Rugby World Cup guide to Japan 2019

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 

EXPLORE 

JAPAN

YOUR PRE-TOUR GUIDE 

CONTENTS 

An introduction from Stephen Brown 

Meet the team 

Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan: 

Tournament Info 

Useful Information: Know before you go 

Useful Information: Flights 

Useful Information: Japan 

Useful Information: On the move 

Useful Information: Weather 

Useful Information: Eating in Japan 

Fukuoka 

Oita 

4 - 5 

6 - 9 

10 - 11 

12 - 13 

14 - 15 

16 - 19 

20 - 21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

Kamaishi 

Kobe 

Kumagaya 

Kumamoto 

Osaka 

Sapporo 

Shizuoka 

Tokyo 

Toyota City 

Yokohama 

Other destinations 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 - 37 

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2015. 

All rights reserved. 2 3

Dear Supporter, 

It’s great to know you will be in Japan supporting England at Rugby 

World Cup 2019. 

Our aim is to get as many fans as possible to Asia’s first Rugby 

World Cup to support Eddie Jones’ team and it’s fantastic to 

know you are already committed. 

Our own travel company, England Rugby Travel, want to make 

your experience unique and to ensure you have a wonderful 

time no matter what you want to enjoy. 

Their travel and event experts will be in regular communication 

with you and I hope the following document is useful. It includes 

early travel advice so you can plan quickly and easily, and also 

some great information on the cities you will visit in Japan – to give 

you a real taste of what you can expect and enjoy. 

Thanks for reading and see you in Japan. 

Kind regards, 

Stephen Brown 

Chief Executive Officer 

England Rugby 

TM © RWCL 2015 

4 5

YOUR TRAVEL TEAM 

MEET THE TEAM 

MARCUS NEAL 

Senior Event Operations Manager 

Visited Japan in January 2018 

Places visited: Oita, Beppu, Hiroshima, 

Osaka, Miyajima, Kanagawa, Kyoto, Kobe, 

Yokohama, Hakone, Nagano, Tokyo 

Favourite Japanese meal: Okonomiyaki, 

a popular pan-fried food that consists of 

batter and cabbage. 

Favourite place visited: Osaka – The 

Minami area and Dotobori is best seen 

at night. One of Osaka’s most popular 

tourist destinations it is a popular 

shopping and entertainment district full 

of neon lights and a buzz that doesn’t fail 

to impress. 

SARAH MCDONALD 

Event Team Leader 

Visiting Japan in September 2018 

Places visiting: Fukuoka, Oita, Beppu, 

Sapporo, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Osaka, 

Kobe, Yokohama, Hakone, Nagoya, 

Odawara, Tokyo 

Favourite Japanese meal: Favourite 

Japanese meal: Wagyu beef – Wagyu 

refers to any cattle that is bred in Japan 

or the Japanese-style. 

Looking forward most to see: Mount 

Fuji, as it is one of the most famous 

mountains in the world and the symbol 

of Japan. 

GLEN FERGUSON 

Event Team Leader 

Visited Japan in February 2018 

Places visited: Fukuoka, Oita, Beppu, 

Sapporo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe, 

Yokohama, Tokyo 

Favourite Japanese meal: Ramen 

at the Ramen Museum in Yokohama. 

Ramen consists of Chinese-style wheat 

noodles served in a meat or fish-based 

broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or 

miso, and uses toppings such as sliced 

pork, dried seaweed, menma, and green 

onions. 

Favourite place visited: Sapporo – The 

Beer Museum – say no more…! 

EMMA FOX 

Event Coordinator 


Places visiting: Fukuoka, Oita, Beppu, 

Sapporo, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Osaka, 

Kobe, Yokohama, Hakone, Nagoya, 

Odawara, Tokyo 

Favourite Japanese meal: Yakitori is a 

Japanese type of skewered chicken. Its 

preparation involves skewering the meat 

with kushi, a type of skewer typically 

made of steel, bamboo, or similar 

materials. Afterwards, they are grilled 

over a charcoal fire. 

Looking forward most to see: The 

culture and diversity and the differences 

compared to the Western world. 


6 7

CHARLOTTE PERKINS 


Visiting Japan in October 2018 

Places visiting: Fukuoka, Oita, 

Beppu, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo 

Favourite Japanese meal: 

Sushi is a Japanese dish of 

specially prepared vinegared rice 

(sushi-meshi), usually with some 

sugar and salt, combined with a 

variety of ingredients – I love the 

fish sushi! 

