Narita, Chiba · Historic Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
成田山 新勝寺
Founded 940 AD — one of Japan’s most visited temples and a living centre of Shingon Buddhism where Goma fire rituals have burned every day for over a thousand years.
📍 Narita, Chiba
⛩️ Shingon Buddhism
🕗 8:00–16:00 daily
🎟️ Free entry
About the Temple
Founded in 940 AD when Archbishop Kanjo conducted Goma prayers for 21 days during a national revolt. On February 14, 940 the revolt was suppressed and Naritasan was established to commemorate this victory of peace.
The main deity Fudo-myo-o (“Unmovable Wisdom King”) is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), founder of Shingon Buddhism — making this one of Japan’s most historically significant temples.
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Famous ConnectionKabuki legends Ichikawa Danjuro and Ichikawa Ebizo have revered Naritasan since the Edo period — the temple is deeply woven into Japanese cultural history.
Worship Route (~1 hour)
Main Gate→
Goma Reception→
Niō-mon Gate→
Great Main Hall→
Shaka-dō Hall→
Kōmyō-dō Hall→
Great Pagoda of Peace→
Three-storied Pagoda→
Main Gate
Key Buildings
Sō-mon (Main Gate)
Built 2007 · 15m tall
12 zodiac animals and 8 Buddha images representing birth years on the upper story.
Great Main Hall
Central worship hall
Houses the sacred Fudo-myo-o image. Daily Goma rituals performed here since 940 AD.
Kōmyō-dō Hall
Built 1701 · Cultural Asset
Original main hall. Five Buddhas enshrined. Opens annually for the Gion festival.
Three-storied Pagoda
Built 1712 · Cultural Asset
25m tall with rare flowing-cloud carved rafters by master craftsman Shimamura Entetsu.
Shaka-dō Hall
Built 1858 · Cultural Asset
Now the main hall. Wall reliefs of 500 Buddhist saints carved entirely in zelkova wood.
Niō-mon Gate
Rebuilt 1831 · Cultural Asset
Houses the Four Guardians of the Buddha enshrined at the entrance.
Goma Fire Ritual
The Goma is Naritasan’s most sacred ritual — prayers for family safety, business success, traffic safety, and expelling evil, performed without interruption since 940 AD.
🔥 What happens?
Special wooden Goma sticks are burned on the altar. The fire symbolises Fudo-myo-o’s wisdom; the sticks represent human afflictions. The priest prays for these afflictions to be consumed by holy fire.
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Traveller TipAsk at the General Reception for the daily Goma schedule — witnessing this ritual is a rare and moving experience.
Amulets & Charms
🛡️
Protection
¥500+
Guard against accidents and disasters. Name can be written on back.
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Victory
¥500+
For success in business, exams or sport.
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Health & Longevity
¥800
Good health, long life and recovery from illness.
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Traffic Safety
¥800
One of the most popular offerings for safe travel.
Naritasan Park (Free)
165,000 sq. metre park open to all — a full walk takes ~1 hour and changes beautifully every season.
🏯 Great Pagoda of Peace🖌️ Calligraphy Museum⛲ Water Sound Garden🍵 Tea Ceremony Room📖 Haiku Monument
🌸 Spring
Cherry blossoms & azaleas. Apricot festival Feb–Mar.
🌿 Summer
Lush green shade — cool escape from the heat.
🍂 Autumn
Stunning red & gold foliage. Momiji festival mid-Nov.
❄️ Winter
Serene and quiet — enjoy without the crowds.
Access
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Address1 Narita, Narita-shi, Chiba 286-0023 JAPAN
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By TrainJR Narita Line or Keisei Line → Narita Station, then 10–15 min walk along Omotesando.
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From Narita AirportOnly 10 minutes by train — perfect before or after your flight.
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AdmissionFree — temple grounds and park
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Memory Travel TipPair with a stroll along historic Omotesando street — lined with traditional restaurants and souvenir shops perfect for a last taste of Japan.
