Alright, folks, get ready for a fun ride as we uncover 10 things you probably didn’t know about Narita International Airport in Japan. Brace yourselves for some interesting and occasionally wacky facts.
1. Narita Is Not in Tokyo
First things first, Narita Airport is like that one cousin who claims to be from Tokyo but lives way out in Chiba Prefecture. It’s actually about 40 miles (64 kilometers) away from downtown Tokyo. So if you’re expecting to step off the plane and into the bustling streets of the capital, think again.
2. Cultural Sensation: Narita Express
Narita Express (N’EX) is the hippest train in town, and it’ll whisk you from the airport to Tokyo like a bullet. Not a literal bullet, but it’s super fast. Plus, you can get a mini-Japanese culture lesson on the way, and you’ll know what a “bento box” is by the time you arrive.
3. Don’t Mess with Tarmac
Narita Airport doesn’t mess around with its tarmac. They’ve got a special, super-sturdy one designed to handle even the mightiest of earthquakes. So when the earth shakes, your plane won’t be doing the cha-cha on the runway. Safety first.
4. Skylines and Sunshine
Narita has not one but two control towers. One’s for daytime, and the other is for nighttime. It’s like they’re giving their air traffic controllers a chance to appreciate the skyline during their shift change. How considerate.
5. Narita’s Name Game
Did you know the airport’s full name is “New Tokyo International Airport”? That’s like calling the Eiffel Tower “Fancy French Iron Structure.” But the locals mostly just call it Narita, so we’ll go with that.
6. Museum in the Terminal
If you’re a culture vulture, you’re in luck. Narita Airport has its very own museum right there in the terminal. Now you can get a dose of Japanese history before you even leave the airport. You’re basically a scholar now.
7. Hello Kitty Paradise
Narita is wild about Hello Kitty. You’ll find a dedicated Hello Kitty check-in counter and a shop where you can buy all the Hello Kitty stuff your heart desires. Cat lovers, rejoice.
8. It’s Home to a Temple
Surprisingly, there’s a centuries-old temple right on the airport grounds. So if you’re looking for a peaceful moment before a long flight or just want to send some good vibes your way, take a stroll over to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
9. A Park to Plane Experience
The observation decks at Narita give you a great view of the runways. It’s like a real-life airplane-spotting adventure. You can wave at the passengers or just marvel at the marvels of modern engineering. Your choice.
10. Narita’s Baggage Delivery Ninja
Narita Airport has a baggage delivery service that can transport your bags to your hotel in Tokyo. They’re so quick and efficient that they’re basically luggage ninjas. It’s like magic. Say the secret word, and poof, your bags are at your hotel.
So there you have it, 10 things you probably didn’t know about Narita International Airport. Next time you pass through, you’ll be full of fun facts and ready to tackle that tarmac like a pro. Have a great trip.