Japan Rugby World Cup 2019: An Insider’s Guide

The Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held in Japan from September to November of this year. Here is a full guide to the schedule, venues, tickets and where to stay in each of the host cities.

Rugby World Cup 2019 Overview

The Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held in Japan from September 20th to November 2nd at 12 different venues spread between Sapporo in the northern island of Hokkaido and Kumamoto in the southern part of Kyushu. This is the first time for Japan to host the 20-nation, 48-match tournament, and the first for a country outside of the traditional rugby strongholds. As such, it presents a rare opportunity for rugby fans worldwide to tick off their bucket-list trip of a lifetime.

Starting in late September, each team plays 4 pool matches spread over 3 weeks, offering a chance to travel between matches and experience Japanese culture and hospitality. Those fans whose teams make it to the knockout stages may want to consider staying all the way through until the final on November 2nd.

With nearly half a million fans expected to visit, prior planning is essential as hotels are expected to be fully booked during the 2-month tournament. Follow these insider tips below to make the most of your journey.

Rugby action in South Africa: Roger Sedres / Shutterstock.com

How to buy rugby World Cup 2019 tickets

Tickets are allocated by lottery system through the official World Cup website. Simply make an account and apply for the lottery during the third round of ticket sales, commencing on Saturday, May 18th from 6pm (JST). Once you log into the site you can view the ticket options for all 48 matches of the World Cup.

Tickets: NWM / Shutterstock.com

There are 4 pricing categories: A, B, C, and D, with A being the most expensive. Prices range from ¥3000 to ¥15,000 for the pool matches and ¥25,000 to ¥100,000 for the final. As D will likely be the most popular pricing option, you may have better luck securing tickets by choosing one of the pricier options, including a number of VIP packages.

If you fail to secure your tickets during the lottery, then you’ll be eligible to purchase resale tickets starting on May 31st. Just log into the website at the end of May for further information.

DO NOT purchase tickets from third party vendors such as Stubhub, as there is no guarantee that the tickets will be valid. Japan has a very strict laws to avoid price gauging and scalping.

That being said, you may be able to find tickets at face value being sold outside the venue on match day. Just make a cardboard sign reading ‘Want (2) tickets’ and someone will likely approach you to offer. This worked during the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Japan was hosting the tournament. However, your best bet is to simply follow the rules and purchase tickets directly from the website or friends.

Getting to Japan

The majority of overseas carriers will arrive at Narita (NRT) airport, which is located roughly one hour from Tokyo by the fastest train. There are a increasing number of international flights arriving at Haneda (HND) airport, which is just a 20-minute train ride from central Tokyo. Haneda is also the main domestic hub, so those heading to matches in other parts of Japan may want to consider arriving here for easier flight connections. Compare flight timings and prices across multiple airlines to find your ideal flight.

Japan Airlines planes at Haneda Airport in Tokyo: WorldStock / Shutterstock.com

In addition, some carriers offer flights to Chubu Centrair (NGO) in Nagoya city (near Toyota stadium) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka, as well as a limited number of flights to Fukuoka (FUK) International airport, mostly from other Asian cities.

Travelling between Rugby World Cup host cities: Get a Japan Rail Pass

One of the best ways to travel around Japan is by high-speed train, and the most cost-effective method is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. A 21-day pass ($550 USD) should be sufficient to cover all train travel on JR trains for the duration of your stay. Passes should be purchased in advance before your trip and allow for unlimited travel on most trains (including most Shinkansen trains). Here’s our detailed rundown of how Japan Rail Passes work if you’d like more information.

Shinkansen (bullet train) in Japan: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Alternatively, affordable domestic flights using low-cost carriers (LCC) could be an option for those wanting to save travel time. Peach usually offers the best fares and often allows same-day purchases depending on availability. Flying would be a huge advantage for those fans with matches scheduled at Kumamoto and Fukuoka stadiums in Kyushu (see below), as the stadiums are conveniently located near the airport.

Host Cities and Key Venues

Hokkaido (Far Northern Japan)

Sapporo city

Sapporo is the largest city north of Tokyo and is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich food (ramen and soup curry) and friendly atmosphere. Unlike most Japanese cities, Sapporo is laid out on an easy-to-navigate grid network centered around an idyllic patch of green space known as Odori Park.

