Things to Do in Host Cities during Rugby World Cup 2019: Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, etc

One of the largest sports tournaments Rugby World Cup 2019 is drawing in Japan, and are you ready for enjoying traveling in Japan with the exciting competition. There are 12 host cities to hold the matches of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, and each city has a variety of tourist attractions. You want to enjoy traveling in the host cities as well as watching the games, don’t you?

Today, I’d like to introduce best things to do, things to eat and places to stay near the host stadiums of Rugby World Cup 2019 including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sapporo, Kobe, etc. For those who missed to get tickets of Rugby World Cup 2019, here are also nice places to watch the games outside stadiums like sports bars.

If you have a plan to move to some distant cities from your arriving place for watching Rugby World Cup at some stadiums or just traveling some cities, it is recommended to buy transportation passes which help you to save money.

It is expected that hotels near stadiums, popular restaurants, activities and rental pocket WiFi may be fully booked during the season of Rugby World Cup (from September to November), so make a reservation for them as soon as possible!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Things to Do in the host cities

-Sapporo, Hokkaido

Australia v Fiji (21 September)
England v Tonga (Sunday 22 September)

Sapporo Dome in Sapporo, Hokkaido is the host which held the opening games for the following national teams: Australia, Fiji, England and Tonga. Sapporo is one of the hottest tourist cities for its rich nature and fresh seafood. You should not miss the chance to eat Sushi with the freshest ingredients affordably. It is also the best season to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido during Rugby World Cup.

▽Things to do in Hokkaido and Sapporo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/hokkaido-bucket-list-2019-20-best-things-to-do-in-hokkaido-9a28ed3c7183/

https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-things-to-do-in-sapporo-hokkaido-79f89b1c13a0/

▽What to Eat in Sapporo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/7-best-restaurants-in-sapporo-a13db6a03239/

https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-sushi-in-sapporo/

▽Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Hokkaido▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/5-best-autumn-leave-spots-in-hokkaido-54d6b0ba378a/

▽What to Buy in Hokkaido▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-must-buy-souvenir-sweets-in-hokkaido-e85ba9d0115d/

-Kamaishi, Iwate

Fiji v Uruguay (25 September)
Namibia v Canada (Sunday 13 October)

Iwate, located in the northern east of Japan, is less known to foreign people, however, there are a large number of tourist attractions in the prefecture. You can see historically important properties surrounded by breathtaking nature views and enjoy soaking Onsen. Iwate is the prefecture which was attacked by the disaster in 2011, and the host stadium Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium is now one of the symbols of recovery.

▽Things to Do in Iwate▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/iwate-best-things-to-do-51e5fb3a4072/

-Kumagaya, Saitama

Russia v Samoa (24 September)
Georgia v Uruguay (29 September)
Argentina v USA (9 October)

Saitama is the metropolitan prefecture located next to Tokyo and a popular place for foreign tourists to stay for the accessibility to Tokyo and other neighborhoods. Of course, Saitama itself has lots of places to travel including historical towns Kawagoe and rural areas surrounded by rich greenery Chichibu and Nagatoro. It is also recommended to take a side trip to Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.

▽Best Things to Do in Saitama▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/saitama-best-things-to-do/

▽Best Things to Do in Kawagoe▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/kawagoe-10-best-things-to-do-in-kawagoe-2019-95caa77eb056/

▽Best Things to Do in Nikko▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/one-day-trip-to-nikko-ce880fb49a10/

-Tokyo

Japan v Russia (20 September)
France v Argentina (21 September)
Australia v Wales (29 September)
England v Argentina (5 October)
New Zealand v Namibia (6 October)
QF2: W Pool B v RU Pool A (19 October)
QF4: W Pool A v RU Pool B (20 October)
Bronze Final (1 November)

Tokyo is the most popular and largest city in Japan offering various activities, unique Japanese culture, delicious food and so on. The 8 matches including the opening game, the quarter finals and the bronze final are scheduled at Tokyo Stadium, and many people will stay in Tokyo. Get the essential and latest information to fully enjoy traveling in Tokyo below!

▽Best Things to o in Tokyo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/2018-tokyo-bucket-list-20-top-things-to-do-f7f1b4372a90/

▽Top-Rated Restaurants in Tokyo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-best-michelin-star-restaurants-in-tokyo-b6e56694b7d9/

▽Places to Stay in Tokyo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/tokyos-top-5-ryokan-style-hotels-7e3ad8b015ff/

https://jw-webmagazine.com/7-best-new-hotels-in-tokyo-2019-96c31d7162fd/

▽What to Buy in Tokyo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-must-buy-souvenirs-in-tokyo-fd90f12370d7/

▽Are you going to move to another largest host city Osaka?▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/which-way-is-the-best-japans-golden-route-from-tokyo-to-osaka-e43f6c3cfb7d/

>>Check more info about Tokyo!

