Last Updated: Dec 9, 2023

Historic Sawara

A Hidden Gem in Chiba Near Narita

This story was originally published on donnykimball.com and has been syndicated here on Medium

If you’re anything like me and my fellow Tokyoites, then you absolutely loathe the idea of having to fly in and out of Narita International Airport. After all, the bloody terminals are located over an hour outside of the city’s center, all the way in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. After a very long flight, the absolute last thing weary travelers want to do is to tackle yet another leg of an already arduous journey. Honestly, is it any surprise at all that the conveniently located Tokyo International Airport (A.K.A Haneda Airport) is the preferred option for those visiting Japan’s capital?

Luckily though, there is a silver lining here should you not be able to snag one of the coveted Haneda flights. You see, despite the headaches of getting to and from Narita International Airport, the area around the airport is actually home to a vast collection of attractions and hidden gems. From a famous and historic temple, to a plethora of shopping options, Narita has something for everyone. Even if you’re just passing through Japan en route to somewhere else, you can still experience an authentic taste of what the country has to offer while you wait for your next flight.

Now long time readers will know this but I’ve actually already published an in-depth…