The steps up to the main hall and courtyard of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Dave Hansche here.  It is my week to post an article, but I am really busy.  Recently started a new job, photo sessions all weekend, and more upcoming this week.  But I also know I’ve not been great about publishing on my weeks, and I don’t want to leave you all hanging.  A couple weeks ago, I wrote about Sakura Castle in Chiba and the surrounding area.  Before I went there, I had the privilege of doing a photo shoot for an amazing couple in Narita, the city in Chiba that is home to Narita International Airport – the main hub for people traveling into and out of Japan.  Turns out, not far from the massive airport, there is a huge park and a temple complex dating from the 970s, with several buildings surviving from the early 1700s.

So, without further ado, here is a collection of photos from Naritasan park, home of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

The Great Peace Pagoda in the center of the park was built in 1984 and has fountains and gardens around it.

The three storied Pagoda, built in 1712

The large main gate of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Built in 1830, this large wooden structure sits along the road and is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at the temple.

Shakado hall, build in the 1850s and moved to the current location in the 1960s

Gaku-do hall in Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.  Built in 1861, this smaller secondary building was used to store votive tablets.  At one time, the building had sliding doors around its base, but they have been removed.

One of the halls of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

A smaller side hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Smaller side buildings of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Yuuhi Waterfall behind Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Naritasan Park

Naritasan park also has walking trails through forests and gardens, a large pond, and a small museum on the grounds.  And since it is a short taxi or train ride from Narita International Airport, the complex has become popular with Japanese and foreign tourists alike.  So if you ever find yourself in Narita with an afternoon to waste, this is a wonderful place to waste it.

Now, back to work for me.