Central Sapporo: beeboys / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Sapporo Dome (capacity: 41,410)

Sapporo Dome is home to a professional baseball and soccer team and offers a wonderful climate-controlled atmosphere to enjoy the rugby matches. Access is only 15 minutes by subway from Sapporo train station to Fukuzumi station, followed by a lovely 10-minute walk to the stadium. An observatory on top of the Dome affords lovely panoramic views over the city (fee required).

Sapporo Accommodation:

Most hotels are clustered around Sapporo station and Odori Park, with easy access to the stadium by subway.

• JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This luxury hotel offers incredible views, a relaxing hot spring spa, and comfortable rooms overlooking the neon lights of the city.
• Hotel MYSTAYS Sapporo Aspen
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and a great breakfast buffet.

Getting to Sapporo from Tokyo:

• Rail: Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station station and Super Hokuto Limited Express from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station to Sapporo. (7 hours 30 minutes, Y31,500 one-way)
• Air: ANA, JAL, or Peach from either Haneda or Narita Airports to Shin-Chitose Airport (1 hour 50 minutes, from Y10,000)

Tohoku (Northern Japan)

Kamaishi city

Kamaishi was heavily damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but despite this catastrophe, the city is well on the road to recovery, with a handful of hotels and restaurants located within easy reach of the newly-built rugby stadium. Kamaishi has been known for decades at the location for one of Japan’s best rugby club teams, so the decision to host the World Cup here is by no means random.

Venue: Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium (capacity: 16,187)

Located just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean, the brand-new stadium gives a chance to see a World Cup match in an intimate setting. While only hosting two pool matches, the venue should help to rejuvenate tourism in the area, which took a heavy hit after the 2011 disaster. Access can be a bit tricky without prior planning. The nearest Shinkansen station is Shin-hanamaki (Tohoku Shinkansen, 2 hours 20 min from Tokyo). From there, take a local train on the Kamaishi line for almost 2 hours to Kamaishi station. Finally, transfer to either a local bus bound for Yamada (alight at Teramae) or a local train on the Sanriku Railway to Unosumai Station. Both are just a short walk from the stadium.

Kamaishi Accommodation:

Hotels are limited in Kamaishi, so it is best to book early.

Try the Rikuchu Kaigan Grand Hotel or the Hotel Folkloro Sanrikukamaishi. If those are fully booked, then you may have to stay in Morioka, the largest city in the area and just one stop on the Shinkansen from Shin-hanamaki.

• Rikuchu Kaigan Grand Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This luxury hotel has comfortable rooms and a great rooftop onsen.
• Hotel Folkloro Sanrikukamaishi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This midrange option has clean rooms and welcoming staff.

If those are fully booked, then you may have to stay in Morioka, the largest city in the area and just one stop on the Shinkansen from Shin-hanamaki.

Getting to Kamaishi from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tohoku Shinkansen and JR Kamaishi Line (5 hours, Y14, 770 one-way)
• Air: The nearest airport is in Sendai, a 5-hour train ride away. (Limited flights from Narita airport on ANA, 1 hour, from Y10,000)

Kanto (Tokyo Area)

Tokyo

Tokyo really doesn’t need an introduction, with its flawless reputation as a vibrant, world-class city. With three different World Cup venues within easy reach of the city, it would be easy to make this your base for a few weeks while traveling the country to other venues before returning, as the finals will be held in neighboring Yokohama. For our full guide to Tokyo, visit TrulyTokyo.com.

Tokyo skyline: Blue Planet Studio / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Kumagaya Rugby Stadium (cap: 24,000)

Unlike other venues, this stadium has been used exclusively as a rugby ground since its completion in 1991, with a recent upgrade bringing it up to World Cup standards. The venue itself is only accessible by bus from Kumagaya station (1 hour by train from Tokyo), unless you are prepared to walk 50 minutes on foot to reach the ground.

Venue: Ajinomoto Stadium (capacity: 49,970)

Home to two different professional soccer teams, this venue wasn’t part of Tokyo’s original bid, but due to the construction delays on the Olympic stadium, matches were moved here to help fill the void. This stadium will host the opening match between Japan and Russia on Friday September 20th. Access is just 20 minutes from Shinjuku station on the Keio line to Tobitakyu station, where it’s a short walk to the stadium.

Tokyo Accommodation:

There are hundreds of options in Tokyo but hotels tend to fill up quickly in the capital, so you may have to settle for whatever is available.

