[Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Guide] One of Chiba’s Top Power Spots for Sightseeing and Great Food

In 939 during the Heian period, the Taira no Masakado Rebellion broke out in the Kanto region.
The Taira no Masakado Rebellion was a civil war in which Taira no Masakado, who held power in Chiba, proclaimed himself the “New Emperor” and tried to create a new state.
Kanchō Daisōjō, a Shingon Buddhist priest, brought and enshrined a statue of Fudo Myoo from Kyoto to Narita to quell the conflict.
After 21 days of Goma prayers, Taira no Masakado was defeated, and peace returned to the Kanto region.
When Kanchō Daisōjō tried to return to Kyoto, the statue of Fudo Myoo would not move, as if to declare that it would remain here to protect the people, and in 940 Kanchō Daisōjō founded Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple later fell into decline amid the turmoil of the Warring States period, but as society stabilized in the Edo period, the number of worshippers gradually began to increase.
Plays featuring Fudo Myoo were performed by the kabuki actor family known as the Ichikawa clan, drawing even more faith from the common people.
In 1964, the main statue of Fudo Myoo was designated an Important Cultural Property, and in 2018 the temple marked its 1,080th anniversary.

Shakado Hall, built in 1858, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
This all-zelkova-wood hall retains features of the late Edo period.
The 500 Rakan carvings around the hall are a masterpiece carved over 10 years. Rakan are monks who have attained enlightenment.
It’s said that all 500 training monks were carved without any two looking alike, and that you’re sure to find a face that resembles you or someone you know.
Until the Daihondo Main Hall was built in 1968, today’s Shakado Hall served as the main hall.
Today, it’s used as a prayer hall for warding off misfortune.

Built in 1968, the Daihondo Main Hall is Naritasan’s symbol.
It’s a place of practice where Goma prayers have been performed every day without fail since the temple was founded, praying for world peace and people’s happiness.
If you apply at the reception office, even tourists can receive Goma prayers.
By receiving Goma prayers, your wishes are fulfilled and you can receive blessings from Fudo Myoo.
Be sure not to miss the statues of Fudo Myoo with Kongara Doji on the right and Seitaka Doji on the left, as well as the statues of the Four Great Myoo and the Buddhist painting Heisei Dainichimandara.

Built in 2008, the Somon Grand Gate welcomes worshippers as Naritasan’s main entrance.
Made entirely of zelkova wood and standing 15 meters tall, it has a dignified appearance with a solemn atmosphere.
At the top of the Somon Grand Gate are carvings of the 12 zodiac animals.
It was built as a commemorative project for the temple’s 1,070th anniversary, serving as a link between Naritasan and the temple town.

Built in 1712, the Three-Story Pagoda is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
It enshrines the Five Wisdom Buddhas, and carvings of the 16 Rakan are set around the pagoda.
The rafters of each level, carved with unsui (cloud-and-water) patterns, are made from single planks and have been famous as a rarity since long ago.
In 2008, the lacquered coloring was restored, making this a precious building that recreates its appearance from when it was first built.

Rebuilt in 1831, the Niomon Gate is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
Its distinctive exterior features a large gabled chidori-hafu attached to an irimoya-style roof covered with copper plates.
In the center of the gate hangs a red lantern with large, prominent characters reading “Uogashi.”
It’s a long-standing tradition for the fish market of Edo (Tsukiji) to dedicate a large lantern to the Niomon Gate, and the red lantern displayed today was dedicated in 1968.

Built in 1701, Komyodo Hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
Its irimoya-style tiled roof gives it a distinctive appearance, making it a precious building that preserves the atmosphere of the mid-Edo period.
Komyodo Hall enshrines Dainichi Nyorai, Aizen Myoo, and Fudo Myoo.
Because Aizen Myoo, a deity said to grant good relationships, is enshrined here, it’s also famous as a power spot to boost love luck.
It also served as the main hall for around a century and a half, until Shakado Hall was built.

Built in 1984, the Great Peace Pagoda symbolizes the teachings of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
On the first floor, there are exhibits on Naritasan’s history and a sutra-copying dojo; on the second floor, a statue of Fudo Myoo, statues of the Four Great Myoo, the Showa Dainichimandara, and illustrations of the life of the Shingon patriarch are enshrined, and you can freely worship there.
The vividly colored ceiling and pillars express the esoteric Buddhist worldview passed down by Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
It’s also said that many Buddhist temples outside Naritasan Shinshoji Temple were originally filled with vivid colors like those seen here when they were first built.

Shusse Inari stands quietly on the west side of the temple grounds. Shrines within temple grounds are rare.
The principal object of worship is a statue known as “Shusse Kaiun Inari,” believed to bring blessings such as business prosperity, good fortune fulfillment, and protection from fire.
It’s a power spot long loved by merchants.
It’s said that you’ll advance in your career by attaching a business card to a “Shusse Inari Ema” votive plaque, so don’t forget your business cards.

A vast park created within Naritasan’s grounds, spanning roughly 3.5 Tokyo Domes (165,000 m²).
In spring, around 350 cherry trees planted throughout the park bloom in full, drawing crowds of flower-viewing visitors.
You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as plum blossoms, wisteria, and autumn leaves, and feel beautiful nature up close throughout the year.

A senbei (rice cracker) shop on the approach that runs from in front of Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
Founded in 1912, it’s long been loved as Narita’s oldest-established senbei shop.
At the storefront, you’ll find over 30 kinds of handmade senbei at all times, including the shop’s signature “Fukumimi Kakimochi” (8 pieces for 700 yen).

Eel cuisine has long been loved as a famous dish of Narita pilgrimage visits to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple since the Edo period.
Among Narita’s long-established eel restaurants, Kawatoyo Honten stands out with its shop on the approach.
Founded in 1910, this long-established restaurant serves eel carefully selected by artisans with over 50 years of experience, offered as unaju (eel over rice), kabayaki, and shirayaki.

A long-established Japanese restaurant with a shop on the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Founded in the mid-Edo period, the name “Kikuya” comes from the chrysanthemum crest bestowed by Shinshoji Temple.
In addition to Narita specialties like eel and other freshwater fish dishes such as carp, it also offers a full lineup of a la carte dishes and set meals.
Its signature eel dishes use only eel with certificates of origin, serving only safe and delicious food.

A park on a hill on the north side of Narita International Airport’s runway, where you can watch planes take off and land up close.
Known as “The Hill Where You Can See Airplanes,” this prime location has also been used for filming TV dramas and is a popular photo spot for photographers and tourists.
At the tourism hub “Sora no Eki Sakura-kan,” you can buy fresh locally grown vegetables, handmade bento lunches, and souvenirs related to the airport and Narita.

In a nature-filled park, the attractions are packed into five categories: “Interact,” “Play,” “Experience,” “Eat,” and “Buy.”
The biggest highlight is interacting with many animals, including feeding cows (100 yen per cup of feed) and horseback riding (600 yen per ride), plus an experience where you can take a cute goat for a walk on a lead (300 yen for 10 minutes).
In the small animal area and bird house, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, and more are kept—so relax and enjoy their adorable 모습.