Looking forward most to see: 

Hiroshima – to learn about the 

tragic event of 1945 and see the 

restoration of the city and how it 

has moved on. 

GRACE CADMAN 



Places visiting: Fukuoka, 

Oita, Beppu, Nagasaki, Osaka, 

Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, 

Yokohama and Shin-Yokohama, 

Tokyo 


Chicken Katsu Curry – tried locally 

and can’t wait now to experience 

in Japan! 

Favourite place visited: Osaka 

Castle because The castle is 

one of Japan’s most famous 

landmarks and it played a major 

role in the unification of Japan 

during the sixteenth century. 

KANE HAZARD 



Places visiting: 

Fukuoka, Oita, Beppu, Nagasaki, 

Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, 

Kyoto, Yokohama and Shin- 

Yokohama, Tokyo 


Sapporo Premium Beer!!! My 

favourite Japanese beer is 

Japan’s oldest beer brand since 

1876. 


The stadiums! This will be the 

first time that Rugby World Cup 

is played in Asia and an occasion 

that will go down in history. 

BEN PERRINS 

Event Administrator 

Visiting Japan in October 2018 

Places visiting: Fukuoka, Oita, 

Beppu, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo 


Japanese McDonalds! From 

burgers to fries to pies, Japan has 

some 35 unique menu items and I 

intend to try them all! 

Favourite place visited: The 

landscape – Three quarters of 

the country is mountainous, with 

plains and basins covering the 

remaining area. 

REBECCA SUNNUCKS 

Event Administrator 

Has never visited Japan 


Rebecca has enjoyed some of 

the 200 different flavours of 

Japanese Kit-Kat’s brought 

back by the team from recent 

trips. Favourite flavours include 

Strawberry Cheesecake and 

Chocolate Banana. The least 

favourite flavour was Green Tea 

and Apple Vinegar! 


Some of the 80,000 shrines in 

Japan. 


28 9

WELCOME TO 

RUGBY 

WORLD 

CUP 2019, 

JAPAN 

On 20 September 2019, Japan will play host to the ninth Rugby World 

Cup. Over six weeks, 20 teams will play in a total of 48 matches, in 

12 venues across the whole of Japan. The tournament will 

start with the pool stages, leading up to the 

final on Saturday 2 November 2019. 

