You're right about Narita airport being so far out of
Tokyo... actually the closest town is Narita itself
and the closest city is Chiba City (on the Eastern
side of Tokyo Bay). You'll have heard of Chiba if
you've ever read William Gibson's 'Neuromancer'.
The best thing I can recommend that you can do in a
short amount of time is to experience some of the more
easily accessible sides of modern Japanese culture
which - time permitting - will include things like
going to an onsen (thermal bathhouse), an izikaya
(traditional inn), or even pushing the boat out and
venturing into a pachinko parlour and / or love hotel.
(More to follow...)
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Replying to:
I am going to Australia in April, but have a one night stoppover in Japan. We arrive at the international airport at around 6pm and leave at about midday the next day. I have heard that the airport is about 2 hours outside Tokyo, so would rather not bother going all the way in. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we should spend our time - our hotel is near the airport.
If you're doing well for time, you can get more of a glimpse of Japanese culture (which may be slightly contrived to suit
the time constraints of airport passengers making a brief stopover in the city),
at the Narita Tourist Pavillion, (advertised as 'A sensationally interesting place'!),
where you can find reconstructions of Edo Period (1600 to mid-1800s) temples and shrines. Admission is free and the pavillion opens at 9.00. If you turn up on a Thursday, a Japanese Tea Ceremony
will take place from 10.300am on the second floor.
For additional information on the ground try the
Narita City Tourist Information Center, located in front of Narita JR Station.