Naritasan Shinshoji

**Goma fire ritual:** Daily goma fire rituals (護摩焚き) occur at 6:00, 9:30, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30 in the Great Main Hall. The 30-minute ceremony involves monks chanting sutras while feeding sacred fire — visitors can purchase wooden prayer sticks (¥1,000) inscribed with wishes to be burned. Arrive 15 minutes early for seating near the flames. **Hidden garden circuit:** Behind the Great Peace Pagoda lies a 16-hectare traditional Japanese garden (Naritasan Park) with three ponds, waterfalls, and moss-covered stone lanterns dating to the Edo period. Entry is free and the area is virtually empty even when the temple is crowded. The autumn foliage (late November) rivals Kyoto temples. **Eel restaurant tradition:** Omotesando Street has over 20 eel restaurants, some operating since the 1700s. Kawabata Honten (川豊本店, founded 1910) serves unagi kabayaki over binchotan charcoal — the traditional Kanto preparation. Order the 'unaju tokujyo' (¥4,200) for the premium eel grade. The waiting room overlooks a koi pond. **Airport timing strategy:** If you have a late evening flight from Narita Airport (after 18:00), store luggage at Narita Station (¥500/bag) and spend 3-4 hours exploring the temple and Omotesando. The 15:30 fire ritual + eel dinner + shopping creates a culturally rich airport layover.