{"id":23073,"date":"2019-03-19T12:19:53","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T12:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=23073"},"modified":"2024-09-11T15:19:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T14:19:06","slug":"rugby-world-cup-our-favourite-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/19\/rugby-world-cup-our-favourite-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby World Cup: Our favourite cities"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>The first ever Rugby World Cup in Asia is coming to Japan this year. To say we\u2019re excited is an understatement. The first game will be on the 20th September and the final match (with fireworks and anticipation aplenty) will be on the 2nd November. Our rugby travel team have picked five of their favourite host cities and the best ways to make the most of your time in Japan.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Japan Rugby World Cup 2019<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">48 matches. 6 weeks. 20 nations.<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Ben Walker, Fukuoka<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21331 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/120-RGB-e1537874861572.jpg\" alt=\"Ben Walker - Rugby World Cup team\" width=\"171\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/120-RGB-e1537874861572.jpg 171w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/120-RGB-e1537874861572-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 171px) 100vw, 171px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ben, an InsideJapan tour leader and rugby aficionado, made Fukuoka his home seven years ago. He insists, rather controversially, that it is in fact the best city in Japan. Despite having oodles of entertainment, restaurants and shopping, Fukuoka is an underdog of the Japanese cities \u2013 unknown to many first-time visitors to Japan.<\/p>\n<p>This cosmopolitan city certainly has enough to keep you entertained though. I suggest starting with a good dose of culture in the temple district; Shofukuji is not only the oldest Zen temple in Japan, but also home to some friendly temple cats! Indulge in some retail therapy at Canal City (a huge shopping complex) or escape the hustle and bustle at Ohori Park or Momochihama beach.<\/p>\n<p>If you do travel to the beach, go up Fukuoka Tower to see the best views of the city. In the evening, lots of izakaya (Japanese pubs) serve delicious food, but there are also endless yatai \u2013 street stalls \u2013 selling tasty fare. Head to one of the hip bars in the vibrant areas of Nakasu or Tenjin to round off a busy day.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23074 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Fukuoka_459x270.jpg\" alt=\"Fukuoka\" width=\"459\" height=\"270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Fukuoka_459x270.jpg 459w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Fukuoka_459x270-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Fukuoka_459x270-390x229.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 459px) 100vw, 459px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stadium:<\/strong> Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must-see match:<\/strong> Ireland Vs. Samoa \u2013 12th October 2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Louise Lee, Osaka<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21330 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown-300x200.png\" alt=\"Louise Lee - Rugby World Cup team\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown-564x377.png 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown-390x260.png 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown-510x341.png 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Unknown.png 593w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>There\u2019s nothing Louise doesn\u2019t love about rugby or Japan (she\u2019s the mastermind behind our rugby travel packages). The city of Osaka doesn\u2019t do things by halves. In the evening, the streets wake up &#8211; expect flashing neon, delicious wafts from food stalls, and entertainment quarters buzzing with karaoke bars and pachinko (video game) parlours.<\/p>\n<p>This is the place to try the best of Japanese street food; fill up on octopus dumplings, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), ramen noodles and yakitori (skewered chicken). There are lots of sports fans here too, so it\u2019s likely to be even livelier than usual during the Rugby World Cup. In fact, enthusiastic residents have even been known to jump into the city\u2019s canal when their team is victorious. I wouldn\u2019t recommend it though\u2026<\/p>\n<p>While Osaka also has daytime attractions, such as the aquarium, endless shopping centres and even The Wizarding World of Harry Potter\u2122 at Universal Studios Japan, it\u2019s also only a short distance from Kyoto, and the impressive Himeji Castle.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-17136 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-510x287.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-510x287.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Osaka-5-780x439.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stadium:<\/strong> Hanazono Rugby Stadium<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must-see match:<\/strong> Tonga vs. Argentina \u2013 28th September 2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Kobe, Kester Wright<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-21339 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Kester - Rugby World Cup team\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Kester-RGB.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Senior Travel Consultant Kester went to university in Kobe, so he might be a little biased when he says \u201cKobe epitomises Japan\u201d. With the Rokko mountain range on one side, and Osaka Bay stretching beyond on the other, Kobe will make you reach for your camera.<\/p>\n<p>The city was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade and although some of the old merchant buildings remain, it was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the mid-1990s. If I had one piece of advice for first-time (meat-eating) visitors, it would be to try the city\u2019s most famous export: Kobe beef. It is expensive, but always worth it. Rumour has it that the cows are raised on a healthy diet of beer; whatever they\u2019re eating (or drinking), it\u2019s certainly working.