Kumagaya:

• King Ambassador Hotel Kumagaya
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and a great breakfast buffet.
• Hotel Sunroute Kumagaya Station
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A mid-range business hotel in a good location with friendly staff.

Chofu:

• Chofu Creston Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This mid-range hotel offers clean rooms with views of the stadium and a good breakfast buffet with vegetarian-friendly choices.
• Chofu Urban Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A clean hotel with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast buffet. Can’t beat the location right next to the rugby stadium.

Yokohama

Perhaps the most famous port city in Japan, Yokohama is a large multicultural city with a vibrant Chinatown and a beautiful park, with easy access to the traditional temples of Kamakura. It makes for a great base if you can’t find anywhere to stay in Tokyo.

Yokohama waterfront: okimo / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Nissan Stadium (capacity: 72,327)

By far the largest venue, this stadium will host both the World Cup semifinals and finals and it is one of the best places in Japan to watch a sporting event. The venue is easy to reach on foot from either Shin-Yokohama station or Kozukue station on the JR Yokohama line.

Yokohama Accommodation:

Yokohama has a lot of great options which tend to fill up, so early booking is essential.

• InterContinental Yokohama Grand
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This luxury hotel is one of the best in the city, with outstanding rooms and excellent harbor views from the live jazz bar.
• Court Hotel Shin-Yokohama
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This mid-range option is located within walking distance of the stadium and features clean rooms and a breakfast buffet option.

Getting to Yokohama from Tokyo:

• Rail: JR Tokaido Line (25 minutes, Y470)

Tokai (Central Japan)

Hamamatsu

Located on the shores of Lake Hamana, Hamamatsu is a traditional castle town best known for its succulent unagi cuisine and picturesque sand dunes. Many tourists overlook this part of Japan as they whisk past on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto, but it is a pleasant area worthy of exploration.

Downtown Hamamatsu: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (capacity: 50,889)

Don’t let the name fool you, as the stadium is much closer to Hamamatsu than Shizuoka and is best known as the home of a professional soccer team and the host of a crucial quarterfinal match in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The modern venue is a 15-minute walk from Aino station, a 20-minute ride on the JR Tokaido line.

Accommodation:

There are a number of no-frills business hotels near Hamamatsu station, but a stay at one of these onsen resorts would be a much more relaxing option.

• The Hamanako
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  On the shores of Lake Hamana, this luxury resort features both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and several great restaurant options.
• Yamaha Resort Katsuragi Kitanomaru
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located roughly 15km north of the stadium, this hot spring hotel feature excellent rooms clustered around green lawns and beautiful gardens with top-notch cuisine.

Getting to Hamamatsu from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen (90 minutes, Y8290)

Toyota city

You may not have heard of this city, but you have certainly heard of the automobile manufacturer that calls this city its home. Toyota is dominated by car factories and is overshadowed by its more bustling neighbor Nagoya to the west. There isn’t much of interest here except for a stroll through Shirahama Park next to the stadium and perhaps a day trip up to Sanage shrine and hot spring.

Toyota Stadium: Ninotee / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Toyota stadium (capacity: 45,000)

Another soccer stadium, this time with a retractable roof, will ensure a comfortable viewing experience for pool matches at this modern venue. It is an easy 15-minute walk east of Toyotashi station, which itself takes a bit of work to reach. From Nagoya city, take the Meitetsu Nagoya line (roughly 30-minute ride) to Chiryu station and change to the Mikawa line for an additional 25 minutes to reach Toyotashi.

Accommodation:

For convenience to the stadium, you may want to try one of the business hotels near Toyotashi station, or one of the large selection of hotels in neighboring Nagoya.

• Meitetsu Toyota Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This mid-range option features clean, spacious rooms and a good breakfast buffet.
• Ninja Mansion
  (View on Booking.com)
  A one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay in a traditional 150-year-old Japanese house in a homestay-style accommodation with a friendly owner. Located just 11km east of the stadium in a rustic rural setting.

Getting to Nagoya from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen (1 hour 40 minutes, Y11, 090 one-way)
• Air: ANA or JAL from either Haneda or Narita Airports to Chubu Centrair Airport (1 hour 10 minutes, from Y6500)

Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka Area)

Osaka

Osaka is located between Kobe and Kyoto cities, with more food options than you could ever imagine and the vast Universal Studios Japan theme park too. For our full guide to the city, visit InsideOsaka.com.

