Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, near Narita International Airport. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism and is one of the principal temples of the tradition.
The temple is believed to have been founded in 940, giving it a history of more than 1,000 years. Its principal object of worship is Fudo Myoo, the Buddhist deity known as Acala in Sanskrit. The deity is also affectionately called Narita Fudo or simply O-Fudo-sama by worshippers.
Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Kanto region. It is especially famous for its large New Year’s pilgrimage. In 2020, approximately 3.05 million people visited the temple during the New Year period, making it the most visited Buddhist temple in Japan for Hatsumode that year.
The origins of Naritasan Shinshoji are connected with the Rebellion of Taira no Masakado in the 10th century. According to temple tradition, the Buddhist monk Kanchō Sōjō traveled to Shimousa Province under a secret imperial order from Emperor Suzaku.
He carried with him an image of Fudo Myoo believed to have been created by Kukai, the famous Buddhist monk also known as Kobo Daishi. In 940, Kanchō performed a Buddhist fire ritual dedicated to Fudo Myoo at Kozu-no-gahara and prayed for peace and the suppression of the rebellion.
According to tradition, the statue of Fudo Myoo became immovable after the ritual. The event was regarded as a miraculous sign, and an imperial order was subsequently issued to establish a temple at the site. The temple was given the name Shingo Shinshoji, which is regarded as the origin of today’s Naritasan Shinshoji.
During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the temple received the devotion of powerful samurai families in the Kanto region, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Chiba Tsunetane.
However, the temple declined during the turbulent Sengoku period. Around the Eiroku era in the 16th century, the principal image is traditionally said to have been moved to an area near present-day Namikicho in Narita. The site became known as Fudozuka and remains part of the temple’s historical traditions.
Naritasan experienced renewed prosperity during the Edo period. It received the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate and Tokugawa Mitsukuni, lord of the Mito domain, and the temple buildings were reconstructed.
The temple also became increasingly popular among ordinary people in Edo, present-day Tokyo. The principal image was periodically displayed outside the temple in special traveling exhibitions known as degaicho, allowing people in Edo to worship it without traveling all the way to Narita.
The temple also has a famous connection with Ichikawa Danjuro I, the celebrated Kabuki actor. He was a devoted worshipper of Fudo Myoo at Naritasan and attributed the birth of a child to his prayers.
His devotion helped spread the popularity of Naritasan among Edo residents. It is also associated with the origin of the famous Kabuki stage name and family name “Narita-ya.” The temple subsequently became known among worshippers as a place where people prayed for fertility and the blessing of children.
Following the Meiji Restoration, Naritasan continued to play an important role as a religious center. During the first half of the 20th century, the temple also became involved in various social and educational activities.
In 1938, the temple presented aircraft to Japan’s military, and in 1940, a major opening ceremony marking the temple’s 1,000th anniversary was held ahead of schedule in connection with national commemorative events of the period.
These aspects of the temple’s modern history reflect the changing relationship between religious institutions and Japanese society during the period. Today, Naritasan is primarily known as an important Buddhist temple, pilgrimage destination, cultural site, and tourist attraction.
The temple grounds contain numerous historic structures, several of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Five particularly notable buildings are the Niomon Gate, Three-Storied Pagoda, Shakado Hall, Gakudo Hall, and Komyodo Hall.
The Niomon Gate was built in 1830 and has an imposing eight-legged gate structure. It stands along the approach to the main temple buildings and forms an impressive entrance to the historic precinct.
As visitors proceed from the entrance toward the main hall, they encounter a series of historic buildings that demonstrate the architectural traditions of the Edo period.
The Three-Storied Pagoda was constructed in 1712 and rises approximately 25 meters above the temple grounds. Its richly decorated exterior is one of the most visually striking features of Naritasan.
Detailed carvings of the Sixteen Arhats and cloud patterns decorate the structure. The elaborate craftsmanship provides an excellent example of the decorative style of early modern Japanese Buddhist architecture.
Shakado Hall was built in 1858 and served as the temple’s main hall before the present Great Main Hall was constructed. Its irimoya-style roof gives the building a distinctive traditional appearance.
The walls are decorated with elaborate relief carvings depicting stories such as the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety and the Five Hundred Arhats. These carvings provide an insight into the religious beliefs and artistic traditions of the period.
Gakudo Hall was built in 1861. The building has an open design and was traditionally used for displaying ema, wooden plaques and paintings donated by worshippers.
The structure has undergone restoration work to preserve both its safety and its value as a cultural property.
Komyodo Hall was built in 1701 and served as the main hall before Shakado Hall. It enshrines Aizen Myoo, Fudo Myoo, and Dainichi Nyorai.
The hall also has an important connection with the Narita Gion Festival, during which a sacred sword known as the Tenku Treasure Sword is ritually purified.
The present Great Main Hall was completed in 1968 and is the central building of Naritasan Shinshoji. Constructed with reinforced concrete, it measures approximately 95.4 meters wide and 59.9 meters deep, with a roof ridge rising about 32.6 meters.
The hall houses the temple’s principal object of worship, Fudo Myoo, and serves as the spiritual center of the temple complex.
The current Main Gate was completed in 2006 as part of commemorations marking the 1,070th anniversary of the temple’s founding. Standing approximately 15 meters high, it is constructed primarily from Japanese zelkova wood and contains eight carved Buddhist figures.
