Guide to Rugby World Cup 2019

Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

The largest city on the western island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a former castle town whose proximity to mainland Asia has made it another of Japan’s most internationally-minded cities. Merged with the historic merchant town of Hakata to form present-day Fukuoka City, here you’ll encounter a mix of striking contemporary architecture (the futuristic, 234m-high Fukuoka Tower; Hakata’s luxury-focused Canal City complex), ancient sites including Japan’s oldest Zen temple Shofukuji, and parks rich in natural beauty. The main nightlife districts are Tenjin and, to the east, Nakasu which boasts around 3,000 bars and restaurants. Noodle-lovers should note that Fukuoka is the birthplace of both soba and udon.

The games See the following games here: Italy vs Canada (Sep 26); France vs United States (Oct 2); and Ireland vs Samoa (Oct 12).

Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

Six miles inland from Shizuoka prefecture’s Pacific coast, Fukuroi prospered in the Edo period (1603-1868) as a key stop-off on the long Tokaido road linking Edo (Tokyo) with then-capital Kyoto. The city’s history stretches back way further though, as can be witnessed by visiting the three imposing Buddhist temples collectively known as Enshu Sanzan, which are over 1,000 years old. Among these, Yusan-ji is said to aid the recovery of eye ailments, while at Kasuisai you can sample shojin ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks.

The games Stadium Ecopa hosts the following matches: Japan vs Ireland (Sep 28); South Africa vs Italy (Oct 4); Scotland vs Russia (Oct 9); and Australia vs Georgia (Oct 11).

Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka’s reputation precedes it: home to straight-talking, down-to-earth folk more than fond of a good time; the heartland of Japanese comedy; a street food hub; and a futuristic metropolis that inspired ‘Blade Runner’s dystopian cityscapes (although you don’t need to worry about bumping into replicants here).

For centuries a business hub, Osaka’s attractions are the kind that appear when serious money is being made: from Osaka Castle (pictured) through to Universal Studios, the Expo ’70 Park and the breathtaking ‘garden in the air’ of the Umeda Sky Building. The downtown Shinsekai neighbourhood, including the Tsutenkaku Tower, preserves the nostalgic vibe of Japan’s Showa era, while at the other end of the spectrum Shinsaibashi is a mecca for upmarket shopping. The canal-side Dotonbori entertainment district, with its blazing neon signs, is a must-visit that really comes alive after dark.

The games The Hanazono Rugby Stadium hosts Italy vs Namibia (Sep 22); Argentina vs Tonga (Sep 28); Georgia vs Fiji (Oct 3); and United States vs Tonga (Oct 13).

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

Kamaishi, located just inland from Iwate Prefecture’s eastern coast and boasting a ruggedly beautiful shoreline, sits entirely within the vast Sanriku Fukko National Park. In modern times home to a sizeable fishing industry, Kamaishi was severely damaged by the tsunami that accompanied the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The city has long had strong links to rugby, as home to greatly successful team Nippon Steel Kamaishi, and so it is fitting that this new stadium, completed last year as part of reconstruction efforts, hosts two 2019 World Cup matches.

The games Here you can enjoy Fiji vs Uruguay (Sep 25) and Namibia vs Canada (Oct 13).

Kobe Misaki Stadium

Perched on a slope going down to Osaka Bay and backed by the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is known the world over for its signature marbled beef, and is one of Japan’s most visually appealing modern cities. A cosmopolitan atmosphere has its origins in Kobe’s days as a port town pioneering trade with China, which saw it become home to one of Japan’s first foreign settlements in the 19th century. Nankin-machi Chinatown is one reminder of this rich history, along with former merchant quarter Kitano, while elsewhere central Kobe is home to Sorakuen, a traditional landscaped garden. Contrasting with their sleek modernity are Hyogo Museum of Art, and the waterfront Meriken Park. Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway up to the Rokko slopes, for spectacular views especially at night.

