A visit to the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is usually in order during a visit to or even a long layover in Narita. This 1000 year old historic temple is less than 30 minutes away from Narita International Airport (NRT). Once you get off at the Narita station on the Keisei line, the temple is a 10-15 minute walk, at the end of a store and restaurant lined Omotesando street.
After you’ve finally managed to tear yourself away from the many and completely warranted distractions on Omotesando, you will eventually find yourself outside the entrance of Shinshoji temple.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple’s Main Gate
Once you enter the Main Gate, there is a long and grand pathway to the Niomon Gate.
Pathway leading to Niomon Gate
At the base of the steep staircase to Niomon Gate is where you’ll see a cleansing station.
Cleansing station
It is also where you’ll see worshipers briefly pausing to perform a cleansing ritual before their prayers - a washing of the hands and mouth. Upon completion of this ritual, your journey continues on a second steep staircase.
Staircase leading to the Great Main Hall
Pause at the landing there before continuing your journey. There is a beautiful pond with turtles and fish. And once you decide to continue and make it to the top, this is the view behind you.
From the top
This is where the temple grounds open up to an array of structures and buildings. First to greet you here - a giant incense burner.
Burning incense
Three Storied Pagoda
One thing I should point out is that although historically the temple dates back to 940, a lot of its growth and expansion has actually taken place in just the last 300 years. What really dates back to 940 is the Fudomyo image, which is housed in the Great Main Hall. And speaking of the Great Main Hall, this is also where the Goma Fire Ritual, a sacred ritual where prayers are offered in front of a consecrated fire, takes place. All are welcome to attend and witness, but there two rules - 1) no footwear, and 2) no photography. Plastic bags are provided for storing your footwear before you enter. I cannot say I followed much of the ceremony, but if I were to pick one aspect of it that I found truly astounding, it would be the dramatic sounds of the drums. As photography of the ceremony was not allowed, the only shot I was able to capture was once it was over and the monks exited Great Main Hall.
Monks exiting Great Main Hall after the Goma Fire Ritual
While much of the temple precinct houses Buddhist buildings of worship, there is a vast area here that can be quite conducive to a relaxing afternoon irrespective of faith - the Naritasan Park. This was something I just stumbled upon while exploring the temple grounds.
Naritasan Park
Waterfall in Naritasan Park
There was another cleaning station further inside. However, to me, on that 90 degree day, it was a much appreciated cooling station!
Indulge in a refreshingly cool rinse
What I would do differently
My visit to the Naritasan Shinshoji temple was a bit haphazard. I essentially walked around and took in as much as I could. What would’ve been nice was an educational tour of this ancient site that may have given me a more enriching experience. While I’m not one for guided tours under normal circumstances, when it comes to places of historical significance, it can really help to have someone with you who knows about the place. To that end, the temple does offer free guided tours that you can join. The information desk at the temple, near the Three Storied Pagoda should be able to help. It is also where I picked up this useful pamphlet that contained suggested routes, should you wish to explore on your own.
Suggested routes at the Naritasan Shinshoji temple
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