<\/p>\n<p>While I lived in Kobe, I was lucky enough to have my Seijin no Hi (Japanese coming of age ceremony) at the Kobe Misaki Stadium. If the atmosphere was electric when my peers and I celebrated turning 20, I can only imagine what the city will be like during the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22009 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-510x340.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe, Japan skyline at the port.\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/iStock-525972346-KOBE-780x521.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stadium:<\/strong> Kobe Misaki Stadium<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must-see match:<\/strong> England vs. Usa \u2013 26th September 2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Rachel Rykala, Sapporo<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-21328 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Rachel Rykala - Rugby World Cup team\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Rach-RGB.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Having lived on Japan\u2019s northernmost island, Hokkaido, Senior Travel Consultant Rachel knows Sapporo and the island\u2019s areas of natural beauty very well. England\u2019s Rugby World Cup journey starts in Hokkaido\u2019s capital, Sapporo.<\/p>\n<p>The city\u2019s known for its sparkling snow festival in February, but there\u2019s loads to do at other times of year too; my personal highlights include a thirsty trip to the Sapporo Beer Museum and a laidback day at nearby Otaru, a picturesque town with a canal running through its centre.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a week or two to spare, drive out to some of Hokkaido\u2019s incredible National Parks \u2013 including Shikotsu-Toya, Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko \u2013 to see volcanic mountains, huge crystal lakes and steaming onsen (hot spring baths).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19139 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-510x340.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Otaru3.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stadium:<\/strong> Sapporo Dome<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must-see match:<\/strong> England vs. Tonga \u2013 22nd September 2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Benjamin Guest, Tokyo<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-21336 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Ben Guest - Rugby World Cup team\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ben-RGB-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Senior Travel Consultant, Benjamin did a lot of exploring during his six years in Japan, but he will always have a soft spot for Tokyo. Japan\u2019s enormous, sprawling capital has so many personality-packed districts it\u2019s hard to know where to start.<\/p>\n<p>I lived in and around here for six years, and still haven\u2019t seen it all. Like much of Japan, it has a wonderful way of encompassing old-world charm with hyper-modernity. I recommend taking in the old by starting in the quaint Asakusa area; this old merchant quarter with the incredible Senso-ji temple feels like a world away from the city\u2019s heady skyscrapers. Then head to the Harajuku area \u2013 home to all things kawaii (cute), before walking through Yoyogi Park to Meiji Shrine.<\/p>\n<p>Dart across the city to tackle Shibuya\u2019s famous crossing, go shopping in swish Ginza, visit museums in Ueno, see the bright lights of Akihabara\u2019s gaming districts (complete with maid caf\u00e9s), and finish it all off with a frozen beer in Shinjuku\u2019s Golden Gai area. All that and we haven\u2019t even scratched the surface\u2026<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19672 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-510x340.jpg\" alt=\"Tokyo photography\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-564x377.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-720x481.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/3.jpg 1429w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stadium:<\/strong> Tokyo Stadium<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must-see match:<\/strong> Australia vs. Wales \u2013 29th September 2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Still not firmed up your own World Cup plans? There&#8217;s not long to go! For information about Small Group Tours and bespoke itinerary options, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/19\/rugby-world-cup-our-favourite-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan rugby fans travel guide<\/a> or contact our rugby travel experts on 0117 992 7068.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This article was originally published in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.insidejapantours.org\/EASTMagazine\/EastOct2018LOWRES.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">issue 8 of <em>east<\/em><\/a>, our travel magazine. To keep up to date with the latest travel inspiration and features from across Japan and Southeast Asia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/magazine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sign up to receive <em>east<\/em><\/a> twice a year through the post for FREE!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-22123\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Cover8.jpg\" alt=\"Issue 8 East travel magazine cover\" width=\"300\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Cover8.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Cover8-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23073\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! The first ever Rugby World Cup in Asia is coming to Japan this year. To say we\u2019re excited is an understatement. The first game will be on the 20th September and the final match (with fireworks and anticipation aplenty) will be on the 2nd November. Our rugby [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2369,2360],"tags":[3427,4149,4152],"class_list":["post-23073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sports-and-adventure-in-japan","category-travellers-tales-from-japan","tag-rugby-world-cup-in-japan","tag-2019-rugby-world-cup","tag-best-places-in-japan-for-rugby"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23073"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34137,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23073\/revisions\/34137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}