The main street one goes through to get to a shrine or temple is called an omotesando. If you can find the statue of a kabuki actor, then you have found the start of the omotesando. Go for a stroll on this 800 meter path as you look at the shops that have remained in business since long ago.

Let’s review our history just one more time. Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple was created about 1,100 years ago. When a homa ritual was performed in front of Budōmyō’ō, a war cause by rebellion came to a halt. After this, Budōmyō’ō became enshrined at Shinshō-ji. The temple became famous about 300 years ago during the Edo period. Shinshō-ji held special exhibitions in Edo, parading around the Budōmyō’ō statue. At that time, a famous kabuki actor, Danjūrō Ichikawa played Budōmyō’ō in a play and Shinshō-ji’s name became known all throughout Edo. After these special exhibitions, the number of people who visited Shinshō-ji from Edo skyrocketed, which resulted in the temple’s expansion and the omotesando’s prosperity.

People in the Edo period thought of heading to Shinshō-ji Temple as a fun trip. However, getting there took 4 days and 3 nights. So, people would spend their nights in a ryokan, or traditional inn, eat in restaurants, and buy gifts to take home at souvenir shops, all of which lined the omotesando. Even today, this scene hasn’t really changed much.

Narita is still famous for its eel cuisine, chestnut sweet bean jelly, teppō fudō pickles, Chōmei-sen sake, and ichiryū-gan medicine. While you are walking around, keep an eye out for leftover vestiges of old traditional inns.