Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

From Narita Airport to Mount Narita

Although Mount Narita and Narita International Airport are geographically close to each other, their roles and personalities are different. Mt. Narita is a religious sanctuary that attracts many people seeking purification of body and soul and fulfillment of their desires. Narita International Airport, on the other hand, is a hub for international exchange and air transportation, attracting many travelers and business people from all over the world.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a Buddhist temple and a member of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Naritasan was founded by Rennyo Shonin in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and is still known as a sacred site visited by many believers and tourists. As a center of Buddhist faith, Narita-san is visited by many worshippers as a sacred site, where they pay their respects in a solemn atmosphere.

Narita International Airport: Narita International Airport is Japan’s main international airport located in Narita City. It is approximately 60 kilometers from central Tokyo and serves as a hub for international air traffic between Japan and the rest of the world. Narita International Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, serving international and domestic flights respectively. Narita International Airport plays an important role as a hub for many people, including tourists, business travelers, and business tourists.

Mount Narita Faith

Origins: The origins of the Naritasan faith date back to the Heian period (794-1185). Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple was founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 816 during the Heian period (794-1185). Kukai enshrined the Bodhisattva of the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva at Mount Narita and developed the area as a sacred site. Since then, Mt. Narita has been a sacred site visited by many believers and worshippers.

Belief in Sho-Kannon Bosatsu: At the heart of the Naritasan faith is the belief in Sho-Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). Saint Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is a symbol of mercy and compassion, and is said to have the power to save and heal. At Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Sho-Kannon is enshrined as the main deity, and believers offer prayers and requests to Sho-Kannon.

A place of great spiritual significance: Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is known as a place where many spiritual experiences and miracles have been reported. Naritasan belief that one’s wishes will be fulfilled if one pays a visit to Naritasan, and many believers come to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple to seek the blessings of the temple.

Practice and Prayer: Practice and prayer are important elements of the Naritasan faith. Believers visit Naritasan to perform ascetic practices and offer prayers. They pray to the Bodhisattva Sho-Kannon for peace of mind, safety for their families, and healing from illness.

Annual Events: Various events and festivals are held throughout the year at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Many believers and tourists visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple during Obon, Ohigan (the equinoxes), New Year’s, and other annual events. Annual events such as the Setsubun Festival in February and the Bon Odori dance in August are especially popular with the local people.

Shinshoji Temple Activities

Worship: Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is the center of the Naritasan faith and is visited by many people. Within the temple, there are important buildings such as the main hall and the cathedral, where prayers and offerings are made. There are also many paths around Narita-san, and walking along the sidewalks is part of the visit to the temple.

Prayer and visitation: Visitors to Naritasan Shinshoji can pray to Buddhist statues and Jizo statues for the safety and health of themselves and their families, as well as for the fulfillment of their wishes. Worshippers offer prayers by putting their hands together and making requests.

Goshuin: Visitors to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple can receive a red seal. Goshuin is a red seal written by a priest or priestess of a temple or shrine to commemorate a visit to the temple or shrine. Visitors can also receive a red seal at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Amulets: A variety of amulets are available at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The amulets are intended to be worn or displayed in the home for protection by those who have religious beliefs and wishes.

Zazen Experience: Zazen may be experienced at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Zazen is a Zen Buddhist practice that trains the mind by sitting in a quiet environment and concentrating on one’s breathing. You can experience zazen in a zendo (meditation hall) in a temple.

Architecture of Shinshoji Temple

Main Hall (Daiohoden): The Main Hall is the central building of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and enshrines the principal Buddhist deity, Sho-Kanzeon Bosatsu (Saint Kannon). In terms of architectural style, the main structure was rebuilt during the Kan’ei period (1624-1644). The main hall has a thatched roof and is characterized by its massive wooden structure.

Cathedral: The cathedral is a Western-style building with Western-style stained glass windows. Built in 1912, it served as a replacement for the main building of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple as the temple’s congregation grew. The cathedral is appreciated for its beautiful architectural style, a fusion of Western and Japanese styles.

Mountain Gate: Located at the entrance to the Naritasan approach, the mountain gate is a dignified architectural style that welcomes many visitors. The gate is flanked on both sides by statues of Niou. The gate was rebuilt during the Kansei era (1789-1801).

