Japan is the place to be this September! Experience the Rugby World Cup up close and in action at one of the many stadiums across the country hosting these historical games.
From Sapporo to Kumamoto to the heart of Tokyo, witness matches at any of the twelve amazing rugby stadiums starting from the 20th of September to the 2nd of November. The opening ceremony and kickoff game will take place at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, Japan—less than an hour from Tokyo Station. You can find more information about tickets, matches, and venues here!
With the 2019 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, you may be wondering all the best places to watch the games—if you’re outside the stadiums, of course. If you’re unable to be there in person, check out the games in another fun and exciting way so that you don’t miss a single moment of these momentous games.
Where to enjoy fan zones?
Fan zones set up in each host city allow spectators to stand and watch the games without having to be at the stadium. These are individual zones that showcase the specialty of the host city’s region while each one shares the heart and soul of what it is to be a rugby fan. There are event corners for children and a large spectating area. It’s a fantastic way to casually interact with fellow fans of the sport and makes for a once in a lifetime experience.
Fan Zones Around Japan
| Host City | Venue Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | Sapporo Odori Koen Nishi 2-chome | Odori Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido |
| Sapporo | Sapporo Station South Exit Square | Kita 5 Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido |
| Kamaishi | Kamaishi City Hall | Omachi 1-chome 1-9, Kamaishi, Iwate |
| Kumagaya | Community Open Space | 2-62, Honcho, Kumagaya, Saitama |
| Tokyo | Tokyo Sports Square | 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Tokyo | Chofu Station Square, Chofu City Green Hall | 2-7-4 Kojimacho, Chofu, Tokyo |
| Yokohama | Rinko Park | Minato Mirai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa |
| Shizuoka | Sumpu Castle Park | Sumpu Castle Park 1-1, Shifu-ku, Shizuoka |
| Shizuoka | Solamo/Entetsu Hall | 320-1 Sunayamacho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka |
| Toyota | Sky Hall Toyota | 1-20, Hachimancho, Toyota, Aichi |
| Higashi Osaka | Ten-Shiba | 5-55 Chasuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka |
| Higashi Osaka | Hanazono Central Park Baseball Stadium | Matsubara Minami 1-chome 1-43, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka |
| Kobe | Meriken Park | Hatobacho 2-2, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
| Fukuoka | JR Hakata Station Square | 1-1 Hakata Station, Hakata Station Chuo-gai, Fukuoka, Fukuoka |
| Kumamoto | Flower Field Promenade | 7 Hanahata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto |
| Oita | Oita Ikoi Road Square | Higashidaido 1-chome 1000-16, Oita, Oita |
How about a sports cafe or bar?
Prevalent in urban areas, sports cafés and sports bars can also be a terrific way to experience the games. Sit back and relax with delicious food and a cold drink to combat the hot September days. All while enjoying a play-by-play viewing on the large screens at these sports restaurants. During large events—such at the Rugby World Cup—there may be a cover charge at some cafés and bars. It’s still a cool and refreshing experience if you’re looking for something a little calmer and indoors. Two of the most popular chains are HUB and Hobgoblin; why not try some dining and gaming with a cold drink?
If you want to enjoy rugby and support a great cause at the same time, visit the Tregion Port venue near Akasaka-Mitsuke Station in Tokyo. Just 1000 yen will cover your entry and all proceeds go to charity! What better way to experience the game?
There's always the television!
If you’re just not able to make it out to the games while you’re in Japan, the games will be live broadcast on many television channels making for easy and convenient viewing; NHK and J Sports being the two most popular channels.
No matter how you decide to enjoy the tournament, you’re sure to be in for excitement as Japan hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup games. Why not try experiencing the games in many different ways? See everything that Japan has to offer you by visiting as many venues as you can during your stay.