-Yokohama

New Zealand v South Africa (21 September)
Ireland v Scotland (22 September)
England v France (12 October)
Japan v Scotland (13 October)
SF1: W QF1 v W QF2 (26 October)
SF2: W QF3 v W QF4 (27 October)
Final (2 November)

Yokohama is one of the hottest host cities of Rugby World Cup 2019 since the important matches including the semi finals and the final will be held at International Stadium Yokohama. The large city, located next to Tokyo, offers many spots to visit such as the gourmet town Chinatown, Shin Yokohama Raumen Museum, Cup Noodle Museum, etc.

▽Best Things to Do in Yokohama▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/yokohama-best-things-to-do/

▽Best Tours and Activities in Yokohama▽

▽Best Restaurants in Yokohama▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-best-restaurants-in-yokohama-area-19c53fb3177a/

▽What to Buy in Yokohama▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/what-to-buy-in-yokohama-2018-422ad25a8a1c/

-Fukuroi, Shizuoka

Japan v Ireland (28 September)
South Africa v Italy (4 October)
Scotland v Russia (9 October)
Australia v Georgia (11 October)

Shizuoka is a popular travel destination near Tokyo for its rich nature. It is one of the prefectures which Mt.Fuji is located in, and there are the famous breach resorts like Izu and Onsen resort like Atami. You can experience fresh seafood caught in the Pacific Ocean and other regional food in Shizuoka. It is also recommended to travel in the neighboring prefecture Yamanashi which has numerous tourist sites around Mt.Fuji.

▽Best Things to Do in Shizuoka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/shizuoka-10-best-things-to-do-ff541c28fae8/

▽Best Onsen with a View of Mt.Fuji▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/soak-up-with-mt-fuji-5-hot-springs-lake-kawaguchi-7e0506ae9870/

-Toyota, Aichi

Wales v Georgia (23 September)
South Africa v Namibia (28 September)
Japan v Samoa (5 October)
New Zealand v Italy (12 October)

Aichi is the economic center of Central Japan, and the host city Toyota is known as home to the world’s famous motor company Toyota. Aichi has no shortage of tourist attractions from old and majestic castles to delicious regional food. The capital of the prefecture Nagoya is a transportation hub with the Chubu Centrair International Airport. Many tourists base their travels in Central Japan including Shirakawago and Kanazawa on Nagoya.

▽Best Things to Do in Aichi▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/aichi-best-things-to-do/

▽What to Eat in Aichi▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/nagoyas-food-obsession-eat-the-best-local-food-85dc1ad079f3/

-Osaka

Italy v Namibia (22 September)
Argentina v Tonga (28 September)
Georgia v Fiji (3 October)
USA v Tonga (13 October)

Osaka is one of the most famous and popular travel destinations as well as Tokyo and Kyoto, which is a host of the 4 Rugby World Cup 2019 matches. There are countless things to do in Osaka such as eating regional specialties in Dotonbori, hanging out at Universal Studios Japan, visiting the historical Osaka Castle, etc. You can get to the neighboring popular city Kyoto and host city Kobe within an hour.

▽Best Things to Do in Osaka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/osaka-bucket-list-2019-20-best-things-to-do-in-osaka-dd105d96399a/

▽Best Restaurants in Osaka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-best-restaurants-in-osaka-5b3e1ff186e9/

▽Best Top-RatedRestaurants in Osaka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/5-best-michelin-star-restaurants-in-osaka-6422f12ff975/

▽What to Buy in Osaka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-must-buy-souvenirs-in-osaka-a4c01ea72dc2/

-Kobe

England v USA (26 September)
Scotland v Samoa (30 September)
Ireland v Russia (3 October)
South Africa v Canada (8 October)

Kobe, one of the largest cities in Japan, is a hot travel destination in Western Japan, which is visited as a side trip from Osaka and Kyoto. The port town offers nice city views and exclusive regional food like the finest Wagyu Beef brand Kobe Beef. You can enjoy staying at the popular Onsen town Arima Onsen and the new Snoopy-themed hotel PEANUTS HOTEL.

