This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Narita.
Narita is well known by tourists visiting Japan as the location of one of Tokyo's largest airports. But it's far from being only that.
Once in the historical city center of Narita you will find yourself in a favorite weekend destination for Tokyo residents. You can easily spend a few days there yourself. While staying in a Narita hostel, we recommend visiting the huge temple, which could be viewed as better than its more famous Tokyo counterparts. There is also some fantastic shopping to do, with many typical food stalls in the main street. You can even sample their fare which ranges from small dried fish dipped in various teriyaki sauces, and handmade sake to different traditional cakes, peeled roasted chestnut, and pickled vegetables. But be careful, and make sure to look carefully at what you are trying, as it can also include teriyaki grasshoppers. As with everything in Japan there are strict rules for sampling food, so make sure you ask the vendors what they are, and stick to them.
Hostels in Narita can be divided in two categories, the ones near the airport, which are recommended if you are landing late or taking off early, and the hostels in Narita city which are more suitable for a laid back arrival, and a city stroll before a departure to the speedy Tokyo. Both the city and the airport have good train stations with regular connections to Tokyo. Narita hostels can be busy at times, so make sure you book in advance and know how to reach your destination. (It is advised to print the address in Japanese characters on a card or something that you can show people so they can help you more easily if you get lost).
