Originally Posted by
FlyMan
3 hours and 45 min? I would say - you won't have enough time to get out and back into the airport. The airport is located in the middle of nowhere (even though they call it Tokyo New International Airport). The best bet is to stick around the airport terminals.
Yes, I'm afraid so. The airport really is in the middle of nowhere--and yes, that's possible, even in Japan--and even getting to the town of Narita requires you to clear Customs and Immigration, find where the train leaves from--making sure not to get on the train that goes all the way to Tokyo, buy a ticket, ride 15 minutes into town, ride back, and go through security. Both Customs and Immigration and security can be either a snap or a hassle, depending on time of day, season, whether the officials have headaches, etc.
The main sight in Narita is Shinshoji temple, but it's a good walk from the station.
Next time, try to get a longer layover.