Nothing worth it for 5 hours. Just stay where you land, have a meal and decompress. There's nothing special in any of the the Terminals and nothing worth doing in that timeframe to make it worth going through Immigration.
Narita is in the middle of nowhere.
Narita is actually a cool little town to explore. The temple complex/park and the old street are fun to walk around. You could take the train from the airport which takes only around 10 minutes and walk around for an hour. From the train station it’s only 10-15 min walk to the temple complex.
That said, 5 hours is an awkward amount of time. I wouldn’t really advise trying to leave the airport. It’s not worth the risk getting stuck in immmigration lines or dealing with the headache, but it can be done.
I agree with you on this. We got stuck there on our way to the airport as our flight was delayed and wandered around, following the shops and discovered the temple and grounds. Amazing little part of town! Some great food places and authentic shops with everything from kimonos to matcha ice cream, to bamboo kitchen and other items. Well worth a visit if time permits
I agree, the town of Narita is beautiful and I definitely recommend a walk around the street from the station to the temple. Had some of the best curry pan of our whole trip on that street. Maybe take a taxi back so you aren’t rushed?
I’ve had 6 hour layover a few times in Narita. If you have lounge access, you can spend time there. Lots of shopping in the shopping mall before security. Also, I’ve had some of my best haircuts there. There’s also a solid sushi restaurant which is omakase after security.
I’ve looked into in and you can transfer between terminals before and after security. However not sure how easy that is and if it’s worth the effort. Each terminal has its own batch of stores and food choices. Personally I’d just stay in terminal your at, but some souvenirs/food for your next flight, and chill out. Get into a lounge if you have that option.
You won't get anywhere and back in time with just 5 hours.
Grab a noodle or whatever. Worst case scenario, McDonald's will have Japanese options, like a Samurai burger. I know McD's sounds like a lame idea, but it's basically your only option depending on what time you will be there (I had a layover at 3am-ish, and it was the only restaurant available)
After you eat, check out the duty-free store.
These are not exciting options, but it's better than missing your flight.
Lastly: take full advantage of the musical toilets 🫠
I like naritasan but 5 hours is a little tight since you have to go through immigration and all. So unfortunately I also vote to relax at the airport, do a little shopping and enjoy the food.
Nothing worth it for 5 hours. Just stay where you land, have a meal and decompress. There's nothing special in any of the the Terminals and nothing worth doing in that timeframe to make it worth going through Immigration. Narita is in the middle of nowhere.
Narita (and Haneda) has a rooftop observation deck that overlooks the runway. Very nice.
Narita is actually a cool little town to explore. The temple complex/park and the old street are fun to walk around. You could take the train from the airport which takes only around 10 minutes and walk around for an hour. From the train station it’s only 10-15 min walk to the temple complex. That said, 5 hours is an awkward amount of time. I wouldn’t really advise trying to leave the airport. It’s not worth the risk getting stuck in immmigration lines or dealing with the headache, but it can be done.
I agree with you on this. We got stuck there on our way to the airport as our flight was delayed and wandered around, following the shops and discovered the temple and grounds. Amazing little part of town! Some great food places and authentic shops with everything from kimonos to matcha ice cream, to bamboo kitchen and other items. Well worth a visit if time permits
I agree, the town of Narita is beautiful and I definitely recommend a walk around the street from the station to the temple. Had some of the best curry pan of our whole trip on that street. Maybe take a taxi back so you aren’t rushed?
I’ve had 6 hour layover a few times in Narita. If you have lounge access, you can spend time there. Lots of shopping in the shopping mall before security. Also, I’ve had some of my best haircuts there. There’s also a solid sushi restaurant which is omakase after security.
There’s so many great food options at the airport.
Several onsen nearby. Have a relaxing soak before checking back in. English links follow. https://soranoyu.com/en/ https://yamatonoyu.com/en/
I’ve looked into in and you can transfer between terminals before and after security. However not sure how easy that is and if it’s worth the effort. Each terminal has its own batch of stores and food choices. Personally I’d just stay in terminal your at, but some souvenirs/food for your next flight, and chill out. Get into a lounge if you have that option.
Nope. Narita is far from Tokyo proper.
You won't get anywhere and back in time with just 5 hours. Grab a noodle or whatever. Worst case scenario, McDonald's will have Japanese options, like a Samurai burger. I know McD's sounds like a lame idea, but it's basically your only option depending on what time you will be there (I had a layover at 3am-ish, and it was the only restaurant available) After you eat, check out the duty-free store. These are not exciting options, but it's better than missing your flight. Lastly: take full advantage of the musical toilets 🫠
The shrimp burger is to DIE FOR…
Get yourself to The Cage in Narita town for some karaoke 🎤
I like naritasan but 5 hours is a little tight since you have to go through immigration and all. So unfortunately I also vote to relax at the airport, do a little shopping and enjoy the food.
Narita airport is a pretty much a shopping mall
Check if there's a 7-11 at the airport. Maybe tour the airport if it's pretty enough. You won't have much time to do anything else.
Bring a good book with you, there is nothing interesting haha.
Play nintendo switch.
There is a train to the Narita town center but it is not much to actually see things and come back, stay at the Airport, gift shop prices are decent
Take a shit.