Narita Layover - To Go To Tokyo Or Not?

by B

A friend and I are headed home from Vietnam and have a layover in Narita from about 7:30 am until 6:45pm.
I've read both your Narita and Tokyo guides and both seem like nice options. We've never been to Japan before and want to make the most of our time. Do you think we have enough to venture to Tokyo?

I've also asked two friends who lived in Japan where we should go...one says Narita is quaint and enjoyed her visit. The other lived in Tokyo and called Narita a farming town and said I should have enough time to get to Tokyo.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Reply To Narita Airport Layover

Hello,
"Narita a farming town"? Not at all...
Narita city is certainly off the beaten track, but it has a beautiful Buddhist temple and the temple grounds are fantastic - with ponds, waterfalls and magnificent maple, plum and cherry Blossom trees which are great during spring and autumn.
Narita City has an up-scale shopping mall (AEON Mall) and lots of traditional Japanese stores. A great opportunity to stock up on Japanese Desserts and food to take home.
The best part is the prices which are much cheaper than in Tokyo.
Here are some ideas on what to do in Narita city

Another great idea - take the bus from Narita Airport to Tokyo Disneyland and spend your 6 hours there. Fantastic.
The Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea Printable Guide and Book will help you make the most of your short visit and grab as many fastpass as you can.
Note that you can either go into Tokyo Disneyland OR Disney Sea in one day (tickets won't allow skipping between both, but that's fine because you need 2-3 days to go through all Disney Sea Attractions).
In your case I would pick Disney Sea since it's much more geared for adults than kids, thrilling rides and unique Disney Rides that are not available in any other Disney Park in the world.

If you decide on going to Tokyo it will be a super short visit. You'll need at least 1.5 hours to get to Tokyo (morning rush hour) and 1-2 hours on the way back (rush hour again).
You can make it to 1 Tokyo attraction Tops.
See ideas for Things To Do in Tokyo.