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 

MATCH SCHEDULE 

POOL A 

IRELAND 

SCOTLAND 

JAPAN 

RUSSIA 

SAMOA 

Fri 20 Sept - 19:45 

Tokyo Stadium 

Japan v Russia 

Sun 22 Sept - 16:45 

International Stadium Yokohama 

Ireland v Scotland 

Tues 24 Sept - 19:15 

Kumagaya Rugby Stadium 

Russia v Samoa 

Sat 28 Sept - 16:15 

Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa 

Japan v Ireland 

Mon 30 Sept - 19:15 

Kobe Misaki Stadium 

Scotland v Samoa 

Thurs 03 Oct - 19:15 


Ireland v Russia 

Sat 05 Oct - 19:30 

City of Toyota Stadium 

Japan v Samoa 

Wed 09 Oct - 16:15 


Scotland v Russia 

Sat 12 Oct - 19:45 

Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium 

Ireland v Samoa 

POOL B 

NEW ZEALAND 

SOUTH AFRICA 

ITALY 

NAMIBIA 

REPECHAGE WINNER 

Sat 21 Sept - 18:45 


New Zealand v South Africa 

Sun 22 Sept - 14:15 

Hanazono Rugby Stadium 

Italy v Namibia 

Thurs 26 Sept - 16:45 


Italy v Repechage winner 

Sat 28 Sept - 18:45 


South Africa v Namibia 

Wed 02 Oct - 19:15 

Oita Stadium 

New Zealand v Repechage 

winner 

Fri 04 Oct - 18:45 


South Africa v Italy 

Sun 06 Oct - 13:45 

Tokyo Stadium 

New Zealand v Namibia 

Tues 08 Oct - 19:15 


South Africa v Repechage winner 

Sat 12 Oct - 13:45 


New Zealand v Italy 

POOL C 

ENGLAND 

FRANCE 

ARGENTINA 

USA 

TONGA 

Sat 21 Sept - 16:15 

Tokyo Stadium 

France v Argentina 

Sun 22 Sept - 19:15 

Sapporo Dome 

England v Tonga 

Thurs 26 Sept - 19:45 


England v USA 

Sat 28 Sept - 13:45 


Argentina v Tonga 

Wed 02 Oct - 16:45 


France v USA 

Sat 05 Oct - 17:00 

Tokyo Stadium 

England v Argentina 

Sun 06 Oct - 16:45 

Kumamoto Stadium 

France v Tonga 

Wed 09 Oct - 13:45 


Argentina v USA 

Sat 12 Oct - 17:15 


England v France 

POOL D 

AUSTRALIA 

WALES 

GEORGIA 

FIJI 

URUGUAY 

Sat 21 Sept - 13:45 

Sapporo Dome 

Australia v Fiji 

Mon 23 Sept - 19:15 


Wales v Georgia 

Wed 25 Sept - 14:15 

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium 

Fiji v Uruguay 

Sun 29 Sept - 14:15 


Georgia v Uruguay 

Sun 29 Sept - 16:45 

Tokyo Stadium 

Australia v Wales 

Thurs 03 Oct - 14:15 


Georgia v Fiji 

Sat 05 Oct - 14:15 

Oita Stadium 

Australia v Uruguay 

Wed 09 Oct - 18:45 

Oita Stadium 

Wales v Fiji 

Fri 11 Oct - 19:15 


Australia v Georgia 

Sun 13 Oct - 19:45 


Japan v Scotland 

Sun 13 Oct - 12:15 

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium 

Namibia v Repechage winner 

Sun 13 Oct - 14:45 


USA v Tonga 

Sun 13 Oct - 17:15 

Kumamoto Stadium 

Wales v Uruguay 

QUARTER-FINAL 1 

Sat 19 Oct - 16:15 

Oita Stadium 

WINNER POOL C 


Sat 19 Oct - 19:15 

Tokyo Stadium 

WINNER POOL B 


Sun 20 Oct - 16:15 

Oita Stadium 

WINNER POOL D 


Sun 20 Oct - 19:15 

Tokyo Stadium 

WINNER POOL A 

RUNNER UP POOL D 

RUNNER UP POOL A 

RUNNER UP POOL C 

RUNNER UP POOL B 

SEMI-FINAL 1 

Sat 26 Oct - 17:00 


WINNER QF1 

WINNER QF2 

BRONZE FINAL 

Fri 01 Nov - 18:00 

Tokyo Stadium 

RUNNER UP SF1 

RUNNER UP SF2 

SEMI-FINAL 2 

Sun 27 Oct - 18:00 


WINNER QF3 

WINNER QF4 

FINAL 

Sat 02 Nov - 18:00 


WINNER SF1 

WINNER SF2 


10 11 

All matches are JST. Subject to change. TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2015. All rights reserved.

USEFUL INFORMATION 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 


PASSPORT 

You will require a passport to enter 

Japan, it must be valid for the 

duration of your stay. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

It is a condition of booking that you 

must have adequate travel insurance 

to cover your trip. If you have an annual 

travel insurance policy, please ensure it 

covers Japan and is valid for the duration 

of your trip. Please also ensure you have 

the relevant policy documents and 

emergency numbers with you on tour. 

VISA 

MEDICATION, VACCINATIONS AND 

RESTRICTIONS 

Several common UK over-the-counter and prescription medicines 

are banned in Japan, specifically medicines containing stimulants 

or codeine. If you require long-term prescription medication you 

may need to provide paperwork, such as an import license called a 

‘Yakkan Shoumei’, in order to bring it into the country. You can only 

bring pre-filled syringes or self-injection kits into Japan with you. 

Japanese customs officers may not be 

sympathetic if you claim ignorance, so check 

with the Japan Embassy or Consulate if you 

are in doubt. A frequently asked questions 

document containing useful information 

regarding restrictions and import licences 

can be found at: 

www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/healthmedical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf 

British citizens do not require a visa to enter 

Japan. Providing you hold a ‘British Citizen’ 

or ‘British National (Overseas)’ passport, 

you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 

days however may need to provide evidence 

of a return or onward ticket. For all other 

nationalities, please consult the Japanese 

Embassy or Consulate for further information: 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/ 

entry-requirements 

No vaccinations are required when travelling 

to Japan, however it is recommended to visit 

your GP or Practice Nurse 6-8 weeks before 

12 13 

you travel, who will assess your health and 

may recommend vaccines if necessary. 

