June 26, 2019

Travelling To Japan For The Rugby World Cup?

The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, bringing nations of the world together in union to compete and eventually crown another world champion in 2019. Japan plays host to this monumental event. Whether you’re a fan of England, the All Blacks, the Wallabies or even of the mighty Cherry Blossoms themselves, the rugby world cup provides a perfect opportunity to explore the endless discovery of Japan.

We at Indigo will be following England, unfortunately from the office or home rather than watching live in Japan. We know thousands of Rugby fans from around the world are making the trip so we wanted to write this article to help people decide how to navigate themselves around Japan.

where Are England Playing?

Lets take England’s group games:

• England V Tonga, 22/09/19 @ 11.15am GMT, Sapporo Dome
• England V USA, 26/09/19 @ 11.45am GMT, Kobe Misaki Stadium
• England V Argentina, 05/10/19 @ 9.00am GMT, Tokyo Stadium
• England V France, 12/10/19 @ 9.15am GMT, Yokohama Int Stadium

Travelling from one to the next without return journeys is a total of over 2,200KM. That’s a long way even for a die hard fan. The saving grace is that there is plenty of time between matches which gives you days to make the journey to your next location. There is a lot to see on the way so you are not going to want to rush.

If I was travelling alone and only intent on watching the matches then I would probably use public transport. Its rated very highly compared to what we are used to but does come at a cost. Buses are cheap but trains and more specifically the bullet train can be hundreds of pounds a time.

If there is a small group travelling then for me your best and most economical mode of transport is to hire a car. Not only will this keep costs down, it means that you can stop anywhere you like to see and do anything you like along the way.

At today’s prices, Japan isn’t a cheap country to hire a car compared to other Asian locations. However, when compared to the alternatives it is by far the lowest cost option. A car large enough for 4 with luggage will set you back around £1400 but this would include a sat nav, an additional driver and unlimited KM’s, which will be important. That’s around £350 each (4 people) for all of your travel for a 23 day rental.

Other expenses for fuel, toll roads and ferry crossings should be considered but are relatively low cost. Fuel is around 30 pence per litre less than what we are used to in the UK.

what Else Is There To See In Japan?

In no particular order, if you are travelling around Japan and have time to kill, you must visit some if not all of the below attractions and locations.

Suzuka

If you are staying for all of the group games then you will be around for the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, this could be your best chance to tick one off the buckets list, that is indeed if F1 is your thing.

Peace Park

North of the hypocentre, Peace Park is presided over by the 10-tonne bronze Nagasaki Peace Statue, designed in 1955 by Kitamura Seibō.

Mt Fuji

Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters.

Kinkakuji Temple

One of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.

Minato Mirai

Minatomirai is a futuristic waterfront with a high-rise observation deck and stylish boutiques at Yokohama Landmark Tower and Plaza. Families also take in the skyline from the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel or tour the 1930s sailing ship Nippon Maru. Mitsubishi Industrial Museum has dynamic exhibits of rockets and submarines, while Rinko Park hosts summer concerts. Waterside promenades host upscale bars and eateries.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

On 9 August 1945, the world’s second nuclear weapon detonated over Nagasaki, and this sombre place recounts the city’s destruction and loss of life through photos and artefacts

Tōshō-gū

A Unesco World Heritage Site in an idyllic natural setting.

Tokyo National Museum

If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords,

Ryōgoku Kokugikan

If you’re in town when a tournament is on, don’t miss the chance to catch the big boys of Japanese wrestling in action at the country’s largest sumo stadium.

Sunayama Beach

Just 4km north of the Hirara district of Miyakojima city, you’ll find this little, archetypally tropical Japan beach, which lies at the bottom of a large sand dune.