Osaka skyline: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Hanazono Rugby Stadium (capacity: 26,554)

Nothing speaks more about Japan’s history with rugby than this historic venue, which opened in 1929 as Japan’s first rugby stadium. With recent upgrades, Hanazono could possibly be the best place to watch a World Cup match. Access is a short walk from Higashi-Hanazono, just 23 minutes on the Kintetsu line from Kintetsu-Namba station in the heart of Osaka.

Osaka Accommodation:

Due to its convenient location, the best place to stay is definitely central Osaka.

• Swissôtel Nankai Namba
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This 5-star hotel is one of the best in the city, with award-winning restaurants and luxurious rooms.
• Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A clean and modern mid-range option with spacious rooms and incredibly comfortable beds.

Getting to Osaka from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen (2 hours 45 minutes, Y14, 450 one-way)
• Air: ANA or JAL from Haneda Airports to Itami Airport (1 hour 10 minutes, from Y10,000)

Kobe

Rising from the ashes of the devastating earthquake and fires of 1995, Kobe is a clean, modern port city sandwiched between Osaka Bay and the Rokko mountains. There’s a bustling Chinatown in the heart of the shopping district of Motomachi, while the hilly neighborhood of Kitano makes for a pleasant stroll among the historic western-style homes built around the turn of the 20th century.

Kobe waterfront: f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium (capacity: 30,132)

Also known as Noevir Stadium Kobe, this modern, mid-sized soccer venue hosted games during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and features a retractable roof for a climate-controlled viewing experience. Access is a short walk from Wadamisaki station on the Kobe Subway Kaigan Line, which is just a 10-minute ride from central Kobe.

Kobe Accommodation:

Kobe city has a number of great hotels located near the harbor.

• Kobe Minato Onsen Ren
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This modern luxury hotel features both hot spring baths and heated outdoor swimming pool, with pleasant views of Osaka bay from the spacious rooms.
• Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A luxury hotel with excellent views from the comfortable rooms and great dining options from 5 different in-house restaurants.

Getting to Kobe from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen (2 hours 47 minutes, Y15, 100 one-way)
• Air: ANA or Skymark from Haneda Airport to Kobe Airport (1 hour 15 minutes, from Y11,000)

Kyushu (Southern Japan)

Fukuoka

This vibrant city in the northern part of Kyushu is known for its rich bowls of tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen and bustling nightlife. Locals call the city Hakata after the name of the central train station, and most of the action happens in the Tenjin neighborhood, with shops clustered around the lush green lawn of Tenjin Central Park.

Fukuoka skyline: pickbiz / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Level5 Stadium (capacity: 22,563)

Also known as Hakatanomori Stadium, this small venue is home to a professional soccer team and is surrounded by a large park. It also happens to be located right next to Fukuoka Airport, so those attending matches here may find it easier to fly direct and then simply walk for 25 minutes to the stadium, take the shuttle bus, or hop in a taxi. Otherwise, Fukuoka airport is just a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata station, the terminus of the Tokaido Shinkansen train that starts in Tokyo.

Fukuoka Accommodation:

Due to its easy access to the airport and venue, the best places to stay are near Hakata station. The high-end Hyatt Regency hotel is currently undergoing renovations and won’t open until the end of 2019.

• Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A recently renovated mid-range hotel offers clean and spacious rooms and 7 different dining options.
• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Central
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The convenient location and clean rooms of this mid-range business hotel make it another great option.

Getting to Fukuoka from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen (5 hours, Y22, 950 one-way)
• Air: ANA, Skymark or JAL from Haneda Airport to Kobe Airport (1 hour 55 minutes, from Y9,000)

Oita

Oita is synonymous with hot springs, and the therapeutic thermal baths draw visitors from all over Japan, making it the perfect place to soak away your worries after a crucial match result. Oita city has a few museums and a monkey park, but the real attraction is just 20 minutes west by train to the hot spring mecca of Beppu. Here’s you’ll find a collection of boiling and hissing thermal ponds (or hells, as they are commonly called). Additionally, a 50-minute bus ride over the mountains will take you to Yufuin, an idyllic village located at the base of a massive volcano. It’s an excellent place to escape to enjoy quaint cafes and soothing hot spring baths.

