If you're into museums or if you have children, this may be a good option. This guided tour takes visitors to one of Japan’s best hands-on museums, the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences. The museum is a 14-minute train ride from the airport; once there, you’ll have two hours to explore what the museum has to offer, including a flight simulator, full-sized displays of aircraft and tons of interesting facts about aeronautics in general. Be sure to note the museum hours (below) and the entry fees: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for students and ¥200 for children. You can count on this course taking a full three hours.

Open: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (entry until 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays (or the following business day if Monday is a public holiday)

Wondering what Japan looks like outside of its sprawling metropolitan areas? Take advantage of this guided tour to the town of Tako and get into nature. The trip begins with a 25-minute bus ride to Tako, where you’ll be dropped off at the Tako Hydrangea Hall. Enjoy a half-hour stroll among Tako’s picturesque rice paddies, which produce the renowned Tako rice that's grown as a tribute to the emperor. You'll then have 40 minutes to walk the Hydrangea Pathway, so called because of the 10,000 hydrangeas that bloom there during the summer. If you decide to take this tour in spring you'll get to see field mustard and cherry blossoms, while the fall brings cosmos.

If you want a tour that truly encompasses the traditional side of Japan, you should try this course. Your guide will take you on a quick train ride to Narita Station from Narita Airport. Once there you have 30 minutes to meander up the idyllic Omotesando Street, where you can sample Japanese sake, snack on hand-grilled rice crackers, and explore the traditional Japanese restaurants and inns. Finally, you'll be guided to Narita-san Shinshoji (literally, Mount Narita New Victory Temple). With more than 1,000 years of history, this temple is sure to impress you with its beautiful three-tiered pagoda, the immense wooden main structure, and the beautiful Narita-san Park. You’ll have an hour to explore this area before you have to return to the airport, but it's an hour you'll never forget!

If you're interested in taking one of these guided tours, stop by the Narita Transit Program counter at Narita Airport. For more information, including information about self-guided tours, check out the Narita Transit Program website. Enjoy!