Naritasan Shinsho

Naritasan Shinsho-ji is a grand Buddhist temple complex just a short train ride from Narita Airport, making it an ideal first or last stop for travelers passing through Chiba. Founded in 940 AD, the temple draws over 10 million visitors annually with its impressive Great Pagoda, ornamental gardens, and a main hall that hosts daily fire rituals (goma) where monks chant and burn wooden prayer sticks in a mesmerizing ceremony. The approach road, Omotesando, is lined with traditional shops selling rice crackers, eel restaurants, and yokan (sweet bean jelly), creating a wonderful street food stroll. The extensive grounds include a landscaped park with a waterfall and calligraphy museum, easily filling a half-day visit.