What other travelers are saying about Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Beautiful temple including the surrounding structures like the three-storied pagoda. We visited during a weekday around the golden hour. It was peaceful, with beautiful greens and golds against a deep blue sky.
The gorgeous grounds with many monuments are worth a quiet walk, taking in the settings of sunlit slats of engraved granite lining the deep dark woods. There are many cats that will keep you company during your stroll.
Once back at the entrance walk the cute, windy street lined with shops and eateries. Well worth your visit!
The temple is located 8.5 kilometers from Narita International Airport. From the airport, it requires just a 10-minute train ride to Narita Station, making it easily accessible for travelers with layovers. You can reach the temple from either JR Narita Station (one stop from Airport Terminal 2 Station) or Keisei Narita Station. From the station, follow a 10-15 minute walk along the historic Omotesando shopping street, which features over 150 traditional shops and restaurants specializing in grilled eel dishes.
The main temple grounds are open daily with no admission fee. Free tours are available daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. While basic access is complimentary, visitors may incur fees for specific activities such as participating in Goma fire rituals, purchasing Goshuin stamp book pages (300 yen each), or joining specialized guided tours. The temple welcomes donations to help maintain and renovate its nationally designated Important Cultural Property buildings.
The Goma Fire Ritual is a thousand-year-old tradition where priests pray before a large fire to help dispel the problems of temple visitors. During this sacred ceremony, monks chant sutras and burn wooden tablets inscribed with visitors' wishes and desires in a purification ritual meant to cleanse unnecessary worldly attachments. The ritual is performed several times daily in the Great Main Hall and visitors are welcome to observe. You can purchase wooden amulets to be included in the ceremony, making it an accessible spiritual experience for both worshippers and tourists.
There are no strict dress code requirements at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing. Shorts, short skirts, and revealing attire aren't prohibited, but more conservative options are recommended to respect the temple's traditional Japanese atmosphere. Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the temple, however, they should avoid using flash and respect any restricted areas or photography rules. Remove your shoes when entering the main hall and perform the purification ritual at the water basin before entering sacred spaces.
The temple attracts over 3 million visitors during the New Year period alone (January 1-3), making it the second most-visited temple in Japan after Meiji Shrine. Major festivals also draw large crowds, including the Setsubun Festival in February featuring sumo wrestlers and celebrities, the taiko drum festival in April with over 200 drummers, and the Narita Gion Matsuri in summer. During festival times and busy seasons, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple can be quite crowded, but off-peak the temple is relatively quiet and serene. Visit early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for a more peaceful experience, especially outside major holiday periods.
This was a short Narita layover trip. Once you clear immigration at Narita, you take the Keisei line one stop from the airport to Narita. Then the temple is a 1 mile enjoyable walk from the stations, via the busy and cute Omotesando. The temple complex is beautiful but the temple can get busy at times. Overall very doable, with a few food stops, in about 2 hours from the airport.
We visited Naritasan Shinsho-ji on our last day in Japan and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We stayed at the Richmond Hotel, which is super convenient, just a short walk from Narita Station and very close to this famous temple.
This temple is probably the largest we visited during our trip, and we couldn’t believe such a hidden gem exists in Narita. and its free. We arrived around 8 AM, so it was peaceful and quiet, with hardly anyone around. The gardens are huge and beautifully maintained, perfect for a calm stroll and photography.
The story behind the temple:
Naritasan Shinsho-ji was founded in 940 AD to enshrine Fudō Myō‑ō, a protective deity in Shingon Buddhism. Legend says that during a rebellion in the Kantō region, the statue of Fudō was brought to the battlefield and, after the victory, couldn’t be moved , so the temple was built there. Over centuries it grew into a major religious site, with historic buildings, gates, and pagodas that are Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The temple is also known for its goma fire rituals, which symbolize purification, and the serene mountain gardens reflect centuries of devotion and harmony with nature.
Tips for visitors:
- Arrive early if you want a quiet experience.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, the grounds are large.
- Explore the gardens and take time to notice the historical buildings.
- Perfect for photography, reflection, or simply enjoying a peaceful temple atmosphere.
Overall, an amazing hidden gem that exceeded our expectations. A must-visit if you’re in Narita — rich in history, culture, and natural beauty!
We were absolutely fascinated by this beautiful temple, located not far from Narita Airport. It’s a peaceful and impressive place that gives visitors a wonderful glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition.
A very special compliment goes to the hardworking ladies who keep the restrooms exceptionally clean. Their dedication and attention to detail are truly admirable. The management can be proud to have such committed people on their team — I sincerely hope they receive the recognition and bonus they deserve. Thank you for maintaining such a wonderful and welcoming environment.
What an amazing temple and place to explore. Very large grounds and incredibly peaceful. Toilets available and places to sit in the shade and take in the whole experience. Was an absolutely wonderful way to end our stay in Japan. One of the highlights definitely.