▽Best Things to Do in Kobe▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/kobe-best-things-to-do/

▽Best Kobe Beef restaurants in Kobe▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-kobe-beef-restaurants-in-kobe-7f22df14ddf4/

-Fukuoka

Italy v Canada (26 September)
France v USA (2 October)
Ireland v Samoa (12 October)

Fukuoka, one of the most popular tourist cities among both domestic and international travelers, will held the 3 matches of Rugby World Cup 2019. Many visitors are interested in the regional Japanese food such as Tonkotsu Ramen, Mentaiko (spicy cod roe), Motsunabe (hot pot dish), Gyoza (dumpling), etc. There are unique areas filled with rich nature and tradition: the hidden water city Yanagawa and the sacred beach island Itoshima.

▽Best Things to Do in Fukuoka▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/fukuoka-best-things-to-do/

-Kumamoto

France v Tonga (6 October)
Wales v Uruguay (13 October)

Kumamoto, the prefecture in Kyushu Region, is less known to foreign visitors but is a popular Japanese tourists’ destination. The Kumamoto’s symbol Kumamoto Castle represents its long history. You can enjoy experiencing the authentic natural Onsen thanks to Mt.Aso. Don’t miss the regional food such as Kumamoto Ramen and Akaushi Wagyu Beef.

▽Best Things to Do in Kumamoto▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/kumamoto-10-best-things-to-do-622bf5f4af89/

-Oita

New Zealand v Canada (2 October)
Australia v Uruguay (5 October)
Wales v Fiji (9 October)
QF1: W Pool C v RU Pool D (19 October)
QF3: W Pool D v RU Pool C (20 October)

Oita is one of the southernmost host cities as well as Kumamoto and the five matches will take place including the two quarter finals. It is projected that a great number of rugby fans will visit Oita where lots of famous Onsen towns are located: Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. You can also have unique Onsen experiences at the sand bath and the “hell” bathes.

▽Best Things to Do in Oita▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/oita-best-things-to-do/

Where to Watch Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan

There are lots of places to watch the games except stadiums in Japan, so don’t be depressed if you don’t have a ticket. Sports bars are one of the most popular spots to watch the rugby matches outside the stadium. Fanzones with gigantic live-viewing screens are also located in the host cities, which anyone can access to for free!

▽List of Rugby World Cup 2019 Viewing Spots▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/where-to-watch-rugby-world-cup-2019-in-japan-99a4dd03096a/

▽Shibuya is the popular town to watch the big sports matches like Rugby World Cup▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/2018-fifa-world-cup-is-around-the-corner-5-best-spots-you-can-enjoy-it-in-tokyo-154de651ce35/

▽Best Sports Bars in Tokyo▽

https://jw-webmagazine.com/5-best-sports-bars-in-tokyo-3eef47161a95-3eef47161a95/

Where to Stay near Stadiums

There are countless accommodations from Japanese-style Ryokan and luxury hotels to affordable hostels and vacation rentals like Airbnb. The accommodations located near the stadiums of Rugby World Cup 2019 will be occupied earlier than the regular season. Some areas don’t have more rooms than the large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Book your hotel right away!!

>>Find your hotel near Sapporo Dome

>>Find your hotel near Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Tokyo Stadium

>>Find your hotel near International Stadium Yokohama

>>Find your hotel near Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

>>Find your hotel near City of Toyota Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Hanazono Rugby Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Kobe Misaki Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Kumamoto Stadium

>>Find your hotel near Oita Stadium

Travel Tips for Traveling to Japan

Before you leave your country, check out these information to enjoy traveling Japan smoothly. There are some things to know about Japanese culture and helpful travel tips before visiting Japan. In addition to booking flights and hotels, it is highly recommended to book your pocket WiFi rental.

Japan offers seasonal tourist attractions during Rugby World Cup 2019 in September, October and November. If it is a first time for you to take a trip to Japan, this itinerary idea would help you! Furthermore, get your suitable passes for train, Shinkansen and bus following this transportations pass guide.

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Can’t wait until the opening date of Rugby World Cup 2019 on the 20th September, can you? Get ready for fully enjoying both watching the matches and traveling Japan! For more info about Japan, check these articles below!

https://jw-webmagazine.com/10-best-things-to-do-in-japan-in-autumn-46512d28ecd/

https://jw-webmagazine.com/what-to-wear-in-japan-in-autumn-2018-b32716858d18/

https://jw-webmagazine.com/places-to-see-before-you-die-vol-3-autumn-d74d039bdbe5/

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