Naritasan temple is 11 mins from Narita International Airport by cab (approx 2,800 yen).
The gardens are particularly beautiful in Autumn and spring, the calligraphy museum is also only 10 mins walk from the temple.
There is also the Narita Calligraphy Museum. I never realized how much I wish I could display some gorgeous writing like this as artwork. It was so beautiful.
And then you can walk along to Naritasan Temple. I wish I was allowed to take photos inside as the roof and columns are colourfully painted and the attention to detail blew my mind. You’ll just have to go and see it for yourself.
Outside we were lucky enough to see lots of children dressed in kimono for their Shichi-go-san ‘Coming of Age’ ceremonies.
Shakyo refers to the practice of copying the sutra. It is actually so therapeutic and is currently really popular with even younger people in Japan too. It’s all very calming, very zen.
And no it doesn’t matter if you copy incorrectly. The monks were just so kind and reminded me that it is all about just taking a moment for yourself and just trying. Completing the task to the best of your ability is the main point.
Oh and don’t worry – it’s basically just tracing.
If you are looking for a family-friendly casual italian restaurant for lunch or dinner near Naritasan, I recommend walking for 10 mins to Mamma Pasta. This is a stand alone restaurant. Mamma Pasta accepts most major credit cards. This restaurant is spacious and welcomes children. The kids menu is a half portion of spaghetti for 500 yen or a kids plate with lots of different items.
For adult meals, I would budget 2000 yen for lunch or 3000 yen for dinner. This restaurant has high chairs.
MAMMA PASTA, NARITA
千葉県成田市土屋112-2
112-2 TSUCHIYA, NARITA-SHI, CHIBA
OPEN 11AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS AT 9:30PM)
and 1 min walk from Mamma Pasta is Family-Friendly Hamburger Steak Chain Bikkuri Donkey, Narita. This is also a stand alone restaurant. The name “Bikkuri Donkey” always makes me laugh as it literally translates to “Surprise Donkey” but the interior is quirky ( kind of like dining inside “Western River Railroad” at Disneyland.). It’s a casual restaurant and lots of families dine here.
The cuisine is “hamburger steaks served on mini hot plates.”
They have a cute kids menu .
It’s a great place for grease and fries if that’s what you’re craving.
The restaurant allows smoking in certain parts of the restaurant at certain times of day.
There is one gluten free hamburger steak option at this restaurant too. I would budget around 1500 yen per adult to dine here.
In the morning, they also offer a breakfast plate with eggs and toast and bacon for approximately 1000 yen.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They also take reservations and walk-ins. This restaurant has free wifi and outlets for charging your phone.
Some Bikkuri Donkey branches have also introduced a vegan soy hamburger steak (served with rice.) It’s usually on the menu down near the kids menu section.
BIKKURI DONKEY, NARITA
成田市ウイング土屋106番地
106 WINGU TSUCHIYA, NARITA
OPEN 8AM-2AM (BREAKFAST MENU IS AVAILABLE 8AM-11AM)
And just across the highway is Okonomiyaki Restaurant Dohtonbori. This is a free standing restaurant.
I would budget approximately 2500 yen per adult for a meal here. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
See the Dohtonbori menu here.
DOHTONBORI, NARITA
成田市土屋402-1
402-1 TSUCHIYA, NARITA
OPEN 11AM-MIDNIGHT
See here for other sightseeing ideas in Narita with kids.
