Exploring Great Places to Live Near Narita Airport

Living near Narita Airport in Japan offers several great options, each with its own unique features. Whether you are looking for a city environment or a more rural setting, Narita Airport surrounds you with several neighborhoods to choose from. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living near Narita Airport in some of the most popular areas.

Popular Areas to Consider

Narita City

Near the Narita International Airport, Narita City is a smaller city that still offers a range of attractions, amenities, and cultural options. Here are the pros and cons of living in Narita City near the airport:

Pros:

Close to the airport, about 10-15 minutes by car. Rich in history with attractions like Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Variety of shopping and dining options.

Cons:

Smaller city feel which might lack some urban amenities.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is a bit further away from the airport but offers a mix of urban living with parks and riverside areas, making it a more convenient option for those who want a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city. Here are the pros and cons of living in Kawasaki near the airport:

Pros:

Good transportation links to Tokyo and other major cities. A mixture of urban living with parks and riverside areas.

Cons:

Longer commute to the airport, around 30-40 minutes.

Chiba City

Chiba City is a larger city environment offering a range of shopping, dining, and cultural activities. It is well-connected to Narita Airport via public transport, making it a convenient option for commuters. Here are the pros and cons of living in Chiba City near the airport:

Pros:

Offers a larger city environment with shopping, dining, and cultural activities. Well-connected to Narita Airport via public transport.

Cons:

Slightly further from the airport than Narita City.

Tateyama

Tateyama, a scenic coastal town, is about an hour from the airport and offers beautiful beaches and a more relaxed lifestyle. Here are the pros and cons of living in Tateyama near the airport:

Pros:

Beautiful beaches and a more relaxed lifestyle.

Cons:

Longer commute and fewer urban amenities.

Funabashi

Funabashi is a vibrant city northwest of Chiba, bordering Tokyo Metropolis, making it a commercial center with easy access to both Chiba and Tokyo. Here are the pros and cons of living in Funabashi near the airport:

Pros:

A vibrant city with a mix of urban and suburban living. Close to shopping centers and parks. Good transport options to Narita.

Cons:

Further away from Narita Airport, around 40-50 minutes.

Chiba City and Its Attractions

Chiba is the capital of Chiba Prefecture and is known for its attractions such as Chiba Zoo and the Makuhari Messe convention center. The Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, also plays there. Lives in Chiba City can be accessed by road and rail not only to the airport but also to central Tokyo.

Narita City, while much smaller, is a decent place to live. One neighborhood hosts corporate housing and dorms for JAL ANA and Japanese aviation and customs authorities.

Funabashi, northwest of Chiba, borders Tokyo Metropolis. It is a commercial center with many people commuting into Chiba or Tokyo. There are also race courses and Japan's first large-format IKEA in the area.

When choosing a place to live near Narita Airport, consider factors like commute times, lifestyle preferences, amenities, and whether you prefer a city or a more rural environment. Each of these areas offers unique advantages, so it's important to weigh them against your personal needs and desires.