of the water crashing on the surface of the water reverberates through the water, making it seem like you could gaze at the waterfall forever. The Plum Festival is held in the spring, and the Autumn Leaves Festival in the fall. During the Plum Festival, you can participate in an outdoor tea ceremony for free.

This is a park worth visiting for those who want to simply relax, avoid the crowds, and spend some time soothed by the trees and flowers.

Naritasan Park

Watching the Planes

A popular spot where you can get a close-up view of planes coming and going on runway A
Sakuranoyama, Narita City

If you want to enjoy taking pictures of airplanes with great force, this is the place for you. This park is located on a small hill on the north side of the 4,000m Runway A, and is a popular spot where you can take pictures of planes taking off and landing together with about 500 cherry trees.

In addition to being able to look up to watch planes retract their wheels after taking off, aviation fans will be thrilled to see views that can't be seen at an airport.

It is often used for television filming and has been selected as one of Chiba Prefecture's "100 Views." It is also recommended as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

The nearby "Sora no Eki Sakurakan" offers a wide selection of Narita souvenirs, including fresh locally grown vegetables, sake made with Narita rice, and local cider. Enjoy the view of the planes while enjoying a light snack such as soft serve ice cream.

Sakuranoyama, Narita City

You can take commemorative photos with the heart-shaped monument and the airplane.
Airplane Hill

On the opposite side of Sakurayama, across Runway A, which stretches north and south, is Airplane Hill.

Planes change their takeoff and landing direction depending on the wind direction, so when there is a northerly wind they take off and land facing north, and when there is a southerly wind they take off and land facing south. Therefore, there is a good chance that you will be able to see planes taking off when there is a southerly wind here.

The size of the planes and the sound of the engines can be experienced from just 600m from the runway, and it's a very impressive sight. There is a heart-shaped monument at the top of the hill, which is a very popular spot for couples. It's the perfect shot when you can get both the plane and the heart in the frame!

Airplane Hill

If you have plenty of time, try watching the planes from a hot spring
Narita Airport Hot Springs Sora no Yu

This is a luxurious spot where you can enjoy watching planes fly by up close while relaxing in the hot springs. This is an open-air rooftop bath from which you can get a good view of planes landing on runway B when the wind is from the north, and planes taking off from runway A when the wind is from the south.

The sight of planes and the scenery changing from morning to afternoon to night is a sight to behold. Enjoy the best view of planes while relaxing.

The facility also offers a free-flowing bath with a strong salt spring that easily seeps into the body and keeps you warm, a highly concentrated carbonated spring that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, a dry sauna, a steam-type herbal sauna that promotes sweating, and a bedrock bath, all of which are fully equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. There is also a capsule hotel, so you can stay overnight. It is a great option if you want to relax in the bath before catching a late-night flight, or as a place to stay after arriving at Narita Airport.

Narita Airport Hot Springs Sora no Yu

This is the place to see planes from the side or head-on!
Toyosan Shinonome Hill

If you want to view planes from the side or head-on, this spot is located near Runway B, which is often used for landing. When the wind is from the north, you can get a good view of planes heading towards the terminal from the front after landing, and when the wind is from the south, you can see planes right in front of you as they try to land on Runway B. It's so close you'll think, "Maybe the cockpit can see us from there!?" and there are no unnecessary obstacles around, making it a hidden gem of a viewing spot.

Being able to watch the moment a plane takes off is an attraction that you won't find at other spots. It's also fun to wonder where that plane came from.

Toyosan Shinonome Hill

It would be a waste to just wait at the airport, or to only stop at the airport when you've come all the way to Narita. Why not take the time to visit the surrounding tourist spots to make your flight even more enjoyable and discover local specialties?

Related article

Carefully selected by JAL staff for overseas/home use! Top 10 must-have souvenirs from Narita Airport

Narita Airport is one of Japan's air gateways. There are many souvenir shops with a wide selection of typically Japanese sweets and miscellaneous goods, but these are not just for overseas customers. There are also products that are worth buying as souvenirs to take back to your destination, or even just by stopping by when you return home. From the souvenirs available at Narita Airport, JAL staff working at the airport have carefully selected 10 items in each of the two categories: "Perfect souvenirs to take overseas" and "Must-buy items when you return home."

ontrip.jal.co.jp

Enjoy in-flight meals and fruit picking at JAL's farm restaurant in Narita

There are ways to experience the true joy of the skies without boarding a plane. For example, there is the farm restaurant "Dining Port Goryokaku" near Narita Airport. You can enjoy a menu that recreates the in-flight meals served on international flights, as well as the curry served in JAL's international lounge, which is known to be closely guarded. In addition, you can pick fruit on a directly managed farm and enjoy a barbecue. Let us introduce you to the farm restaurant operated by JAL.

ontrip.jal.co.jp