Alongside Haneda Airport, Narita Airport is famous as one of the greater Tokyo area’s major airports. Beyond making your travel time more enjoyable, it also has its own tourist attractions and dining spots, making it a popular sightseeing destination in its own right. This article introduces recommended tourist spots in and around Narita Airport. If you’ve arrived at the airport early or are wondering how to spend a day off, be sure to use this as a reference.

Basic information about Narita Airport

Officially named Narita International Airport, it is one of the two major international airports representing the greater Tokyo area, alongside Haneda Airport. Located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, it’s about 60 minutes from Tokyo Station by train or bus.

Many of the shops inside Narita Airport carry made-in-Japan products, and the airport also puts effort into anime and subculture-related shops as well as art. It’s easy to find regional specialty sweets, traditional crafts, and sake from around Japan, making it a great destination for a day out.

Narita Airport has three terminals, and the terminal you use is determined by the airline alliance (group). The differences are as follows.

Terminal	Alliance and main airlines	Nearest station
Terminal 1, North Wing	SkyTeam: Delta Air Lines, Air France, Korean Air, etc.	Narita Airport Station
Terminal 1, South Wing	Star Alliance: ANA, United Airlines, Air China, etc.	Narita Airport Station
Terminal 2	Oneworld: JAL, American Airlines, Qantas, etc.	Airport Terminal 2 Station
Terminal 3	LCCs only: Jetstar, Jeju Air, Spring Airlines, etc. (Peach uses Terminal 1)	Airport Terminal 2 Station, then about a 13-minute walk or 6-minute bus ride

Reference: Narita International Airport Airline Guide

How to get to Narita Airport

There are various ways to get to Narita Airport. Here we’ll introduce the fares and travel times when heading from Tokyo Station using the Keisei Main Line and JR Narita Express.

	Tokyo Station ⇔ Narita Airport Terminal 1
Fare (IC card)	¥1,209 (local train)	¥3,072 (including ¥1,730 limited express fare)
Travel time (including transfers)	About 90–110 minutes	About 60 minutes
Route	■Tokyo ↕︎ (JR Yamanote Line) ■Ueno (transfer on foot) ■Keisei-Ueno ↕︎ (Keisei Main Line) ■Narita Airport	■Tokyo ↕︎ (JR Narita Express) ■Narita Airport

Reference: Jorudan Transit Guide

Other options include limousine buses, taxis, and NearMe. For a detailed comparison of each transportation method, check out the article below.

2023 Edition: A Roundup of Recommended Ways to Access Narita Airport! 4 Methods Introduced

How to move between terminals

Free shuttle buses are available at each terminal. There are three types of buses, so choose based on your destination.

• Circular bus between Terminals 1, 2, and 3
• Direct bus between Terminals 2 and 3
• Direct bus between Terminals 1 and 2

Below is the travel time and boarding location information for the circular bus between Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Departure and destination	Travel time	Boarding gate	Operating hours	Frequency
T1 → T3	About 14 min	Gate 6	5:10–22:54	About every 6 minutes
T3 → T2	About 3 min	Gate 3	5:23–22:40	About every 6 minutes
T2 → T1	About 10 min	Gates 8, 18	5:00–22:46	About every 6 minutes

Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by an access corridor, and walking between them takes about 13 minutes.

Reference: Narita International Airport: Moving Between Terminals

How to enjoy Terminal 1 through Terminal 3

Let’s take a look at spots unique to Narita Airport, from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. We’ll introduce them by the following categories.

• Sightseeing
• Food
• Shopping

Some stores may be temporarily closed, so check the Narita Airport website for the latest information.

Enjoying Narita Airport: Sightseeing

Watching airplanes is probably the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to enjoying yourself at the airport. Here we introduce the observation decks at each terminal and other sightseeing spots besides shops.

[T1] Observation Deck: Take in the sight of planes taking off and landing

Source: Narita Airport

The observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land is located on the 5th floor of Terminal 1. It’s a deck that offers a full view of Runway A, which is 4,000 meters long, and lets you watch planes taking off and landing.

There’s also a food court right in front of the observation deck, so if a seat is available, you can enjoy a meal while watching planes. Once you step outside, you can see planes up close, making it a great spot to visit with kids or take photos.

The deck is fitted with a fence that has holes in certain spots. When taking photos, you can poke your lens through one of those holes to shoot without the fence appearing in the frame. Also, since the light comes from behind in the afternoon, it’s best to shoot in the morning.

[T1] NAA Art Gallery: Paintings, photography, and other art exhibits

Source: Narita Airport

The 5th floor of Terminal 1 is home to the “NAA Art Gallery.” The gallery displays works by individual painters and artists, with exhibits rotating roughly every three weeks.

It’s a nice way to spend some relaxed time looking at paintings, photographs, and sculptures before setting off on your trip. Since the exhibits change, even frequent airport visitors can enjoy something new each time.

[T2] Observation Deck: See planes up close

The observation deck at Terminal 2 is split into two areas on the north and south sides of the 4th floor, and each offers an up-close view of parked aircraft.

There are benches on the deck, so you can comfortably watch parked planes as well as ones taxiing on the ground. If you have a telephoto lens, you can also photograph planes landing on the runway.

Since the light comes from behind in the morning and from the front in the afternoon, afternoon is recommended for photography.

[T3] Art Project: Art greets you as you move through the terminal

Source: Narita Airport

At Terminal 3, whose departure lobby was expanded starting in April 2022, you can enjoy a space designed around an “Art Project” that scatters art throughout various locations.

Art is displayed at seven locations, including the access corridor from Terminal 2, the check-in counters, and the food court, so be sure to take a look.

Some exhibits, made from repurposed suitcases, carts, and knitwear, can actually be touched or sat on, letting you experience the art firsthand. There’s also a colorful map of Japan made from wooden blocks, which can be taken apart.

Why not let your imagination wander toward your upcoming journey from Narita Airport while exploring the art and taking photos?

Enjoying Narita Airport: Food

Next, let’s check out the food you’ll want to try when visiting Narita Airport. Each terminal has an area where restaurants are concentrated.

• Terminal 1: 4th–5th floors
• Terminal 2: 4th floor
• Terminal 3: 2nd floor

We’ve picked out some famous restaurants and shops unique to Narita Airport.

[T1] Kawatoyo Narita Airport: An eel restaurant founded in the Meiji era

Source: Narita Airport Restaurant Information

Located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1 is “Kawatoyo Narita Airport,” a famous long-established eel restaurant.

Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, has long thrived as a town known for eel. Kawatoyo in particular keeps its eel alive in well water and has experienced craftsmen prepare it right before serving. They pride themselves on serving eel that’s freshly split, freshly steamed, and freshly grilled.

Be sure to try the taste of this long-established restaurant, dipped in a secret sauce that’s been continuously replenished since it was founded.

[T1] Dashi Chazuke En: A refreshing bowl made with exquisite dashi

Source: Narita Airport Restaurant Information

When you want to enjoy warming Japanese food, head to “Dashi Chazuke En” on the 4th floor of Terminal 1.

This dashi chazuke specialty restaurant uses a Japanese-style dashi made with kombu, dried sardines, sōda bushi, mackerel flakes, and more, combined with chicken broth. The rice is a domestic variety with less stickiness, chosen specifically to pair well with dashi chazuke. It’s a shop known for its exquisite dashi chazuke that will change your idea of what tea-soaked rice can be.

The topping menu is also extensive, offering seafood like sea bream, flounder, and small shrimp, as well as regional flavors like mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and Yamagata-style dashi. With a lineup that works no matter the season or time of day, it’s perfect for dining solo or when you’re short on time.

[T2] Sushi Uogashi Nihon-ichi: Freshly made sushi at a stand-and-eat counter

Source: Sushi Uogashi Nihon-ichi

Terminal 2 has many Japanese restaurants. Among them, why not try the stand-and-eat sushi at “Sushi Uogashi Nihon-ichi” on the 4th floor? You can enjoy freshly made Edo-style sushi at reasonable prices.

Since you can stop by even for a short time, it’s easy to use however fits your schedule—whether grabbing a quick bite of sushi before boarding or satisfying a small craving with your favorite topping.