Sanmon: Located at the entrance to the Naritasan approach, Sanmon is a massive wooden structure and houses a magnificent statue of Nio. Sanmon was rebuilt during the Kan’ei era (1624-1644).

Bell Tower: The bell tower is located on the grounds of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and is used to announce the time within the temple. The bell tower is a massive wooden structure that shows the architectural style of the late Edo period (1603-1868) and is characterized by its beautiful carvings.

road approaching a shrine

Length and Route: The Naritasan Sando is an approach leading to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and is approximately 800 meters long. The approach begins in front of the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple gate and ends in front of the main hall, which houses the main temple, the cathedral, and other major buildings.

Historical atmosphere: The Naritasan approach to the temple has a historical atmosphere and is a path along which many visitors walk. The old buildings, stone steps, and stone lanterns along the approach give it a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Stores and restaurants: Many souvenir stores and restaurants line the approach to Naritasan. Along the approach, there are stores selling amulets, souvenirs, local specialties, etc. Visitors and worshippers can purchase souvenirs and take a rest.

Seasonal Flavor: The scenery along the Naritasan approach changes with the seasons. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in fall, the autumn leaves create a beautiful scene. The cherry blossoms are especially popular during the cherry blossom season, when many visitors come to view the cherry blossoms.

Photo spots

Square in front of the Main Hall: The square in front of the Main Hall is an ideal spot for taking pictures, as it is located in the center of the temple and the powerful building stretches out in the background. Especially in spring and fall, it offers beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Sanmon Gate: Located at the entrance to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Sanmon is a massive and magnificent structure. The gate is flanked on both sides by huge Niou statues, giving it a powerful impression. A photo with the Sanmon in the background will create a solemn atmosphere.

Mountain Gate: Located at the entrance to the approach to Narita-san, the mountain gate is another popular spot for taking pictures. The gate is a massive wooden structure with beautiful carvings and decorations. The gate looks majestic and powerful when viewed from the approach to the temple.

Cathedral: The cathedral, built in a Western architectural style, is a distinctive feature of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The cathedral’s beautiful exterior and interior decorations are sure to be a photo-stealing sight.

Five-Story Pagoda: Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is home to Japan’s oldest five-story wooden pagoda. This five-story pagoda is of great historical value and is a beautiful sight to see. You can take wonderful pictures by taking photos of the pagoda especially during the changing seasons and at sunrise and sunset, when the light and shadows give the pagoda a beautiful appearance.

Narita’s Eel

Traditional Method: Narita eel is prepared according to a traditional method. Generally, eels are steamed, grilled, and seasoned with a secret sauce. This process enhances the flavor of the eel and gives it a soft and juicy texture.

Narita’s Famous Eel Dishes: There are many restaurants and eateries in Narita City that serve the famous eel dish. Among them, long-established eel restaurants in Narita are popular among locals and tourists alike. At these restaurants, you can enjoy a variety of dishes made with fresh eel, such as kabayaki (broiled eel) and donburi (bowl of rice topped with eel).

Locally grown eels: Eels in Narita are mainly farm-raised in local rivers and rice paddies. Eels raised in areas with clear streams are highly valued for their freshness and quality.

Eel restaurants catering to tourists: There are many eel restaurants in Narita City that cater to tourists, such as those near the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and Narita International Airport. At these restaurants, you can taste eel dishes at a reasonable price. You can also buy broiled eels and bowls of eel kabayaki for souvenirs.

Souvenirs

Souvenirs
Good Luck Charms: Narita-san offers a wide variety of good luck charms for sale. Visitors can obtain amulets for various wishes, such as health, safety, and business prosperity. Among them, amulets with a picture of “Naritasan Odaishi-sama” are especially popular.

Senbei: Narita senbei, a specialty of Narita, is sold in the Naritasan area. They are thin and crispy, and come in a variety of sweet, salty, and seasonal flavors.

Matcha Sweets: There is a wide variety of sweets made with matcha green tea in the Narita area. Matcha chocolates, matcha wagashi, matcha ice cream, and more are available for matcha lovers.

Local specialties: Local products from the Naritasan area are also popular. For example, Chiba-grown pears and strawberries, as well as local sake and fruit wine from the area’s sake-making traditions are also popular souvenirs.

Assorted sweets: There are many souvenir and confectionary stores in the Naritasan area, selling a wide variety of assorted sweets. These assorted sets of popular local Japanese and Western confections make great gifts or personal items.