Culture
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Naritasan Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple complex founded in the 10th century. This historic site is located in Narita City, Chiba and about a 20 minute walk from JR Narita Station. Due to the station’s close proximity to Narita Airport, the temple is a perfect spot for travelers to sample the area’s rich culture during long layovers. The renowned temple is a must-see and known as the second most visited temple in Japan, after Meiji Shrine.
The journey to Naritasan is a cultural experience in itself. After exiting JR Narita Station, visitors must walk along Omotesando, which is a pleasant street lined with traditional craft shops and restaurants — some serving freshly grilled eel dishes. Once visitors reach the temple, they are greeted by Niomon Gate, a grand structure whose presence hints at the notable buildings and relics within.
Explore Naritasan’s highlights, though if time permits, guests should explore the entire temple and dedicate some time to prayer for an immersive and spiritual experience.
Overview
Address
1 Narita, Chiba 286-0023 (Map) (Directions)Hours
6:00 - 16:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
6:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
6:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
6:00 - 16:00
Thursday
6:00 - 16:00
Friday
6:00 - 16:00
Saturday
6:00 - 16:00
Sunday
6:00 - 16:00
Holidays
6:00 - 16:00
Phone Number
0476-22-2111Website
Highlights
Daihondo
While impressive in size, the Great Main Hall's (Daihondo) exterior of woodwork and white coloring is more simplistic than its surrounding buildings. Inside, the prayer hall houses a statue of Fudo Myo-o, one of the site’s most important artifacts. It is customary for worshippers to bow before and after praying to the great deity.
Fudo Myo-o Statue
The Fudo Myo-o statue in Daihondo is an important Buddhist deity said to be carved by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Legend goes that the impressive statue found its home at Naritasan after Kancho Daisojo brought it to Narita to pray, and it refused to move. Fudo Myo-o takes on the appearance of the highest Buddha of Shingon Buddhism. The deity’s muscular body, deep blue skin tone, and angry expression, while intimidating, are meant to remove worldly desires from worshippers.
Three-Story Pagoda
Standing beside Daihondo Hall is Naritasan’s Three-Story Pagoda, which has an opulent exterior that is truly mesmerizing. Golden dragon heads protrude from the sides of the pagoda with intricate patterns of red, blue, green, and gold seamlessly flowing around them. The pagoda is dedicated to the Five Wisdom Nyorai (Buddhas).
Heiwadaito
Further into Naritasan is the Great Peace Pagoda, or Heiwadaito, a relatively recent addition built in 1984. Similar to many buildings at Naritasan, the tower’s exterior is decorated vibrantly with red detailing, which contrasts its green roofs. Apart from enjoying the building’s aesthetic, visitors can also enter the building to pray.
Naritasan Park
Just beyond the Main Hall is Naritasan Park. This huge wooded area is the perfect extension of the temple’s sacredness with its winding paths, peaceful nature, and centralized pond.
Discover Naritasan Park
Goma Fire Ritual
One of the temple’s most sacred rituals is the Goma Fire Ritual, which is a special Goma prayer offered to Fudo Myo-o. In this ceremony, people provide their prayers and wishes on wooden sticks to the temple’s monks who burn them in a consecrated fire while chanting mantras. This purification ritual is symbolic of burning away participants’ unnecessary worldly desires to aid them in achieving a simple and happy life. The fire used in Naritasan’s Goma Fire Ritual is especially significant as it is said that it was used in a Goma prayer that ended war in the Kanto region over 1,000 years ago during the Heian period. Naritasan’s monks have kept the same flames burning with daily Goma prayers to this day.
General Amenities
- Restroom
- Free parking
- Paid parking
- Information Counter
Accessibility
- Barrier-free access
Language support
- English
Access
8-minute walk from Narita Station, via Narita Omotesando.
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