Beppu Hot Spring town near Oita: unununius photo / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Showa Denko Dome Oita (capacity: 40,000)

This beautifully-designed soccer stadium with retractable dome roof is the largest venue in Kyushu and a comfortable place to see a rugby match. The only issue with the stadium is the location, as it is not as easy to access as other World Cup stadiums. While most local residents prefer to drive, it is possible to go there by local bus from Oita city. The World Cup organizers will likely have plenty of shuttle buses running from both Oita and Takajo stations, which are the closest train stations to the venue. Otherwise, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from Takajo station on the JR Nippo line (2 stops east of Oita station)

Oita Accommodation:

Rugby fans will need to decide between staying near Oita station, which is a little closer to the venue, or in the hot spring resort of Beppu.

Oita

• Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This mid-range option offers spacious rooms and 5 different dining options.
• Dormy Inn Oita
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The soothing hot spring baths and clean rooms make this mid-range business hotel a definite option.

Beppu

• Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Ooetei
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  For luxury travelers, you can’t go wrong with this high-class hot spring resort located right on the shores of Beppu Bay.
• Gahama Terrace
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This 5-star Japanese-style inn features soothing hot spring baths and a relaxing sun terrace. Spacious rooms and excellent food make this a top-notch choice for those seeking to truly get away.

Getting to Oita from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen and Sonic Limited Express (7 hours, Y28, 520 one-way)
• Air: ANA, Jetstar or JAL from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport (1 hour 35 minutes, from Y10,000)

Kumamoto

Kumamoto is a large castle town located near the Ariake Sea in the southern part of the island. Known for its old castle (currently under repairs caused by the 2016 earthquake) and strong rice-based shochu liquor, Kumamoto is a nice place to spend a couple of days. After wandering around the castle, check out the former residence of 19th century author Natsumi Soseki and enjoy the clacking sounds of the historic streetcar that runs through the center of town.

Kumamoto Castle: Suradech Singhanat / Shutterstock.com

Venue: Egao Kenko Stadium – (cap: 32,000)

Formerly known as the Umakana-Yokana Stadium, this multi-purpose venue is located quite far from the city, an issue that organizers are currently trying to address. The most likely scenario is a series of shuttle buses from both Kumamoto Airport and Hikari-no-mori station. The most convenient access is by car, and as the stadium is just west of Kumamoto airport, it may make the most sense to fly into Kumamoto airport and take a taxi (or shuttle bus) from there to the venue. Alternatively, the nearest station is Hikari-no-mori, a 22-minute train ride of the JR Hohi line.

Kumamoto Accommodation:

Although there are a couple of business hotels located near the airport, it would probably make the most sense to stay in Kumamoto city for a better selection of hotels.

• Kumamoto Hotel Castle
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This mid-range option features views of Kumamoto castle from the comfortable rooms and 4 different dining options.
• Crown Plaza ANA Kumanoto New Sky
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This higher-end hotel offers spacious rooms with incredibly city views and a great breakfast buffet.

Getting to Kumamoto from Tokyo:

• Rail: Tokaido Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen (6 hours, Y27, 120 one-way)
• Air: ANA or JAL from Haneda Airport to Kumamoto Airport (1 hour 45 minutes, from Y15,000)

Match schedule

Pool Stage

• Fri Sept 20

  Japan vs Russia (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 7:45pm

• Sat Sept 21

  Australia vs Fiji (Sapporo Dome, Sapporo) 1:45pm
  France vs Argentina (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 4:15pm
  New Zealand vs South Africa (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 6:45pm

• Sun Sept 22

  Italy vs Namibia (Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka) 2:15pm
  Ireland vs Scotland (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 4:45pm
  England vs Tonga (Sapporo Dome, Sapporo) 7:15pm

• Mon Sept 23

  Wales vs Georgia (Toyota Stadium, Toyota) 7:15pm

• Tues Sept 24

  Russia vs Samoa (Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo) 7:15pm

• Wed Sept 25

  Fiji vs Uruguay (Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi) 2:15pm

• Thurs Sept 26

  Italy vs Canada (Level5 Stadium, Fukuoka) 4:45pm
  England vs USA (Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe) 7:45pm

• Sat Sept 28

  Argentina vs Tonga (Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka) 1:45pm
  Japan vs Ireland (ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka) 4:15pm
  South Africa vs Namibia (Toyota Stadium, Toyota) 6:45pm

• Sun Sept 29

  Georgia vs Uruguay (Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo) 2:15pm
  Australia vs Wales (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 4:45pm

• Mon Sept 30

  Scotland vs Samoa (Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe) 7:15pm

