Guides
What can you do in Narita during a long layover?
Miyabi workshop staff · Updated:
A long layover at Narita Airport does not have to mean hours at the gate. Narita town, home to one of Japan’s best-known temples, is just a short train ride away. With a bit of planning you can see the temple, eat well and make something to take home, then be back in plenty of time for your next flight.
This guide is written for travelers with roughly 6 hours or more between flights. Always check your own entry requirements before leaving the airport.
How do I get from Narita Airport to Narita Station?
Two railways connect the airport to Narita town:
- Keisei Line to Keisei Narita Station
- JR Line to JR Narita Station
The two stations sit next to each other. The ride from the airport is short, but the exact time depends on the train, so check it on the Keisei or JR timetable. Trains run regularly, but check the timetable for the return journey before you set off, especially early in the morning or late at night.
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
That depends on your nationality, your visa situation and your ticket. If you need to pass through immigration to enter Japan, allow time for that on the way out and on the way back. If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you will be travelling light, which makes the trip much easier. If not, see the luggage section below.
Where can I leave my luggage?
If you book an experience with us, we store your luggage for free for up to 3 hours on the day of your experience. Miyabi is in Roman Village Narita, about a 5-minute walk from JR and Keisei Narita Station, so you can drop your bags and explore the town hands-free.
What is there to see in Narita?
- Naritasan Shinshoji – a large and historic Buddhist temple complex with grand halls, a pagoda and peaceful gardens.
- Omotesando – the old approach street from the station to the temple, lined with wooden shops, sweets stalls and eel (unagi) restaurants. See our Narita Omotesando walking guide.
- Naritasan Park – the wooded park behind the temple, with ponds and walking paths.
- A Japanese craft workshop – sharpen a Japanese knife or make your own chopsticks to take home.
A sample 4–6 hour plan in Narita town
This plan assumes about 4–6 hours on the ground in Narita town itself, not counting immigration and the train from and back to the airport.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Arrive at Narita Station, walk 5 minutes to Miyabi and drop your bags |
| 0:15 | Knife sharpening (60 min) or chopstick making (45 min) |
| 1:30 | Walk down Omotesando, stop for snacks along the way |
| 2:00 | Explore Naritasan Shinshoji and Naritasan Park |
| 3:15 | Lunch or an early dinner on Omotesando (eel is the local speciality) |
| 4:15 | Walk back uphill, collect your bags and head to the station |
If you have more time, add a matcha break at our café or browse the shops. If you have less, skip the park and keep the workshop.
How much buffer should I leave for my flight?
Be generous. Plan to be back at the airport well before your airline’s recommended check-in time, and remember that you may need to clear security and departure immigration again. Train delays, queues and walking time all add up. As a simple rule, work backwards from your departure time and leave a comfortable margin rather than a tight one.
Is a workshop a good fit for a layover?
Yes, because it is short, indoors and you leave with a finished item. Knife sharpening takes 60 minutes and you take the knife home in a case (pack it in checked baggage; see how to bring a knife on a plane). Chopstick making takes 45 minutes and the chopsticks are ready the same day.
At Miyabi
Miyabi is a small hands-on workshop in Roman Village Narita, close to the station end of the town. Book ahead so your time slot fits your layover.
- Knife sharpening – 60 min, up to 4 guests, from ¥10,000 per person
- Chopstick making – 45 min, up to 6 guests, from ¥1,000 per person
- Access from Narita Station and our FAQ