This is the most unique shrine in the world, built right at the approach end of Runway 34R at Narita Airport, yet it is not managed by the airport. Aircraft pass overhead at a height of 15 meters/50 feet, which looks spectacular from the ground. But if you have taken a flight to Narita Airport and felt that it takes a long time to taxi after landing, You should remember this famous “holdout,” as it forces aircraft to make a large detour to return to the terminal.

This holdout is the famous Toho Shrine.

Looking at its location on Google Maps, it is just a few dozen meters from the Runway end.

I never had the chance to visit Toho Shrine because I heard it was heavily guarded with police checking back and forth. But recently the situation seems to have improved, so today a friend and I drove over to take a look. Toss a few coins into the offering box, praying to the local spirits for the safety of flight passengers, on-time landings, and a smooth journey home.

Since I was here, I had to take a photo—a group shot of photography gear, wireless receivers, and the shrine.

Beyond the shrine lies the airport. To protect aviation safety, the road leading to the shrine is blocked by high walls. Fortunately, there is a parking lot that can accommodate several cars. A Peach Aviation Airbus A320, with photography enthusiasts shooting between the high walls. This photo looks rather eerie, as if people are worshipping the passing aircraft, performing some mysterious religious ritual.

Below are a few presentable photos. Because I arrived a bit late, the light was somewhat side-on. An Atlas Air Boeing 747-400F passes overhead. Although it is just a fleeting moment, it is spectacular. Because of the high wall blocking the view, the aircraft’s approach cannot be seen; One can only listen to the dialogue between Tower control and the pilots, and judge the distance by the sound of the engines.

The aircraft suddenly appears in view, then immediately focus and press the shutter. If the shutter is even a few tenths of a second slow, the photo will turn out like this. But rest assured, every flight is safe.

This is actually a good place to compare the sizes of different aircraft types: Aeroflot Boeing 777-300

Scoot Boeing 787-9

FedEx, ITA Airways, and Scoot Boeing 777-200

Malaysia Airlines Asia Airbus 330-300

Jeju Air Boeing 737-800

Honestly, although Toho Shrine is very famous, It is extremely difficult to photograph and is not suitable for traditional “spotting” style aircraft photography. People mostly just take some commemorative photos and then leave.

Toho Shrine on Google Maps

From the image below, you can see that the two Runways at Narita Airport are not parallel; The grounds of Toho Shrine cut off the right side of Runway 34R. If this “holdout” (and a few farmhouses) did not exist in the middle of the Runway, The taxiing distance to the airport terminal after takeoff and landing would save several kilometers.