Fastest way from Ginza to Narita san? Take train express to Narita airport first, then to Narita san. Luggage locker at Narita airport?

How can I get from Ginza to Narita-san quickly? Should I take an express train to Narita Airport first, then go to Narita-san? Also, are there luggage lockers at Narita Airport?

Great question! Since Narita-san (Narita-san Shinshoji Temple) is actually in Narita City, a bit away from the airport, the fastest way isn’t necessarily via Narita Airport itself. From my experience—my wife’s family is from Narita, so we visit often—the best way is to take a direct train from the nearby Higashi-Ginza Station straight to Narita Station. This means you don’t have to change trains at Narita Airport, saving you time and hassle, especially if you’re carrying luggage.

There are plenty of coin-operated lockers right at Narita Station, so you can store your bags while you explore the temple grounds. The lockers come in various sizes, typically costing between ¥300 to ¥800 (about $2.50 to $6.50 USD) depending on size, which is pretty convenient.

If I’m coming from Ginza, how do I get to Higashi-Ginza Station easily?

Higashi-Ginza Station is just one stop from Ginza on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. It only takes about 3 minutes and costs around ¥170 (~$1.30 USD). From Higashi-Ginza, you can catch the Keisei Main Line’s Limited Express or Access Express trains that go directly to Narita Station without transfers. It’s a smooth ride and less crowded than going through Narita Airport.

Are there luggage lockers at Narita Airport if I still want to stop there?

Yes, Narita Airport has plenty of luggage lockers and baggage storage services in all terminals. Prices range roughly from ¥500 to ¥1,000 ($4.30 to $8.60 USD) depending on size and rental time. However, if your goal is Narita-san temple, stopping at the airport first might add unnecessary time since you’d need to take a local train or bus from the airport to Narita Station anyway.

What’s the train ride like from Higashi-Ginza to Narita Station? How long does it take?

The Limited Express or Access Express trains take about 70 to 80 minutes from Higashi-Ginza to Narita Station, and the trains are comfortable with reserved seating options. It’s a relaxing ride through urban and suburban areas, giving you a glimpse of everyday life outside Tokyo. The fare is around ¥1,300 to ¥1,500 (~$11 to $13 USD).

Can I buy tickets easily? Should I reserve seats?

You can buy tickets at any major station or use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenience. For Limited Express trains, reserving a seat is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays, but for Access Express trains, you can just hop on without reserved seating. If you want, you can reserve seats online or at ticket counters.

What do Japanese people usually do when visiting Narita-san?

Locals often visit Narita-san for more than just sightseeing—they might pray for good fortune, attend seasonal festivals, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll in the temple’s large grounds. After their visit, many stop by the nearby Omotesando street for traditional snacks like grilled eel or sweet rice crackers, which is a favorite local pastime. Tourists tend to rush through, but Japanese visitors usually take their time soaking in the atmosphere.

So, to sum up, if you want the fastest and most straightforward route from Ginza to Narita-san, head to Higashi-Ginza Station and take a direct train to Narita Station. Leave your luggage in the lockers there and enjoy the temple without the extra legwork of detouring through the airport. It’s a little-known but local favorite way to experience this iconic spot.