Travelers passing through Narita International Airport will once again have the opportunity to explore the surrounding region, with the return of the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program after a six-year hiatus.
Resuming on October 1, 2026, the program connects international visitors with six cities and towns around the airport, offering opportunities to discover local history, culture, nature, and cuisine. It is designed for transit passengers and inbound travelers staying near Narita who want to experience more of Japan beyond the airport terminal.
The relaunched program will bring back its popular free sightseeing tours led by volunteer guides, while introducing new paid tours featuring hands-on cultural experiences. These activities aim to give visitors a closer connection to local communities and traditions.
One of the first paid experiences was a festival float-pulling activity at the Sogo Reido Otaiyasai Festival on September 5, offering participants the chance to take part in a local celebration rather than simply observe it.
The program's return comes as inbound tourism to Japan continues to recover, providing another way for travelers to make the most of their time in the country, even during a relatively short stopover.
For visitors with a long layover or an overnight stay near Narita Airport, the initiative offers an alternative to spending their entire visit in the terminal or hotel. It also provides an introduction to the culture and attractions of the wider Chiba region, which can be overlooked by travelers heading straight into central Tokyo.
By linking international visitors with nearby communities, the program encourages travelers to see their time around Narita as an opportunity to discover another side of Japan. For more information, please head to the official site here.