The following medicinal items are restricted 

when entering Japan: 

• More than one month's supply of 

medicines that are toxicants, dangerous 

or prescription drugs 

• More than two months' supply of 

medicines that are non-prescription 

drugs or quasi-drugs 

• More than 24 units (normal size) of 

similar cosmetic products

IMPORTANT 


FLIGHTS 

Before you travel please advise us in writing of any 

medical conditions including allergies and disabilities, and 

if you will be travelling with any medical equipment i.e. a CPAP 

machine or sharps. 

FLIGHT TICKETS 

If you have purchased flights as part of your package with England 

Rugby Travel, you will not be issued any physical flight tickets or a 

booking reference as our allocations are group flights. All you need to do 

is present your passport upon check-in, and boarding cards will then be 

issued. Please be assured you will not need a ticket or booking reference 

to check in for your flight. 

FLIGHT REQUESTS 

Please note that seats are pre-allocated and online check in is not 

possible due to the seats being managed in a group. 

Seat requests cannot be actioned until the flight has been ticketed, 

approximately three months prior to the flight departure date. Once 

the flight has been ticketed we can investigate the cost and availability 

of any seat requests, however these cannot be guaranteed and we 

are unable to confirm specific seat numbers to clients. 

Please advise us in writing of any special meal requests 

i.e. vegetarian/gluten-free meals. These requests will be 

submitted to the airline and are subject to availability at 

the discretion of the carrier. 


14 15


JAPAN 

CURRENCY 

GMT 

+9 Hrs 

TIME DIFFERENCE 

Japan is currently nine hours ahead of GMT. 

During the Rugby World Cup, this will change 

to eight hours ahead of BST due to daylight 

saving time. 

The Japanese currency is the Yen (¥). Despite their 

technology-driven economy, Japan is mainly a cash 

society and debit and credit cards issued outside of 

Japan are not widely accepted. Check with your bank 

before travelling if your card can be used to pay or to 

withdraw cash in Japan, and take sufficient cash 

funds for the duration of your stay. Bills come in 

denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000, ¥2,000, 

and ¥1,000. Coins come in ¥500, ¥100, 

¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1 denominations. 

MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS 

AND PRE-PAID SIM CARDS 

Only 3G and 4G capable UK handsets will work 

in Japan. GSM-only phones will not work, as 

there is no GSM network. If you plan to make 

lots of calls or use mobile data in Japan, it could 

be worth buying or renting a pre-paid Japanese 

data SIM card for use during your stay. Suppliers 

can be found on the internet. 

PLUGS AND ADAPTORS 

Japanese electrical plugs have two 

non-polarised pins and operate on a 

100V supply voltage. 

Please note, your phone must be unlocked for 

the pre-paid SIM card to work, and it does not 

enable incoming or outgoing phone calls. Calls 

will instead need to be made over the internet, 

via an app such as Skype or WhatsApp. Providing 

that your phone is compatible, purchasing a 

pre-paid data SIM card could save money on 

expensive data roaming costs. Contact your 

mobile service provider before purchasing to 

check if your phone will be compatible. 


16 17


JAPAN 

JAPANESE LAWS 

CARRYING IDENTIFICATION 

It is a legal requirement to always carry official ID on 

you in Japan. Whilst Japanese locals are issued with 

official residency cards, visitors must carry their 

passport at all times and are legally required to 

produce it upon request if asked by a police officer or 

officials of the Justice Ministry (such as immigration 

officials). 

Crime levels are low in Japan, especially pick-pocketing, 

however if your passport is lost or stolen, you should report 

this at a police station and must get a police report. We 

suggest that you take multiple photocopies of your passport 

with you just in case and store them somewhere safe, preferably 

in a safe at your accommodation. 

DRINKING AND SMOKING 

The legal age for buying and consuming alcohol 

and cigarettes in Japan is 20. Photographic ID 

may be required if you look under 20, and driving 

licences issued outside of Japan are not commonly 

accepted so we advise that you take your 

passport with you. Smoking is not 

uncommon in public places including 

bars, restaurants and hotels. 

DRIVING 

Driving in Japan is on the left, as in the UK. To drive 

in Japan, you must hold an International Driving 

Permit (IDP), a current UK licence and insurance. 

An IDP is only valid for 12 months, however the start 

date of the permit can be delayed for up to three 

months from when you apply. Applications can be 

made at selected UK Post Office branches. Please 

see the Post Office website for more details: 

www.postoffice.co.uk/internationaldriving-permit 


18 19

Using public transport in a foreign country can be daunting, however for 

foreign visitors in Japan, it has been made as easy as possible. Signs 

are written in both Japanese and English, and announcements at 

transport hubs are also given in both languages too. In addition, 

the next station is often displayed on electronic boards in the 

carriages whilst on the train in both languages. 

