Located just a 10-minute train ride from Narita International Airport, the Naritasan Omotesando is a vibrant, 800-meter-long historic street that feels like stepping back into Edo-period Japan. It serves as the traditional pilgrimage pathway leading from the Narita train stations directly to the grand gates of the millennium-old Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
The street is famous for its remarkably preserved wooden buildings, historic lanterns, and retro storefronts. It has avoided overly modern commercialization, keeping a nostalgic, warm “old-town” charm (monzen-machi).
The aromatic hallmark of Omotesando is grilled freshwater eel (unagi). Ever since the Edo period, unagi has been served here to help weary pilgrims recover from their long journeys. At famous spots like Kawatoyo, you can even watch master chefs prepare and grill the eel over charcoal right at the front of the shop.
The path is packed with over 150 shops. Visitors can sample freshly baked senbei(rice crackers), yokan (sweet red bean jelly), and local Chiba peanut snacks. It’s also an excellent spot for picking up traditional Japanese crafts and herbal remedies.
The area shares deep historical ties with the Ichikawa Danjuro family, one of Kabuki theater’s most famous dynasties. You’ll find monuments and subtle tributes to Kabuki heritage scattered along the street.
Stuart Taylor of HighlanderImages Photography has been making images for over 40 years focusing on Asia with a documentary/photojournalistic style.
Stuart is available for a variety of assignments in subject areas of photojournalism, commercial, architectural, real estate, industrial, interior design, corporate, urbex, adventure, wilderness, and travel.