The gate provides a grand entrance to the temple and has become one of the recognizable modern symbols of Naritasan.
Korin-kaku was completed in 1975 as a reinforced-concrete facility. It provides services for worshippers, including reception for Goma prayer rituals and hospitality involving traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Issai-kyozo is a temple building constructed in 1722 to house Buddhist scriptures. Its interior uses a rotating scripture repository known as a rinzo, while the building features a traditional hōgyo-style roof.
The structure is also of considerable historical and academic interest as an example of a traditional Buddhist scripture repository.
Heiwa Daito, or Great Peace Pagoda, was completed in 1984. The multi-tiered pagoda stands approximately 58.1 meters high and contains five levels.
Inside are Buddhist images including Fudo Myoo, the Five Wisdom Buddhas, and mandalas illustrating Buddhist cosmology. A time capsule containing messages for peace is also buried beneath the building and is scheduled to be opened in 2434.
Okuno-in is a sacred cave containing an image of Dainichi Nyorai. The cave is normally closed to the public and is opened only during particular religious occasions, including certain events associated with the Narita Gion Festival.
The limited access and dark, secluded setting give the site a particularly mysterious and spiritual atmosphere.
Behind the main temple buildings lies Naritasan Park, an extensive Japanese-style garden covering approximately 160,000 square meters.
The park offers a peaceful contrast to the busy temple precinct. Visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year, including cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in spring and colorful autumn foliage.
Walking through the garden provides an opportunity to enjoy nature while taking a break from exploring the temple’s many historic buildings.
Yakushido Hall was originally built in 1655 and moved to its present location in 1855. It is considered the oldest surviving building at Naritasan.
The building underwent a major preservation and restoration project beginning in 2011, helping ensure that its historic architecture could continue to be appreciated by future generations.
Ioden Hall was newly constructed in 2017. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, together with the Twelve Heavenly Generals.
The hall is associated with prayers for good health, longevity, and recovery from illness and continues the temple’s long tradition of Buddhist devotion.
Yudonosan Gongen Shrine is a detached part of the temple grounds located near the east exit of JR Narita Station. It is traditionally regarded as a sacred site connected with the origins of the Narita Gion Festival.
Access is restricted to authorized people, helping preserve the site’s sacred character.
The Traffic Safety Prayer Hall is located along National Route 51. Traffic safety prayers have been offered here since the 1950s.
A sign near the entrance carries the message, “With a Buddha’s heart at the wheel, there will be no accidents.” The facility reflects the continuing role of Naritasan in prayers for safety in everyday life.
The road leading from Narita Station to the temple is known as the Omotesando, or main approach. The historic street is lined with traditional shops, souvenir stores, Japanese sweets shops, and long-established restaurants.
Narita is particularly famous for unagi, Japanese freshwater eel. Numerous restaurants along the approach serve grilled eel, making it possible to combine a temple visit with an introduction to one of the area’s best-known local specialties.
Walking along the Omotesando is part of the Naritasan experience. The traditional atmosphere of the street provides a glimpse into the history of the temple town before visitors even reach the main gate.
Naritasan Shinshoji hosts religious ceremonies and events throughout the year. The most famous include Hatsumode during the first days of January, the Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony, the Narita Gion Festival in July, and the Ohikajisai Fire Blessing Ceremony in October.
Visitors who plan their trip around one of these events can experience the temple at a particularly lively time. However, event dates, schedules, and participation arrangements may vary from year to year.
The following historic buildings at Naritasan are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan:
Niomon Gate
Three-Storied Pagoda
Shakado Hall
Gakudo Hall
Komyodo Hall
The temple’s wooden statue of Fudo Myoo with two attendants is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. The principal Fudo Myoo image is believed to date from the late Kamakura period and is notable for its realistic sculptural style and sophisticated techniques, including joined-wood construction and crystal eyes.
Naritasan Shinshoji is particularly convenient for international travelers because of its proximity to Narita International Airport.
The temple is approximately a 13-minute walk from JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station. From either station, visitors can walk along the traditional Omotesando toward the temple, enjoying shops, restaurants, and the historic atmosphere of the temple town along the way.
Because of its convenient location, Naritasan can also be an attractive destination for travelers who have time before or after a flight from Narita Airport and want to experience a historic side of Japan.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple brings together more than 1,000 years of Buddhist history, traditional architecture, nature, festivals, and local culture. Its devotion to Fudo Myoo has continued from the Heian period to the present day, while its historic buildings and Buddhist sculptures preserve important aspects of Japanese religious art.
Visitors can explore the magnificent Great Main Hall, admire the richly decorated Three-Storied Pagoda, discover centuries-old Buddhist buildings, walk through the peaceful Naritasan Park, and encounter the many traditions of the temple precinct.
A visit to the temple can also be combined with a stroll along the historic Omotesando and a meal of Narita’s famous grilled eel. This combination of religion, history, architecture, nature, food, and traditional townscape makes Naritasan an especially interesting destination for international travelers exploring Chiba.
For visitors looking beyond the major attractions of central Tokyo, Naritasan Shinshoji offers an opportunity to experience a deeply rooted part of Japanese Buddhist culture in a historic temple town close to Narita International Airport.
10 minutes on foot from JR/Keisei Narita Station