Originally Posted by jib71

ANA lounges at NRT have reclining seats behind some blackout curtains - not a bad place to nap. There are massage chairs too. And showers. Still, I wouldn't want to hole up there for 10 hours ...

If you don't have the time to apply for a visa before your visit, you could still try to get a shore pass. I think it depends on the judgment of the immigration officers on the day.... If you have an onward ticket for 10 hours later and you tell them you want to go to an airport hotel, visit the temple in Narita or something like that, they have the authority to give you a 48 hour pass or something. (They can also choose to tell you "no").

If you do leave the airport, I wouldn't bother with an organized tour. Just take the Keisei line local train to Keisei Narita, walk around the town center, visit the shrine, take the train back. Easy.

Check out the Japan forum sticky for more tips.