When using the train, each train line can be easily identified 

on the route map as they are all marked in a different 

colour. To help guide you to the relevant departure 

platform at the station, coloured lines that correspond 

with the coloured route map lines are often painted on 

the station floor. Simply follow the coloured line that 

corresponds to your route to find the correct departure 

platform. Please also note that standing on escalators 

in Japan is on the left. 

SHINKANSEN 

The Japanese main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido 

are home to the famous Shinkansen high speed bullet 

trains. Served by a network of high speed train lines, the 

Shinkansen connects Tokyo with the country’s major 

cities. Running at speeds of up to nearly 200mph, the Shinkansen 

is operated by Japan Railways and is known for its punctuality 

(the average delay for a scheduled train is 36 seconds), comfort 

(relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward-facing 

seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its history) and efficiency. 

The Shinkansen trains operate three different classes of 

carriage: Ordinary (Economy), Green Class (Business) and 

on a very limited basis, Gran Class (First). When the train 

changes its direction of travel, you will see everyone on 

board turning their seats 180 degrees, so you are always 

facing forwards. 


ON THE MOVE 

SUBWAY AND METRO 

Japan’s subway and metro system is known worldwide for its efficiency. Allowing rapid movement 

around inner urban areas of the country, most subway systems in Japan start at around 0500hrs 

and last trains depart at around midnight. As there is no night bus service in Japan, you may have 

to rely on taxis after the last trains depart. Services are less frequent on weekends and public 

holidays. 

Some subway lines in Japan have women-only carriages running in the rush hour period, normally 

between 0800-0900hrs. Look out for the pink sign on the platform and train carriage. Please 

also be aware that during rush hour/busy periods, public transport staff known as ‘pushers’ are 

employed to push people into carriages to help decongest busy platforms. If you are claustrophobic 

it could be worth avoiding public transport during these busy periods. 

IC CARDS – PASMO AND SUICA 

IC cards are pre-paid smart cards that can be used to conveniently pay public transport fares and 

to make payments at a rapidly increasing number of vending machines, shops and restaurants by 

simply touching the card on a reader (similar to an Oyster card used on London public transport). 

The most popular pre-paid cards in Tokyo are Pasmo and Suica. 

For most purposes, Pasmo and Suica are interchangeable. Both cards can be used for all trains 

(not including the Shinkansen bullet train), subways and buses in Tokyo. They can also be used at 

many shops, especially convenience stores. 

Pasmo cards can be purchased from vending machines at subway stations in Tokyo, while Suica 

cards can be purchased from vending machines at Japan Rail stations in Tokyo. You can also buy 

either card at Narita and Haneda airports. 

Pre-loaded Suica cards are provided as an inclusion of standard web 

England Rugby Travel packages. 


20 21


WEATHER 

SEASONS IN JAPAN 

Rugby World Cup 2019 runs from mid-September to early- 

November, during Japan’s autumn season. 

Considered to be one of the best times of year to visit 

Japan, rainfall in autumn is at a minimum, while skies are 

clear and it’s warm but not too hot – a welcome respite 

from the muggy heat of summer. Japan celebrates ‘Koyo’ 

(the changing leaves) during this time, as the country’s 

leaves turn from green to an autumnal red. 

Average daily temperatures vary dependent on where 

you are in the country, however it is typically colder in the 

north and warmer in the south. The table below provides 

an indication of how the daily average temperature can 

vary across the country: 

Month 

Average Daily 

High (°C) 

Average Daily 

Low (°C) 

Average Monthly 

Rainfall (mm) 

September 20-30 14-25 180 

October 16-28 7-23 164 

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DIETS 

It is relatively easy to avoid meat dishes in Japan however 

seafood is very common. Fish stock or ‘dashi’ is frequently 

used in soups, salad dressings and Ramen broth. It may be 

easier to explain you cannot eat meat and/or fish products 

rather than referring to yourself as a vegetarian/vegan. 

GLUTEN-FREE 

Many restaurants and hotels across Japan are unfamiliar 

with the concept of coeliac disease/gluten-free food. The 

main problem is soy sauce, which contains wheat and is 

used vastly in both the preparation and consumption of a 

lot of Japanese dishes. A small number of restaurants offer 

tamari, a soy sauce that can be produced gluten-free and 

is also suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Check with 

restaurant staff to see if this is available where you are and 

always double check the label. Please note that Japanese 

restaurants are not always open to requests to modify 

their dishes, as such requests can be considered rude/ 

insulting to the chef. Do not be surprised if a restaurant is 

therefore unable to accommodate your needs. 


