How do you walk Narita Omotesando to Naritasan Shinshoji?

Narita Omotesando is the traditional approach street that leads from the Narita Station area to the gates of Naritasan Shinshoji, one of the best-known temples in the Kanto region. It is short, easy to follow and full of things to see and eat, which makes it perfect for a half-day visit or a long layover.

How long is the walk from Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshoji?

The street is roughly 800 m long. Walking at a relaxed pace without stopping, it takes about 10–15 minutes from the station area to the temple’s main gate. In practice most people take much longer, because there is so much to look at along the way.

Both JR Narita Station and Keisei Narita Station are at the top of the route, and the two stations are next to each other.

Is the walk difficult?

Not at all, but there is one thing to know: it is downhill all the way to the temple, and uphill on the way back. The slope is gentle but steady, and the temple grounds themselves have stone steps. Wear comfortable shoes, and if you are carrying luggage, it is much easier to leave it somewhere first.

What will I see along Omotesando?

The street winds gently downhill, with views and shops changing as you go.

• Old wooden shop buildings. Several traditional merchant houses with dark wooden fronts and tiled roofs line the street, giving it an old-town feel.
• Eel (unagi) restaurants. Narita is famous for grilled eel, and you will smell it before you see it. Many restaurants grill eel in view of the street.
• Snacks and sweets. Look for rice crackers, Japanese sweets and pickles sold from small shops, perfect for eating as you walk or taking home.
• Souvenir and craft shops. From small gifts to traditional goods.

Popular eel restaurants often have queues at lunchtime, so going a little early or late can save time.

What is at the end of the street?

Naritasan Shinshoji is a large Buddhist temple complex. At the bottom of Omotesando you reach the main gate, and from there stone steps lead up to the main hall. Around the grounds you will find several historic buildings, including a pagoda.

Behind the main buildings is Naritasan Park, a wooded park with ponds, bridges and walking paths. It is a calm place to rest before the walk back, and especially pretty in the autumn leaf season.

A suggested route

Stop	What to do
Narita Station (JR / Keisei)	Start here; Roman Village Narita is nearby
Upper Omotesando	Browse shops, try a snack
Middle section	Old wooden buildings, eel restaurants
Naritasan Shinshoji	Main gate, main hall, pagoda
Naritasan Park	Ponds and paths, a quiet break
Back uphill to the station	Allow extra time for the climb

For a full layover itinerary, see things to do in Narita during a long layover.

Tips for the walk

• Leave your luggage first. Rolling a suitcase uphill on the way back is hard work.
• Plan your return time. Count the uphill walk back, especially if you have a train or flight to catch.
• Go early for fewer crowds on weekends and holidays.
• Respect the temple. Speak quietly in the halls and follow any signs about photography.

At Miyabi

Miyabi is in Roman Village Narita, near the station end of Omotesando, about a 5-minute walk from JR and Keisei Narita Station. Start or finish your walk with a hands-on Japanese craft experience. If you book an experience, we store your luggage free for up to 3 hours on the day. By day there is a matcha café, and in the evening our Kanzume Bar serves canned delicacies, dagashi snacks, umeshu and sake.

• Access from Narita Station
• Knife sharpening experience – from ¥10,000 per person
• Chopstick making experience – from ¥1,000 per person
• FAQ