Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the headquarters of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism and receives over 12 million visitors annually. Several buildings designated as important cultural assets by the national government are located at the temple grounds, such as the Shakyamuni shrine and three-storied pagoda. A large Japanese garden is located adjacent to the temple.

Are you looking for sightseeing information inside and outside Japan, as well as in Narita City? While shopping on the main street leading up to Narita-san Shinshoji Temple, be sure to stop in and have the staff fix you up with loads of valuable information. The models of jumbo jets and dashi, festival cars associated with Narita City and used for the Gion Festival, displayed here are also worth a look. Also inquire here about kabuki - a traditional Japanese performing art.

Come and check out Japan's only nationally operated museum of history. Popularly known as Rekihaku, the museum covers the full spectrum of Japanese history through its dynamic exhibits and displays. The research department here collects and preserves materials in the fields of Japanese historical science, archaeology and folklore. The wide variety of exhibits in this expansive 35,000 square meter complex is sure to have something to cater to all interests.

Date: July 7 - 9
This festival is held at the Shinshoji Temple in Narita. A portable shrine called a shintai (object of worship housed in a Shinto shrine in which the ghost of a deity is traditionally believed to dwell), a festival car (float) and a scaffold (dancing car) are pulled around the city. Narita City is decorated in festival colors accompanied by music and cheering. A competition between dancers and musicians is also a sight to see.

Date: October 17
Kagura (Shinto ritual) is a precious traditional performing art of dancing and musical accompaniment to worship the gods of Japanese mythology. Urabe no kagura performed in Orimi Shrine is called "Juniza kagura". Twelve themes based on motifs from the old myths have been handed down.

In the middle of the 17th century, a man named Kiuchi Sogoro made a direct appeal to the Shogun to save farmers who were suffering from poor harvests and high taxes. Although his words were received, a direct appeal to the Shogun was forbidden in those days, so the Sogo family was punished by death. The people praised him for sacrificing himself, and built a sanctuary at the Meishozan Tosho-ji Temple to commemorate his family.

Take a step back in time as you stroll through this replica village of the Edo Period of Japan (1700's ). In this vast site you can visit preserved samurai, merchant and farm houses from the era. All offer a number of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. Try your hand at making Japanese coasters, hand made Japanese paper, Japanese confectionary, noodles and traditional desserts, just to name a few of the attractions. Or, how about having a guide dress you up in real Samurai armor or participating in a tea ceremony? This museum is full of excellent photo opportunities so don't forget your camera!

This museum is located in Shibayama Town, an area where many ancient tombs were discovered. The haniwa museum specializes in in-depth research on ancient tombs and haniwa (burial mound) figures. In a unique semi-cylindrical-shaped building, approximately 100 articles of haniwa, earthenware, and burial accouterments are displayed. A dugout has also been restored.

Date: middle of April
Sakura City has had a deep relationship with the Netherlands since the Edo era. Here, windmills have been built by Dutch engineers and tulip fields commemorate the 380th anniversary of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands in the Sakura Furusato Square in Inba-numa Lake. Every year tulips are planted and a festival is held in the middle of April, where you can enjoy colorful tulips.

Optical fiber is helping to bring about an information-based society in the 21st century. This is one of the largest manufacturers of optical fiber in the world. Research and development facilities have been established at this huge site. Visitors can experience the latest technology by observing the process of manufacturing optical fiber and telecommunication cables, as well as display rooms.