• Wed Oct 2

  France vs USA (Level5 Stadium, Fukuoka) 4:45pm
  New Zealand vs Canada (Showa Denko Dome, Oita) 7:15pm

• Thurs Oct 3

  Georgia vs Fiji (Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka) 2:15pm
  Ireland vs Russia (Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe) 7:15pm

• Fri Oct 4

  South Africa vs Italy (ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka) 6:45pm

• Sat Oct 5

  Australia vs Uruguay (Showa Denko Dome, Oita) 2:15pm
  England vs Argentina (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 5:00pm
  Japan vs Samoa (Toyota Stadium, Toyota) 7:30pm

• Sun Oct 6

  New Zealand vs Namibia (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 1:45pm
  France vs Tonga (Egao Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto) 4:45pm

• Tues Oct 8

  South Africa vs Canada (Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe) 7:15pm

• Wed Oct 9

  Argentina vs USA (Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo) 1:45pm
  Scotland vs Russia (ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka) 4:15pm
  Wales vs Fiji (Showa Denko Dome, Oita) 6:45pm

• Fri Oct 11

  Australia vs Georgia (ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka) 7:15pm

• Sat Oct 12

  New Zealand vs Italy (Toyota Stadium, Toyota) 1:45pm
  England vs France (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 5:15pm
  Ireland vs Samoa (Level5 Stadium, Fukuoka) 7:45pm

• Sun Oct 13

  Namibia vs Canada (Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi) 12:15pm
  USA vs Tonga (Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka) 2:45pm
  Wales vs Uruguay (Egao Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto) 5:15pm
  Japan vs Scotland (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 7:45pm

Rugby World Cup action: patrimonio designs ltd / Shutterstock.com

Quarterfinals

• Sat Oct 19

  Winner Pool C vs Runner Up Pool D (Showa Denko Dome, Oita) 4:15pm
  Winner Pool B vs Runner Up Pool A (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 7:15pm

• Sun Oct 20

  Winner Pool D vs Runner Up Pool C (Showa Denko Dome, Oita) 4:15pm
  Winner Pool A vs Runner Up Pool B (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 7:15pm

Semifinals

• Sat Oct 26

  Winner Quarterfinal 1 vs Winner Quarterfinal 2 (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 5:00pm

• Sun Oct 27

  Winner Quarterfinal 3 vs Winner Quarterfinal 4 (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 6:00pm

Finals

• Fri Nov 1

  Loser Semifinal 1 vs Loser Semifinal 2 (Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo) 6:00pm

• Sat Nov 2

  Winner Semifinal 1 vs Winner Semifinal 2 (Nissan Stadium, Yokohama) 6:00pm

Rugby World Cup 2019: Things To Be Aware Of

• While Japan is a modern country, first-time visitors may be surprised at the lack of English proficiency and should learn to speak slowly and clearly so they can be understood. While English is perfectly fine in most of Tokyo, those travelling to other regions of Japan should be on the lookout for restaurants that have English menus (preferably with pictures) and should show taxi drivers the address of their destination to help avoid confusion. Translation apps will also go a long way toward making yourself understood in these situations.
• Rugby fans, generally speaking, are pretty well-mannered compared to some other sports and Japan as a whole has a very low crime rate. Use common sense when carrying belongings and keep your valuables safely stowed away on Japan’s crowded subway trains.
• Autumn weather in Japan is generally stable and pleasant, with sunny days sandwiched between a day or two of moderate rain, so carry an umbrella. However, be advised that September is known as typhoon season in Japan, so check local weather forecasts and beware of transport disruptions if a typhoon does make landfall near you.
• Finally, Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and several World Cup venues have had strong earthquakes within the last couple of decades. If a strong earthquake hits, follow the instructions of hotel staff and stadium attendants, and be prepared for potential power outages and disruptions to publish transport.

Travel Insurance For Japan

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Packing List for Japan

• For all the practicalities of what you should pack for your trip to Japan, see our comprehensive Packing List for Japan.

Rugby World Cup 2019 Trip planning (what to do between matches)

• There certainly is a lot to see and do in Japan during the down time between rugby matches, and the country is truly a magical place when the autumn colors reach their peak in early November. If it’s your first time in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, see our quick “first time” overviews to get a sense of what’s essential about each city. Consider planning a week of travel after the tournament to make the most of the incredible scenery. Those looking for help with their travel planning can consult Japan Travel Consultants for custom-made itineraries.

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation