About Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a temple located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and is the grand headquarters of the Chisan-ha of New Shingon sect of Shingon Buddhism, often referred to as “Narita Fudo” or “Naritasan”. The temple was opened in 940. The temple is dedicated to Fudo, and is one of the three main mountains of the Jiyama school of Shingon Buddhism in the Kanto region, along with Takaozan Yakuoin Temple and Kawasaki Guru Hiruma Temple.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is dotted with various old and new buildings, which are enhanced by cherry blossoms, vine flowers, purple sunflowers and many kinds of precious old trees, and five monuments, including Renko-mon Gate, Mie Pagoda, Sakkadou, Eido and Koumeido, which were built in the mid to late Edo period, have been designated as important cultural properties of Japan. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple has a large garden, a museum of calligraphy, a museum of history, a Buddhist library, and other temple facilities. The 800-meter-long pilgrimage path is lined with hotels, restaurants, and gift stores, making it the second most popular place to visit after Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine.
How to get there
10 minutes walk from JR/Keisei Narita Station
Tips
The three-story pagoda was a sight to behold, with many dragon heads pointing outward. The Gomama in the main hall was powerful with the sound of drums, flames, and chanting, and somehow I felt refreshed when I chanted the mantra with them. Thanks to the elevator, we can move vertically (for which I am very grateful), but since it is a mountainous area, my mother, who has bad knees, and I try to walk around one at a time and not be too greedy.
If the weather is nice, the plaza is a good place to take a break and relax.
Website
https://www.naritasan.or.jp/english_old/
