Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Ancient Fire Ritual Temple Near Tokyo's Gateway
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was founded in 940 CE by Kancho Daitoku, a Buddhist monk from Kyoto's Daigo-ji Temple, to commemorate the suppression of a rebellion led by Taira no Masakado. The temple enshrines a statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala, the Immovable Wisdom King) that was brought from Kyoto and is believed to possess powerful protective properties. From its founding, the temple became a center of esoteric Shingon Buddhism,particularly focused on fire ritual ceremonies (goma) that continue to this day.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), Naritasan gained immense popularity as a pilgrimage destination, aided by its location on routes connecting Edo (Tokyo) with eastern provinces. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro, one of Edo's most famous performers, was a devoted follower who promoted the temple, further boosting its fame among commoners. The temple town that developed along the approach pathway became filled with shops, restaurants, and inns serving the constant stream of pilgrims. This Edo-period pilgrimage culture continues today, with Omotesando (main approach street) lined with traditional establishments serving eel, rice crackers, and other local specialties.
Today, Naritasan attracts over 10 million visitors annually, particularly during New Year (hatsumode) when it ranks among Japan's top three most-visited temples. The 200,000 square meter temple complex features multiple halls, a three-story pagoda, peace pagoda, and expansive Naritasan Park with gardens and ponds. The temple's proximity to Narita International Airport makes it a convenient first or last stop for international visitors. The daily fire rituals (goma prayers) performed six times daily allow visitors to witness ancient esoteric Buddhist practices still vital to the temple's spiritual life.
Key Highlights
- Over 1,000-year Buddhist temple with 10+ million annual visitors
- Daily fire ritual ceremonies (goma) open to public viewing
- Historic approach street (Omotesando) with traditional shops
- Beautiful three-story pagoda and multiple grand halls
- Naritasan Park with traditional Japanese gardens
- Famous eel restaurants and rice cracker shops
Access Information
Location
1 Narita, Narita-shi, Chiba 286-0023, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Narita Station (JR Narita Line / Keisei Line) - 10 min walk
- • Keisei-Narita Station (Keisei Line) - 10 min walk
Opening Hours
Temple grounds: Open 24 hours; Main halls: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Goma fire rituals: 6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM (weekdays), additional 4:30 PM (weekends/holidays)
Admission Fee
Temple grounds and goma viewing: Free; Naritasan Park gardens: ¥500; Naritasan Museum: ¥500
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station
Take JR Sobu Line Express/Rapid to Narita Station (60-70 minutes, ¥1,340). Walk 10 minutes along Omotesando shopping street to temple. Trains run every 30-60 minutes. Less expensive than Skyliner.
60 minutes
From Narita Airport
Take JR Narita Line or Keisei Line to Narita or Keisei-Narita Station (10-15 minutes, ¥260), walk 10 minutes to temple. Perfect for layovers or arrival/departure day visits. Luggage storage available at stations.
20 minutes
From Ueno/Nippori
Take Keisei Skyliner to Keisei-Narita Station (65-70 minutes, ¥1,250), walk 10 minutes. Faster than JR but more expensive. Good when combining with airport transfer.
70 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Witnessing the Goma Fire Ritual
The ancient fire ritual (goma) is performed six times daily in the Main Hall. Monks chant sutras while burning wooden prayer sticks in sacred fire, creating dramatic atmosphere with flames, smoke, and chanting. The 30-minute ceremony is free and open to public - sit in designated visitor area. Arrive 15 minutes early for seats. The 11 AM and 1:30 PM ceremonies attract most visitors. Photography generally prohibited during ritual - be respectful. This rare opportunity to witness esoteric Buddhist practice is Naritasan's most unique offering.
Omotesando Shopping Street
The 800-meter Omotesando approach street from station to temple is lined with over 150 traditional shops and restaurants dating back centuries. Must-tries: unagi (grilled eel) restaurants (multiple options, ¥2,000-4,000 for set meals), Narita's famous sweet rice crackers (senbei), pickles, and sake. The street maintains Edo-period charm with traditional wooden buildings. Allow 30-45 minutes to walk from station to temple, browsing shops. Return trip downhill is faster. The street is part of the temple experience - don't skip it.
Architecture & Photo Spots
The Great Main Hall (Dai-Hondo) features impressive architectural details and elaborate carvings. The three-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property) built in 1712 offers classic temple photography. The Great Peace Pagoda provides panoramic views. Best photos: early morning light on pagoda, approach street with temple gate, seasonal flowers in temple grounds. Autumn (November) brings spectacular foliage. New Year decorations are photogenic. Respectful photography allowed in most areas except during goma rituals.
