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While it’s common to fly in or out of Narita Airport, the city of Narita and its surroundings are often overlooked by tourists. If you’ve got a long layover or some time to kill, why not explore one of the lesser-known areas near Tokyo, away from the crowds?
Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program has relaunched its free tours after a six-year hiatus, bringing back guided tours and festival experiences for travellers looking to explore the Narita area. Six free tours will officially resume from October 1, all led by English-speaking volunteer guides. Each tour has a suggested minimum budget to cover additional costs such as transport, meals and admission fees. Paid tours are also available for those looking to delve deeper into Narita.
Tour 1 explores Narita city, taking you to popular spots like Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Omotesando Street, lined with traditional shops. You can also add optional paid activities, including Buddhist sutra copying and dressing up in kimono or yukata.
Tour 2 takes you through scenic Katori, including a visit to the riverside town of Sawara, which has retained its charming Edo-period atmosphere. Optional activities for this tour include a scenic boat ride down the Ono River and a visit to the Suigo Sawara Float Museum.
Tour 3 is a visit to Tako, where you can enjoy peaceful rural scenery and rice paddies. Renting an electric bike here is a great way to explore the area’s quiet roads.
Tour 4 takes you to Shibayama, a town right next to the airport. You’ll visit the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring fresh local produce.
Tour 5 explores Sakae, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture by wearing a yukata and strolling through a retro townscape often used as a filming location for period dramas.
Tour 6 is an experience in Kozaki, a town known for its fermented foods. You’ll visit a sake brewery and the beautiful Kozaki Shrine, then sample gut-friendly fermented eats at local restaurants.
Aside from the free tours, there are also Plus Tours priced from ¥1,000 to ¥29,800. These offer experiences from sake brewery tours and tastings to watching a ninja tournament while dressed as a ninja.
For more information and to book a tour, visit the website.
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