Narita-san
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Japan_Narita_Street.JPG
Narita-san (成田山 lit: Narita mountain) is a Buddhist temple located in central Narita city, Chiba prefecture, Japan.
This temple is one of the most well known in the Kanto region of Japan and is only surpassed in visitors during the O-shogatsu period (lit: New year period) by the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The temple grounds are comprised of a main gate, a steep stairwell and the main buildings (including a couple five-story pagodas), and a garden area with large pond. A very small zoo is also within the temple grounds.
The mail hall is a buddhist worship area. The interior is based on Indian buddhist design but has a distinct Japanese impression. Throughout the day visitors come to sit and to pray aloud.
Tourism
Travellers leaving Japan via Narita International Airport commonly stop by to visit. The temple is within 10 minutes walking from either the JR Narita Station or the Keisei Narita Station and both paths offer many small shops selling Japanese snacks and other foodstuffs and also Japanese good-luck charms such as Daruma dolls.
Special Events
At the beginning of the year locals flock to Narita-san for the O-shogatsu holidays to pray.
In spring the Taiko festival occurs at Narita-san. One can observe taiko drum play and dancing at this time.
External Links
- Narita-san official site (http://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/index.html) in English
- Photos of Narita-san at photoguide.jp (http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=47)
- Photos of Narita-san Setsubun Festival at photoguide.jp (http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=46)
- Photos of Narita Taiko Festival at photoguide.jp (http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=45)
- Photos of Narita Gion Festival at photoguide.jp (http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=49)