Naritasan Park & Gardens
The 165,000 square meter Naritasan Park behind the temple features three traditional Japanese gardens, ponds with koi, walking paths, and seasonal flowers (plum blossoms February-March, cherry blossoms April, hydrangeas June). The park offers peaceful contrast to the busy temple areas. Separate ¥500 admission to garden area. The calm gardens are perfect for post-temple stroll. Allow 30-45 minutes for gardens. Less crowded than main temple but equally beautiful.
Famous Eel Restaurants
Narita is renowned for unagi (freshwater eel), grilled over charcoal and served on rice. Historic restaurants along Omotesando include Kawatoyo (established 1910, ¥3,000-5,000 for unagi set), Kikuya (affordable option ¥2,000-3,000), and multiple others. The sweet-savory tare sauce and perfectly grilled eel are local specialties. Expect waits at popular restaurants during lunch (12-1:30 PM) - arrive early or late. Rice crackers (senbei) make great souvenirs - try samples before buying.
New Year's Crowds
Naritasan ranks among Japan's top hatsumode (New Year shrine visit) destinations with over 3 million visitors January 1-3. The temple becomes extremely crowded - expect 2-3 hour waits to reach main hall. If visiting during New Year, arrive very early morning (before 6 AM) or late evening to avoid peak crowds. The festive atmosphere, food stalls, and special decorations create memorable experience despite crowds. Off-season visits offer much more peaceful temple exploration.
Airport Layover Visit
Naritasan makes an excellent Narita Airport layover destination. With 15 minutes from airport to station, 10 minutes walk to temple, you can visit in 3-4 hour layover. Coin lockers at stations store luggage (¥300-700). Suggested 4-hour itinerary: Station to temple via Omotesando (20 min), goma ritual viewing (30 min), temple exploration (45 min), lunch at eel restaurant (60 min), return shopping along Omotesando (30 min), return to airport (30 min). Check train schedules carefully and allow buffer time.
Visitor Information & Tips
The temple is extremely visitor-friendly with free admission, English pamphlets, and welcoming atmosphere. Morning visits (8-10 AM) offer quieter experience before tour groups arrive. Allow 90 minutes minimum (temple only) to 3 hours (including park and leisurely meal). Combine with nearby Narita-san Omote-sando Historical Museum (¥500, Edo-period artifacts) for deeper historical context. The proximity to Narita Airport makes this perfect for arrival day, departure day, or layover visits. Cash preferred at traditional restaurants and shops though cards increasingly accepted.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours exploring the temple grounds. This allows time to see the main hall, the three-story pagoda, the Great Peace Pagoda, and stroll through the beautiful Naritasan Park. If you attend a fire ritual ceremony (goma) or explore the calligraphy museum, plan for 2.5-3 hours total.
What are the fire ritual ceremonies and when do they happen?
The goma fire ritual is a sacred Buddhist ceremony performed multiple times daily at 6am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. During the ceremony, priests chant sutras while burning wooden prayer sticks in a large fire to purify wishes and prayers. Visitors can observe from designated seating areas. The ceremony lasts about 20-30 minutes and is included in free admission.
Is Naritasan Temple good for first-time visitors to Japan?
Yes, excellent choice. Located near Narita Airport, it's easily accessible for those starting their Japan trip. The temple offers an authentic Buddhist experience without the overwhelming crowds of famous Kyoto temples. The approach street (Omotesando) provides a charming introduction to traditional Japanese shopping streets with eel restaurants and souvenir shops.
Can I visit between flights at Narita Airport?
Yes, it's very convenient for layovers of 4+ hours. The temple is just 10 minutes by train or 15 minutes by bus from Narita Airport. Allow 3.5-4 hours total for travel, temple visit, and return to clear airport security. Store luggage at airport or Narita Station coin lockers. Many travelers visit during long layovers.
What is Naritasan Temple famous for?
Naritasan is one of Japan's most important temples for Shingon Buddhism, attracting over 10 million visitors annually. It's famous for its dramatic fire rituals, the 58-meter Great Peace Pagoda built in 1984, beautiful park with three ponds, and the historic three-story pagoda. The temple has protected travelers for over 1,000 years.
Is the temple crowded?
Weekdays are relatively peaceful with moderate crowds. Weekends and Japanese holidays (especially New Year's first three days, Setsubun in February, and autumn festivals) see large crowds of Japanese worshippers. Early morning before 9am offers the quietest experience. The spacious grounds never feel overwhelmingly packed even on busy days.
What should I eat on Omotesando approach street?
