Do you have a few hours to kill before you fly out? Mount Narita is the perfect place to spend your last few hours in Japan without having to stress about distance. Only about 20 minutes by train from Narita International Airport, Mount Narita is a gorgeous nature retreat, rich with local culture and history.

There are many picturesque streets all around the area where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional sweets. The pretty streets that lead to the temple are lined with vendors that give off a feel of old Japan. Here you’ll find locals and tourists alike, mingling in the warm atmosphere. If you’ve newly arrived in Japan, stop by the tourist information desk and get some insight on activities you can do in and around Narita.


A view of one of the streets leading to the temples on Mount Narita.

Once you’ve navigated the streets, make your way towards the temples located on the mountain. There you’ll find the most beautiful wooden structures, covered in highly colourful paint and decorations. An especially beautiful place to visit is the three-storied pagoda, built in 1712, decorated in jewel tones that make the whole structure pop and stand out. Meticulously maintained, this pagoda is a sight to see, and one of its kind in Japan.


Detail of the paint on the three-storied pagoda.

Apart from the temples, you might enjoy walking around the forest paths on the mountain. Zigzagging across the landscape, you’ll find monuments and statues dedicated to various gods and famous monks. You’ll also come across numerous ancient cemeteries that show old stone craftsmanship seldom seen these days.


An ancient cemetery amongst rocks and trees, perfectly showing the harmony of man and nature.

Take the footpaths in the mountain and enjoy the sounds and smells of the rich forest. Here you’ll come across stone lanterns, statues dedicated to Shinto gods, wells, springs and even a waterfall. Beautiful all year round, the forest offers seasonal flora that will add to your nature experience. This is a lovely nature walk that will help you relax and unwind before your flight.


A pretty nature walk, Mount Narita offers a tranquil retreat from the busy streets below.

Mount Narita is located in Chiba prefecture, just south of Tokyo. You can access it by taking the JR line to Narita Station. Travel time from Tokyo is around 1 hour 30 minutes on the JR Yamanote and Keisei lines.

Photography by: Ashley-Marie Maxwell