EATING IN 

JAPAN 

November 8-24 1-20 89 


22 23

FUKUOKA 

Situated on the northern shore of Japan’s 

Kyushu island, Fukuoka City is the capital 

of Fukuoka Prefecture. As the largest 

metropolitan area in Kyushu and Japan’s 

fifth largest city, Fukuoka City’s geographic 

position makes it the perfect gateway to 

Kyushu for visitors. Rugby fans will also find 

much to whet their appetites in Fukuoka 

as the island of Kyushu itself is one of the 

major hubs of Japanese rugby. 

MUST DO 

• Canal City Hakata - shopping mall with 

water shows 

• Fukuoka Tower Skyscraper - scenic 

observation deck 

• Kushida Shrine - hosts the city’s largest 

festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa 

• Fukoka Castle Park - archaeological site, 

ruins, historic site and castle 

• Ōhori Park - city park with large lake, 

waterfront exercise paths, boat rentals 

and coffee shop 

FUKUOKA 

HAKATANOMORI 

STADIUM 

1-1 Higashihirao Koen 

Hakata-ku Fukuoka 

816-0052 

Capacity: 22,563 

Built: 1995 

Located in Oita Prefecture, Oita City is 

another host city located in the southern 

main island of Kyushu (as well as Kumamoto 

City and Fukuoka City). Oita is on the northeastern 

side of the island, bordering Ehime 

Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture 

across the Inland Sea. The Prefecture is a 

nature lover’s paradise, with over 70% of 

its land being forest or volcanic terrain. It 

is also home to the Beppu hot spring – one 

of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, 

producing more hot spring water than 

anywhere else in the country. 

MUST DO 

• Beppu hot spring resort 

• Takasaki Monkey Park 

• Hells of Beppu – hot springs for viewing 

rather than bathing 

• Mount Tsurumi and Beppu Ropeway 

(cable car) 

OITA STADIUM 

1351 Yokoo, Oita 

Oita Prefecture 

870-0126 


Built: 2001 

OITA 


24 25

KAMAISHI 

Situated in the Iwate Prefecture on the Honshu 

Island, Kamaishi is a fishing and industrial city 

known as the birthplace of Japan’s modern 

iron industry. Kamaishi has been producing iron 

ore since the late Edo Period and is the site of 

the country’s first Western style blast furnace, 

which received world heritage status in 2015. In 

March 2011, a 14-metre-high tsunami swept over 

Kamaishi’s recently built tsunami breakwater and 

through the city’s low-lying industrial districts. 

Reconstruction is ongoing, however tourist spots 

have re-opened and are welcoming visitors. 

MUST DO 

• Kamaishi Hikifune Matsuri Festival 

• Visit the Iron History Museum/Hashino 

Iron Mining and Smelting Site - designated 

UNESCO World Heritage site 

• Watch the tiger dance (Toramai) in Kamaishi 

Festival 

• Taste local seafood 

KAMAISHI RECOVERY 

MEMORIAL STADIUM 

Unosumai Stadium. Pref 

Kamaishi 

Iwate Prefecture 

026-0026 


Built: 2018 

Kobe is Japan’s sixth largest city and the capital 

of the Hyogo Prefecture. It is best known for 

its signature marbled beef and scenic setting 

of mountains framing its harbour. Kobe is an 

important port city, with its port being one 

of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 

the 19th century. In 1995, Kobe was hit by a 

high magnitude earthquake that caused mass 

devastation. Today, it is completely rebuilt and 

very few signs of the event remain. 

MUST DO 

• Try Kobe Beef – prized Japanese delicacy 

• Meriken Park – waterfront park 

• Visit Chinatown – (Nankinmachi) 

• The Ikuta Shrine, dating to the 3rd century, is 

among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines 

• Antique cable cars connect Kobe to Mount 

Rokko, which offer panoramic views over 

the port 

• Arima Onsen – outdoor hot springs 

KOBE MISAKI 

STADIUM 

1-2-2 Misaki-cho 

Hyogo-ku 

Kobe 

652-0855 


Built: 2001 

KOBE 


26 27

KUMAGAYA 

Situated in the Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya 

City is the northern-most outpost of the Tokyo 

Metropolitan area and as such, is a popular 

home for commuters working in central Tokyo. 