The street is famous for unagi (freshwater eel), a specialty eaten by pilgrims for centuries. Many restaurants have been operating for over 100 years. Expect to pay ¥2,000-4,000 for traditional unagi don (eel over rice). Also try senbei (rice crackers), manju (sweet buns), and traditional sweets. Vegetarian options are limited but available at some cafes.
Is there a dress code for visiting the temple?
No strict dress code, but modest clothing is respectful, especially if attending the fire ceremony. Avoid tank tops and very short shorts. Comfortable walking shoes are important as you'll explore extensive grounds with some stairs. You may remove shoes when entering certain buildings, so wear easy slip-on footwear.
Can I take photos in the temple?
Yes, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and temple grounds. However, photography is prohibited inside the main hall during fire ceremonies out of respect for the sacred ritual. No flash photography near prayer areas. Always check for posted signs and be respectful of worshippers performing prayers.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Each season offers different beauty. Spring (late March-April) brings cherry blossoms in the park. Autumn (late November) offers spectacular foliage around the ponds. Winter sees fewer crowds and serene snow scenes. New Year (Jan 1-3) is extremely festive but crowded with over 3 million visitors. Summer can be hot and humid.
Are there English explanations at the temple?
Basic English signage marks major buildings and points of interest. Information pamphlets in English are available at the main hall. However, detailed explanations are primarily in Japanese. The visual beauty and atmosphere transcend language barriers. Consider downloading a guide app or bringing a guidebook for deeper understanding.
Can I participate in the fire ceremony or just observe?
Visitors can observe from seating areas in the main hall. To have prayers included in the ceremony, you can purchase prayer sticks (goma fuda) at the reception desk near the main hall. Write your wish and name on the stick - priests will burn it during the ceremony for a fee of around ¥1,000-3,000 depending on size.
Is Naritasan suitable for children?
Yes, very family-friendly with spacious grounds for children to explore safely. The park has peaceful paths around ponds that kids enjoy. The fire ceremony can fascinate older children, though younger ones may find the 30-minute ritual challenging. Baby stroller access is good on main paths, though some areas have steps.
What souvenirs can I buy at the temple?
The temple shop sells omamori (protective amulets) for various purposes - safe travel, traffic safety, health, business success (¥500-1,000 each). Goshuin (temple stamp) for your collection (¥300-500). Incense, prayer beads, and Buddhist items are available. The approach street has traditional crafts, sweets, and local specialties.
How do I get to Naritasan from Tokyo?
From Tokyo Station, take JR Narita Express or JR Sobu Line to Narita Station (60-90 minutes, ¥1,340). From Narita Airport, take Keisei Line or JR Line to Narita Station (10 minutes, ¥260). The temple is a 10-minute walk from the station through Omotesando shopping street. Buses also run directly from the airport.
Can I get a goshuin stamp at Naritasan?
Yes, the goshuin office is located near the main hall. Bring your goshuin book (or purchase one there for ¥1,500-2,000). The calligraphy stamp costs ¥300-500 and takes a few minutes to complete. Lines can form during busy periods, especially weekends and holidays. The intricate calligraphy makes a beautiful souvenir.
Are there nearby attractions to combine with Naritasan?
The Naritasan Calligraphy Museum displays Buddhist art and historical temple treasures (small admission fee). Naritasan Park adjacent to the temple has three ponds with walking paths. The historic Omotesando street itself is an attraction with 200-year-old buildings. Boso-no-Mura Open Air Museum is 30 minutes away by bus for Edo period village experience.
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
Main pathways are paved and generally wheelchair accessible, though some areas have inclines. The approach to the main hall has some steps, but alternative routes exist. The park paths around ponds are mostly accessible. Accessible restrooms are available. Contact the temple office in advance for assistance. Some buildings and the three-story pagoda are not wheelchair accessible.
What's the difference between the temples at Naritasan?
The Main Hall (Goma Dojo) is where fire ceremonies occur and houses the principal deity Fudo Myoo. The Great Peace Pagoda (Heiwa Daito) is the tallest structure with Buddhist statues inside. The Three-Story Pagoda is a beautiful 18th-century structure that's a designated Important Cultural Property. Each serves different ceremonial and historical purposes.
Can I stay overnight near the temple?
No shukubo (temple lodging) is available, but many hotels and ryokan exist in Narita City. Business hotels near Narita Station cost ¥6,000-10,000 per night. Traditional ryokan with onsen start around ¥15,000. Staying overnight allows early morning temple visits and exploring local restaurants. Many visitors stay in Narita before early flights from the airport.
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