I’ve been wanting to do this video forever since I first chanced upon the free Narita Transit tours offered at the Narita airport back in 2017. However back then most of my layovers were 3-4 hours and I stayed inside the airport gate area and could not leave past immigrations.
This video guide and semi review is about my experience on the Narita-san and Shinsho Ji Temple tour which is Tour 1 option of the Narita Transit and Stay Program.
This is best used if you have a long layover between 8 AM- 5 PM or if you are a tourist staying at the nearby hotels close to Narita Airport.
Between 2018 and 2019 I purposely made 2 long layover trips in Japan en-route to the Philippines with me leaving the airport either from Haneda to Narita or ttaying overnight in Narita at the capsule hotel during a 21hour layover- to be able to do the free tour and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
So, what is the Narita Transit & Stay Tour? This is a program offered by Narita Airport for people with long daytime layovers of over 6+ hours or for tourist staying close around the airport hotels. These are English guided tours by a Japanese local to 5 tour spots such as Naritasan Temple, Sakae Town and Tako Town. They also offers self guided tours to nearby malls and markets by using the available free shuttle or trains.
Though the tour itself is free, please make sure to have Japanese cash available for your train ticket, shopping money and meal which you will use during the tour.
For first timers, I really suggest to do the Naritasan & Shinshoji Temple tour especially if you have 4 hours to spare. You can book and reserve your spot at or do first come-first serve by arriving at the airport booth at 9:00 AM.
For a more detailed brakdown of my tour, please visit