The games Kobe’s Misaki Stadium hosts England vs United States (Sep 26); Scotland vs Samoa (Sep 30); Ireland vs Russia (Oct 3); and South Africa vs Canada (Oct 8).

Kumamoto Stadium

This major Kyushu city, on the island’s western coast, is best known for Kumamoto-jo castle, which dates back to 1607 (with much rebuilding done over the subsequent centuries). Sadly, the castle’s inner grounds are closed until 2021, due to earthquake damage sustained in 2016. The Rugby World Cup season will, however, see a plaza opened outside Kumamoto-jo that will give a fantastic view of one of Japan’s most complete fortresses.

Elsewhere, Suizenji (pictured) is a tranquil Japanese landscape garden. Kumamoto is the style capital of western Japan, which makes for great people-watching taking in the fashionistas as they go about their day. The city is also noted for its potent Kuma shochu, and much-loved prefectural mascot Kumamon - a black bear with red cheeks you’ll see everywhere.

The games Here you can watch France vs Tonga (Oct 6) and Wales vs Uruguay (Oct 13).

Oita Stadium

Oita sits on the east coast of western island Kyushu, overlooking Beppu Bay and the picturesque Seto Inland Sea beyond. For Japanese, the city, together with neighbouring Beppu, is synonymous with onsen bathing: Oita and Beppu combined boast the country’s largest number of onsens, and its largest output of hot spring water.

If you fancy dipping your toes in the water, try Yufuin Onsen (pictured), a resort that sits at the foot of the scenic Mount Yufu and combines hot spring baths with traditional ryokan inns and boutique cafes. Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, midway between Oita and Beppu, centres around a ‘monkey mountain’ where you can meet a posse of playful Japanese macaques.

The games Oita Stadium will be the scene of New Zealand vs Canada (Oct 2); Australia vs Uruguay (Oct 5); Wales vs Fiji (Oct 9); quarter-final one (Oct 19); and quarter-final three (Oct 20).

Sapporo Dome

The northernmost of the host cities, Sapporo is the capital of the island of Hokkaido and one of Japan’s youngest cities: this isn’t a place to encounter traditional Japanese culture, but rather a vibrant modern city rich in nightlife, shopping and seafood dining. That’s not to mention the hearty drinking culture: the eponymous beer originates here, and Sapporo hosts a number of Oktoberfest-style events. Hokkaido is a ramen hotspot, with miso being Sapporo’s broth of choice. From the Sapporo TV Tower you can enjoy a great view out over Odori Park and the city beyond.

The games The vast Sapporo Dome, the world’s third-largest baseball park by capacity, is the venue for Australia vs Fiji (Sep 21) and England vs Tonga (Sep 22).

City of Toyota Stadium

It’s hard not to immediately associate the city of Toyota with the automobile maker from which it takes its name – the city of Koromo changed its name in 1959 to honour its biggest employer – and car culture is rich in the area’s blood. Toyota (the city) is twinned with original ‘Motor City’ Detroit, and as well as constituting the city’s main industry Toyota (the company) supports local attractions including the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, which houses works from Dali and Giacometti as well as Japanese artists. Aichi Prefecture is famed for its miso-based dishes: try misonikomi udon (a favourite of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu), or tonkatsu topped with a rich miso sauce.

The games Toyota is hosting Wales vs Georgia (Sep 23); South Africa vs Namibia (Sep 28); Japan vs Samoa (Oct. 5); and New Zealand vs Italy (Oct 12).

An estimated 1.8 million tickets are available, covering all 48 matches from the pool phase to the final.

Tickets are being released via the official Rugby World Cup ticketing site in three instalments: with the first and second sales periods now over, the third and final batch go on sale May 18. We recommend pre-registering on the site so that you’re ready to grab your tickets as soon as sales commence.

Beginning May 31, an official resale service (details on official ticketing site) will enable fans to buy and sell unwanted tickets. Hospitality packages are also available, details on the official hospitality site.

For more information on the Rugby World Cup, visit here. 

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