Narita, Transport hub in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Narita is a town in Chiba Prefecture that spreads across the flat plains east of Tokyo and is known as the site of a major international airport. Residential neighborhoods, shopping streets, and wide rice paddies alternate and form a mosaic of rural and modern zones.
Settlement here goes back to prehistoric times when hunters and gatherers used the area. In the 10th century the Buddhist temple was founded, which sparked the development of a pilgrimage site and still forms the center of the town today.
The name comes from the Buddhist temple Naritasan, which has drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years and shapes the life of the town. Along the old road to the shrine, traditional shops and restaurants line up where visitors can taste regional specialties.
Several train lines connect the place to Tokyo and other towns in the region, with journeys usually taking around an hour. Those who want to visit the temple will find it within walking distance of the central station and can navigate the surrounding lanes.
The street to the temple is lined with shops selling freshly grilled eel, a specialty that travelers often try. Many of these businesses have existed for several generations and prepare the fish using handed-down methods.
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