I’ve stopped by Narita countless of times, passing through town to get to Aeon Mall or the 100 yen sushi place near the mall. Once, on New Year’s Eve, a couple of us partied at a place called The Cage somewhere hidden in one of the buildings of this confusing maze of a town. I’ve always wanted to spend some time exploring the streets of Narita town, but never got to because my flights usually get in late in the evening. I’d rather spend the next morning sleeping  before our next flight in the evening than rising before the crack of dawn to go exploring.

Which was why I decided to head outside after a 12-hour long work day instead of getting my much needed sleep. It was a beautiful day out, the sun was shining and it was actually pretty warm for a Japan winter-turning-to-spring weather. I’ve been so used to the cold of Japan lately, the warmth was welcoming.

Took a shuttle bus from the hotel, dropped off at the Keisei Narita station and walked a little further to the JR Narita station before heading out to explore the town. The long, winding street leading up to the Narita-san Temple were lined with the cutest shops selling food, clothes, omiyage (souvenirs), okashi (sweet snacks), and my favourite had to be the massive senbei (rice crackers) stall.

Narita is also famed for their unagi (eel) restaurants where you can actually see chefs deboning and de-gutting the eels before you step inside and enjoyed the grilled variety on a bed of steaming hot rice. Not recommended for the faint-hearted. I’ve never tried Narita’s unagi offerings before, but everyone says they’re good.

Some day.