Experience Narita’s Culture: Stay at the Kabuki-Themed WAQOO Naritasan Monzen

While most travelers rush through its enormous air and rail hubs, Narita in the heart of Chiba Prefecture, is much more than just a gateway to Tokyo. Those who take time to explore this city will find a charming town with genuine character, centered around the historic Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and complemented by a winding main street lined with traditional shops selling quality local goods, including the region’s famous grilled eel.

Walking along the main street toward the temple, one building, the WAQOO Naritasan Monzen, immediately catches the eye. Opened in 2022, this property is one among a carefully curated collection of just four hotels in all of Japan, each positioned near sacred temples and dedicated to connecting guests to Japan’s cultural heritage.

What distinguishes WAQOO Naritasan Monzen is its deep connection to traditional kabuki theater, and this isn’t merely a decorative afterthought. The hotel’s restaurant features custom artwork created by a professional kabuki stage designer, along with 18 carefully selected photographs of kabuki performances lining the hallways across all four floors. These images showcase and celebrate the work of the prestigious Ichikawa kabuki family, one of Japan’s most respected theatrical lineages.

The ground floor houses a unique bathhouse featuring black silica stones from Hokkaido. The hotel describes these stones as having purifying properties, drawing on the broader traditional Japanese belief that some stones are spiritually significant. Whether or not you subscribe to such beliefs, the bath provides genuine relaxation and connects to the hotel’s deeper purpose, encouraging guests to bathe before visiting Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple , echoing ancient pilgrim rituals.

The WAQOO Naritasan Monzen’s rooms blend Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort; paper lanterns, natural wood finishes, and carefully chosen seasonal decorations create an atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming. Attention to detail extends throughout the property, with seasonal decor and design choices that clearly serve a purpose rather than simply filling space. The meals, both dinner and breakfast, are also exceptional, utilizing local ingredients in a refined Kyoto-style tasting menu.

Each day from 4:30 to 5:15 PM, the hotel offers a hands-on craft workshop where guests can inscribe their names, wishes, and the date. You can either take your creation home or have the staff deliver it to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple  for a traditional offering ceremony. It’s a brief but meaningful activity enjoyable for families, couples, children, or solo travelers. In addition, the hotel also offers a guided tour of the area, pointing out historical artifacts and subtle details in the temple and its surroundings that are easy to miss for the untrained eye.

The hotel also provides yukata (casual summer kimono) for guests to wear on the property and even around town, with the hotel’s traditional spaces providing excellent photo backdrops. When asked, our host, Miwa-san, the deputy director of the hotel, said his favourite way to experience the area is to walk along the street late at night when the tourists have left and the locals are all in bed. It is indeed a serene experience, with background vocals provided by local frogs.

The building itself incorporates subtle references to its kabuki inspiration, including the three-square crest of the Ichikawa family. 

WAQOO Naritasan Monzen offers convenient access to Narita International Airport while providing a significantly more enriching experience than typical airport hotels. The location makes it ideal for managing jet lag or early departures, but the property and surrounding town are a destination in their own right.

The pricing reflects the hotel’s positioning as a cultural experience rather than simple accommodation. The attention to detail and unique offerings justify the cost for travelers seeking a rewarding lodging experience.

Narita is more than a rushed transit stop. The combination of historical significance, cultural authenticity, and thoughtful hospitality makes both the town and this particular hotel worth experiencing. Sometimes the most memorable parts of travel happen when we slow down and pay attention to where we are, rather than rushing toward where we’re going.