[T2] Japanese cuisine restaurant KAMI-HIKOKI: Japanese food while watching planes

Source: Gourmet Kineya Restaurants

If you want to eat while watching planes, head to “Japanese cuisine restaurant KAMI-HIKOKI” on the 4th floor of Terminal 2. It’s located next to the observation deck, and you can see planes from the counter seats by the window.

They offer plenty of standard Japanese dishes, including noodle dishes like ramen, udon, and soba, as well as katsudon, gyudon, curry, sushi, and other set meals. If you’re with family or friends, everyone can order what they like, making it a great choice thanks to its wide selection.

[T3] Food court: Japanese food and specialty roasted coffee

Source: Narita Airport Restaurant Information

The restaurants at Terminal 3 are concentrated in the food court on the 2nd floor. In addition to quick bites like hamburgers, ramen, and udon, there are various shops offering modern-yaki, sushi, Chinese food, and more.

There’s also “LAT25°,” a cafe run by M.M.C Sanbon Coffee, a long-established roaster that handles everything from sourcing to roasting to serving. With coffee brewed from carefully selected beans, it’s perfect for a post-meal break or teatime.

Enjoying Narita Airport: Shopping

Narita Airport has many shops that are fun just to browse. Be sure to look for your favorite items at the shops that suit your taste.

[T1] Traveler’s Factory Airport: Travel-related goods

Source: Traveler’s Factory Online Shop

A branch of “Traveler’s Factory,” whose main store is in Nakameguro, is located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1. It’s a shop popular for its “Traveler’s Notebook,” which lets you customize the color and size of the leather cover as well as the type of notebook inserted. Creating your own personalized Traveler’s Notebook has a special appeal—it can make you want to set off on a trip, or feel like freely writing down your thoughts and feelings from your travels.

Besides notebooks, they also carry stationery that will make you want to keep a travel journal, as well as highly functional clothing and goods to bring along on your trip. There are also airport-exclusive items, so be sure to check them out.

[T1] Isson Ippin Market: Handicrafts from Asia and Africa

Source: Isson Ippin Market

On the 4th floor of Terminal 1 is “Isson Ippin Market,” a shop selling small goods, handicrafts, and processed foods from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere. It’s organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). By feeding buyer feedback back to producers on the ground, the shop has a system in place that helps local makers improve the quality of their products.

With around 300 items on display—accessories, clothing, and goods not commonly found in Japan—you might just find something that catches your eye. You can experience a taste of being abroad without ever boarding a plane.

[T1] Biplane: All kinds of airplane and airport-related goods

Near Narita Airport is the Aviation Museum, whose main draw is its collection of aircraft-related exhibits. “Biplane,” located on the 5th floor of Terminal 1, is a branch shop of that museum.

It’s packed with model airplanes and aviation-related goods, offering a lineup that aviation and airplane enthusiasts will love. Beyond model planes, they also carry everyday items like stationery and hoodies printed with airline logos—things that even non-enthusiasts will want to pick up.

It’s fun just to browse, so if you have time to spare, be sure to stop by.

[T1, T2] Wamonoya Kaya: Modern Japanese goods from Yokohama

Source: Wamonoya Kaya

“Wamonoya Kaya” designs Japanese goods with a modern twist, based on the theme of “Bunmei Kaika” (Japan’s westernization era). Since it has locations in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, it’s a great place to find souvenirs for people abroad or items for your own trip.

The appeal lies in how nostalgic items—like furoshiki wrapping cloths useful for carrying belongings, and comfortable tabi socks—have been redesigned to be even more practical. They also carry accessories and clothing goods.

[T1, T2] Starbucks Narita Airport Terminal 1 & 2: Regional mugs from around Japan

There are five Starbucks locations in total within Narita Airport. Among them, the Starbucks on the 4th floor of Terminal 1 and the 4th floor of Terminal 2 stand out for carrying the “Been There Series” of regional mugs and tumblers from all across Japan. With rows of them on display, it’s fun just to browse.

If you collect mugs or tumblers, it’s worth checking out ones from regions you don’t often get to visit.

[T2] Pokémon Store: A must-see for Pokémon fans

Source: Pokémon Store

There’s also an official Pokémon store on the 4th floor of Terminal 2. It carries the Narita Airport-exclusive Pilot Pikachu plush, featuring the “NRT” logo, as well as a Cabin Attendant Pikachu plush, making window shopping a must for Pokémon fans.

There’s also a photo spot near the entrance where you can take a picture with Pilot Pikachu. It’s a fun stop whether you’re with guests from abroad or with your kids.

Tourist spots around Narita Airport

There are plenty of sightseeing spots not just inside Narita Airport but in the surrounding area as well. Why not combine spots inside the airport with nearby attractions to spend a full day out?

Here are eight easily accessible spots by car, train, or bus.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: Visit a spiritual power spot

About a 10-minute train ride from Narita Airport Station, or a 10-minute walk from Keisei-Narita Station. This is the location of “Naritasan Shinshoji Temple,” also famous as a spiritual power spot. It’s one of the country’s leading temples, drawing over 10 million visitors a year, and is popular for its amulets and goshuin stamp collecting.

The temple grounds are home to many halls, so if you have time, be sure to take a leisurely walk around and see them all. The Great Main Hall offers blessings for everything, while other halls each offer different blessings, such as for romantic fulfillment, good fortune, and business prosperity.

You can also try programs like sutra copying or strolling through the park, making it a relaxing way to spend your time.

Naritasan Omotesando: Shopping and the famous eel along the approach

The road leading from Keisei-Narita Station and JR Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is known as “Naritasan Omotesando,” the main road to the temple. This approach has thrived since the Edo period, and it still retains traces of that era, giving it a charming atmosphere.

Along the approach, there are more than 150 shops, including old-fashioned eateries, souvenir shops, and trendy sweets shops.

Many long-established eel restaurants line the street, including the main store of “Kawatoyo,” which has a branch in Terminal 1. There’s also “Nagominoyoneya Sohonten,” famous for its chestnut yokan and peanut monaka—all shops you’ll want to stop by.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, lunch, or an afternoon break, it’s enjoyable at any time of day.

Aviation Museum: Try a flight simulator experience

For those who love planes and vehicles, we recommend the “Aviation Museum.” A bus to the museum departs from Narita Airport Terminal 2, taking about 15 minutes.

Beyond model plane displays, you can see a cross-section of an aircraft fuselage and a jumbo jet engine, step inside a cabin for a simulated experience, and watch planes take off and land while viewing air traffic control equipment—there’s plenty to experience.

There are also flight simulator experiences and guided tours, making it perfect for kids interested in becoming pilots. The museum shop is well stocked too, so you can enjoy picking out souvenirs.

Hikoki no Oka (Airplane Hill): Watch planes up close

About a 10-minute walk from the Aviation Museum is “Hikoki no Oka,” where you can watch planes from directly below.

Located only about 600 meters from Runway A in front of Terminal 1, you can see aircraft up close and full of impact as they land. You’ll also hear the roar of the engines during takeoff, making it a guaranteed treat for both kids and adults.

You can photograph oncoming planes together with a heart-shaped monument and a sunflower field on the hill. During busy periods, planes pass by continuously, so it’s a great spot to see planes no matter when you visit.

Narita Airport Onsen Sora no Yu: An outdoor bath with a view of the planes

Source: Narita Airport Onsen Sora no Yu

After a day of sightseeing or shopping, why not unwind and relax in a hot spring? “Narita Airport Onsen Sora no Yu” is a hot spring facility where you can see planes from the outdoor bath.

A free shuttle bus runs from Narita Airport Terminals 2 and 3, arriving in about 10–15 minutes. Besides the hot spring, the facility also offers a rock-bath sauna, a sauna with löyly steam, bouldering, a manga corner, a gym, and dining options, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

It could be nice to head to the airport early to enjoy the hot spring before setting off on your trip.

Boso no Mura, Chiba Prefectural Park: Experience the atmosphere of the Edo period

About a 30-minute drive from Narita Airport is “Boso no Mura,” a Chiba Prefectural hands-on museum. At Boso no Mura, you can see archaeological artifacts and burial mounds excavated from various parts of the prefecture, as well as a recreated Edo-period merchant townscape, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time.

It’s also famous as a filming location for period dramas and movies, so it’s guaranteed to be photogenic. You can actually go inside samurai residences and farmhouses to see furniture and interiors from that era.

There are also hands-on experiences like soba-making and confectionery-making (advance reservation required, paid), making it a great way to create memories with your kids or partner.

Shisui Premium Outlets: The place to go for shopping

If you have extra time beyond the airport, or want to enjoy some shopping, we recommend “Shisui Premium Outlets.” A direct bus runs from Narita Airport, taking about 15 minutes.

You can buy brand-name items at great prices, so it’s worth checking out if there’s something you want. There’s also a playground, so families with kids can enjoy it worry-free.

With plenty of restaurants and cafes as well, you can spend time here combined with your airport visit.

DINING PORT Goryokaku: Enjoy JAL’s special curry and in-flight meals

Source: DINING PORT Goryokaku

If you want more than just watching planes and want to feel like you’re actually on board, head to “DINING PORT Goryokaku.”

This restaurant, styled like an old Japanese folk house, is located about a 12-minute drive from Narita Airport. You can enjoy set meals loaded with fruit grown on the restaurant’s own farm and vegetables sourced from Chiba Prefecture. Notably, you can eat JAL’s special curry and in-flight meals here. The modern interior, supervised by a designer who has worked on airport lounges, gives you a real sense of being on a trip. There are also kids’ meals styled after in-flight meals, making it a great choice for family dining.

For access to Narita Airport, we recommend NearMe

When heading to Narita Airport with family on a day off, or when you want to enjoy the feeling of travel right at the airport, taking the train can sometimes be a hassle due to transfers. In times like these, why not try NearMe, the shared-ride taxi service provided by NearMe Inc.?

Because it uses a large shuttle shared by multiple passengers, it’s more affordable than a regular taxi. Using vehicles like the Hiace and Alphard, the shuttle offers plenty of room to sit comfortably, making it a great transportation option for family outings and business trips alike.

Since it’s door-to-door from your home or wherever you’re traveling from all the way to the airport, you can travel comfortably without the hassle of transfers or carrying luggage around.

Fares and payment method

Below are the fares from eligible areas in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture to Narita Airport.

Area	Adult fare/person	Flat-rate airport taxi (reference price) *some are metered
Funabashi City	From ¥4,980	¥14,600–¥17,500
Edogawa, Koto, Sumida, Katsushika wards	From ¥5,980	¥19,000–¥21,000
Urayasu, Ichikawa cities	From ¥5,980	¥19,900–¥20,500
Chiyoda, Taito, Chuo, Bunkyo, Adachi, Arakawa wards	From ¥5,980	¥23,000–¥26,000
Ota, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Toshima, Minato, Meguro, Kita wards	From ¥5,980	¥25,000–¥29,000
Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, Itabashi, Nerima wards, Musashino, Mitaka cities	From ¥6,980	¥27,000–¥31,000

Because it’s a flat rate, the price is fixed in advance, so you can relax knowing what you’ll pay. Checked luggage like suitcases is free for one item per person; a ¥1,000 fee applies for each additional item.

Payment is made online, and credit cards are accepted. You can also accumulate miles with partner airlines (ANA, JAL, StarFlyer).

How to book

To use NearMe, you’ll need to book by 6:00 PM the day before. On the official website, enter the necessary details such as your pickup location, number of passengers, and arrival time.

Multiple route options will be displayed based on your group size and timing, so you can choose the one you prefer. Once you complete online payment for a provisional booking, you’ll be notified within 24 hours whether a vehicle can be arranged.

At 6:00 PM the day before your trip, you’ll receive details such as the vehicle number and meeting location, so be sure to check them.

Summary

We’ve introduced tourist spots in and around Narita Airport. If you arrive at the airport too early, or want to do some sightseeing while you’re out and about, be sure to enjoy the airport views from each terminal’s observation deck or cafes.

There are also many spots around Narita Airport that you can enjoy for a full day, making them great options for families with kids too.

When heading to Narita Airport, we recommend NearMe, which takes you directly from your home to the airport. Since you can travel comfortably without any transfers, be sure to check it out.