For many years Kumagaya was the hottest city in 

Japan, reaching a record temperature of nearly 

41°C in August 2007. Today, it has had to hand 

over the title to more southern areas of the 

country. 

MUST DO 

• Arakawa River Park 

• Tone River cycle path 

• Hanayu Spa Resort 

KUMAGAYA 

RUGBY STADIUM 

300 Kamigawakami 

Kumagaya 

Saitama Prefecture 

360-0004 


Built: 1991 

Kumamoto City, the capital of the Kumamoto 

Prefecture, lies in the heart of Kyushu on 

the southern borders of Fukuoka and Oita 

prefectures. Nicknamed ‘the Forest City’, 

Kumamoto is known for its greenery and wooded 

areas both in and around the city. Natural spring 

water is another major theme in Kumamoto. The 

city holds the greatest area of groundwater in 

Japan, that is of a quality so high that the city’s 

tap water comes directly from this source. 

MUST DO 

• Two National parks - one of which contains 

the Amakusa region (a string of 120 islands), 

and the Aso, which has one of the world’s 

largest volcanic caldera 

• Kumamoto Castle 

• Suizenji Garden 

• Hosokswa Residence 

KUMAMOTO 

STADIUM 

2776 Hirayamamachi 

Higashi Ward 

Kumamoto 

861-8012 


Built: 1998 

KUMAMOTO 


28 29

OSAKA 

The capital of Osaka Prefecture is Osaka City. 

The Prefecture is the third most populous in 

Japan, after Tokyo and Kanagawa. The stadium 

lies approximately 10 minutes outside of the 

capital in Higashiosaka City - a small city formed 

in 1967 when three towns merged. Higashiosaka 

is known as ‘The Rugby Football Town’ and is the 

home of the Kintetsu Liners rugby union team. 

It also hosts the annual National High School 

Rugby Tournament at the end of December 

every year. 

MUST DO 

• Osaka Castle and 360° observation deck 

• Universal Studios theme park 

• Dōtonbori – nightlife and entertainment area 

• Viewing points – maple leaves in Autumn 

HANAZONO 

RUGBY STADIUM 

1-1-1 Matsubaraminami 

Higashiosaka 

Osaka Prefecture 

578-0923 


Built: 1929 

Sapporo is the largest city in the northern-most 

main island of Hokkaido, with a population of 

1.9 million. Sapporo has previously played host 

to international sports events such as the 1972 

Winter Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World 

Cup, and is also home to professional baseball 

and soccer teams. The city is also a popular 

destination for Japanese and international 

travellers alike, who flock to the city for unique 

local cultural events such as the annual Sapporo 

Snow Festival. 

MUST DO 

• Sapporo Beer Museum 

• Odori Park 

• Sapporo TV Tower and observatory 

• Moerenuma Park 

SAPPORO DOME 

1 Hitsujigaoka 

Toyohira Ward 

Sapporo 

Hokkaido Prefecture 

062-0045 


Built: 2001 

SAPPORO 


30 31

SHIZUOKA 

Shizuoka is the capital city of the Shizuoka 

Prefecture, located on central Honshu Island’s 

pacific coast. Renowned for being one of the 

most scenic areas in the country, Shizuoka is 

home to Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji – an 

active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1708. 

Shizuoka is also home to the domestic Top 

League club Yamaha Jubilo, who won the 2014- 

15 All Japan Rugby Football Championship, and 

is a popular holiday and tourism destination for 

Japanese nationals and foreign visitors alike. 

MUST DO 

• Mount Fuji 

• Izu Peninsula – hot springs 

• Lake Hamana 

• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine 

• Taste green tea – Shizouka is Japan’s leading 

prefecture for green tea 

SHIZUOKA 

STADIUM ECOPA 

2300-1 Aino Fukuroi City 

Shizuoka 

437-0031 


Built: 2001 

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, with nearly 10% 

of the country’s total population residing within 

the city limits. Officially Tokyo Metropolitan, 

the busy capital mixes the ultramodern and 

the traditional by being home to both neon-lit 

skyscrapers and historic temples. Tokyo hosts 

an abundance of sightseeing delights, from 

the old downtown area where the futuristic 

Tokyo Skytree coexists with an ancient temple, 

to Shibuya and its famous pedestrian scramble 

crossing, along with many more. 

MUST DO 

• Tokyo Skytree 

• Tokyo Tower 

• Sensō-ji temple 

• Imperial Palace 

• Meiji Shrine 

TOKYO STADIUM 

376-3 Nishimachi 

Chofu 

Tokyo 

182-0032 


Built: 2000 

TOKYO 


32 33

TOYOTA CITY 

Situated in the Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City is 

located approximately halfway between Tokyo 

and Osaka. The city was previously known 

as Koromo until 1959, when the name was 

changed to Toyota City to reflect Toyota Motor 

Corporation. In addition, Toyota is very well 

recognised in rugby for the accomplishments of 

the club team, the Toyota Verblitz. The winner 

of many national championships and one of the 

most popular teams in the Japanese domestic 

Top League, the club enjoys a strong home fan 

base eager to see the best of world-class rugby 

during Rugby World Cup 2019. 

MUST DO 

• Toyota Kaikan Museum 

• Toyota Municipal Museum of Art 

• Korankei Valley - Momiji Matsuri (autumn 

leaves viewing festival) 

• Nagoya Castle 

CITY OF TOYOTA 

STADIUM 

7-2 Sengokucho 

Toyota 

Aichi Prefecture 

471-0016 


Built: 2001 

Yokohama City is Japan’s second largest city. 

Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture just 

south of Tokyo, the city boasts a sophisticated 

transportation infrastructure that seamlessly 

links the two for commuters and tourists alike. 

In 1923, much of Yokohama was destroyed by 

the Great Kantō earthquake. Today, the city has 

been completely rebuilt and has played host to 

some of the biggest sporting events in the world, 

including the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Yokohama 

will also be the host for both semi-final matches 

as well as the final match during Rugby World 

Cup 2019. 

MUST DO 

• Minato Mirai – Yokohama skyline 

• Cosmo World amusement park 

• Yokohama Landmark Tower 

• Cup Noodle Museum 

• Yokohama Marine Tower 

INTERNATIONAL 

STADIUM YOKOHAMA 

3300 Kozukuecho 

Kohoku Ward 

Yokohama 

Kanagawa Prefecture 

222-0036 


Built: 1997 

YOKOHAMA 


34 35

NAGASAKI 

Located on the northwest 

coast of the Kyushu 

Island, Nagasaki is set in 

a large natural harbour 

and is one of the closest 

port cities to the Asian 

mainland. Towards the end 

of World War II, Nagasaki 

was the second city to be 

devastated by a US atomic 

bomb. Today, the city has 

been rebuilt and few signs 

of the devastation remain. 

MUST DO: 

• Peace Park 

• A-Bomb Museum 

• 99 Islands boat trip 

• Mount Inasa 

• Glover Garden 

ODAWARA 

Situated on the Tokaido Line coast, Odawara is 

known as the gateway to the Fuji-Hakone Izu 

National Park and Hakone hot springs resort area 

due to their close proximity. It is perhaps best 

known however for being home to the 18th century 

Odawara Castle. Lying within close reach of Mount 

Fuji, clear days bring stunning views of the mountain 

to various spots within the town. 

MUST DO: 

• Odawara Castle 

• Yugawara hot springs 

• Day trip to Hakone National Park 

HIROSHIMA 

Hiroshima is the principal 

city of the Chugoku 

Region and is home to over 

one million inhabitants. 

Perhaps once best known 

for being devastated by an 

atomic bomb dropped by 

the US during World War 

II, the city has now been 

completely rebuilt. 

MUST DO: 

• Peace Park 

• Mazda Museum 

• Shukkeien Garden 

• Hiroshima Castle 

BEPPU 

Located in the Oita 

prefecture between the sea 

and the mountains, Beppu 

produces more hot spring 

water than any other resort 

in the country. As one of 

Japan’s most famous hot 

spring resorts, Beppu offers 

an unrivalled array of baths, 

including hot water baths, 

mud baths, sand baths and 

steam baths. It is also home 

to the ‘Hells of Beppu’. 

NAGOYA 

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth 

most populated city, 

with over two million 

inhabitants. It is the capital 

of the Aichi Prefecture and 

is a major manufacturing 

and shipping hub thanks 

to its large port. It is 

also neighbour to the 

Toyota Motor Corporation 

headquarters, which is 

based just outside of 

the city. 

MUST DO: 

• Hells of Beppu – hot 

springs for viewing rather 

than bathing 

• Hot springs for bathing 

• Takasaki Monkey Park 

• Mount Tsurumi and 

Beppu Ropeway 

(cable car) 


36 37 

MUST DO: 

• Railway Museum 

• Nagoya Castle

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2015. All rights reserved.

Rugby World Cup guide to Japan 2019

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