Rugby World Cup 2019 Tokyo Area Guide - Stadiums, Things To Do, And Food

Rugby World Cup 2019 Venues in the Tokyo Area

The Rugby World Cup 2019 from September 20 to November 2 is an international sporting event held in many areas in Japan, including the larger Tokyo area, with stadiums in Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka prefectures.

Read to find out about the locations of and access to these world-class venues, ideas for sightseeing nearby, and restaurants. Enjoy the games and all the greater Tokyo region has to offer.

Venues in Eastern Japan

1. Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium), Tokyo
2. Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama
3. International Stadium Yokohama, Kanagawa
4. Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA, Shizuoka

1. Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium), Tokyo

Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Tokyo Stadium (or Ajinomoto Stadium), located around 30 minutes from Shinjuku in western Tokyo, is a major venue for sporting events and concerts. The stadium has a large selection of seating and an expansive field, allowing spectators a great view of the games. There are also a variety of food and drink establishments within the stadium.

Access from Central Tokyo

From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio rapid train bound for Takaosanguchi. After 14 minutes, transfer to a local train at Chofu Station and ride until Tobitakyu Station. The stadium is around a 5-minute walk from the station.

Address: Tokyo, Chofu, Nishimachi 376-3
Google Map
Official Website: https://www.ajinomotostadium.com/english/

Famous Places to Visit in Tokyo near Ajinomoto Stadium

Showa Kinen Park. Picture from Showa Kinen Park – A Year-Round Flowering Park For Young And Old
With a convenient location in West Tokyo, it is easy to do sightseeing in the area. Within around thirty minutes of Ajinomoto Stadium are a variety of places that will satisfy all types of travelers.

Thrill-seekers can spend a day at Yomiuri Land, a theme park in the greater Tokyo area with roller coasters and spectacular nighttime light-up displays. For outdoors, head to the 180-hectare Showa Kinen Park, which contains a Japanese garden, expansive flower fields, and barbecue and recreation spots ideal for spending time with family and friends.

Another option is to go to Jindaiji Temple, a famous temple known for its lush, gorgeous grounds that are ideal for relaxing after an exciting rugby match.

Dining near Tokyo Stadium

1. Uoine

Located just a minute from the south exit of Tobitakyu Station is Uoine, an izakaya serving sushi, sashimi, tempura, and a variety of other classic Japanese dishes. Open for lunch and dinner, this is a convenient and casual spot where diners can experience a typical Japanese pub environment.

Uoine
Address: Tokyo, Chofu, Tobikyu, Tobikyu 2-14-5
Google Map
http://uoine.com/index.html (Japanese)

2. Dontei Shabushabu Fuchu Branch

Dontei Shabushabu is a restaurant serving shabu-shabu, a type of Japanese hot pot cuisine. This is a do-it-yourself dining experience ideal for groups. Diners cook ingredients themselves, like pork and beef, vegetables, and noodles in a large pot. Here you can choose from all-you-can-eat courses, where you can order more ingredients and side dishes like sushi.

Dontei Shabushabu Fuchu Branch
Address: Tokyo, Fuchu, Shiraitodai 3-1
Google Map
http://www.don-tei.jp/menu_foreigners.html

3. Edokoma Ramen

Edokoma Ramen is a casual restaurant ideal for enjoying a reasonably-priced bowl of Japanese noodles with a small group of friends. The menu contains miso ramen of all types and tsukemen (soupless noodles). Come here when you want a classic and satisfying Japanese meal.

Edokoma Ramen
Address: Tokyo, Chofu, Tobitakyu 2-13-4
Google Map
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1326/A132601/13022221/

2. Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama

Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a large-scale stadium built in 1991 used frequently for national tournaments for professional and university leagues. In the spring, it holds national high school rugby matches for Japan. The stadium was renovated October 2018 and features state-of-the-art facilities, including specially-designed seating to give spectators a great experience.

The stadium is part of the Kumagaya Sports & Culture Park, which also includes a track and field stadium, softball fields, and other numerous park facilities enjoyable by the general public.

Access from Central Tokyo

From JR Tokyo Station, the quickest transportation method is to take the Asama Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano. Ride for 38 minutes and get off at Kumagaya Station. From Kumagaya Station, board the bus bound for Inuzuka at Kokusai Juo Bus Stop #2. Get off at Rikujo Kyogijo Iriguchi. The stadium is around a 7-minute walk from the bus stop. You can also ride the bus going to Kumagaya Dome from Kokusai Juo Bu Stop #3. Get off at Kumagaya Dome. The stadium is directly accessible from where the bus stops.

Address: Saitama, Kumagaya, Kamikawakami 300
Google Map
Official Website: http://www.parks.or.jp/kumagaya/english/

Famous Places to Visit in Saitama

Picture from Only In Saitama Prefecture! Exciting Activities And Gorgeous Sights
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium is close to mountainous, rural areas, making it a destination great for enjoying nature. For a half-day trip, take the train about an hour to Nagatoro, an area in Chichibu City with a river you can enjoy rafting down (pictured above).

First-time visitors to Saitama Prefecture should head to Kawagoe, known for its traditional Edo-style townscape. You can wear kimono and stroll through the streets, snack on delicious Japanese food, and enjoy the historical atmosphere.

A closer option is a visit to Menuma Shoden-zan, a prominent temple in Kumagaya City that is considered the Nikko Toshogu of Saitama. The gorgeous sculpture and brilliant colors of the buildings stand out and will be sure to fascinate all who visit.

Dining in Saitama

1. Kumadon

Kumadon is a casual, local udon noodle restaurant open during lunch hours, located within Kumagaya Sports & Culture Park, making it a convenient choice. The udon is handmade and springy, and is sure to satisfy all in your party. They also sell curry bread that is very popular among residents.

Kumadon
Address: Saitama, Kumagaya, Kamikawa Kami 300 Kumagaya Sports & Culture Park
Google Map
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/saitama/A1105/A110501/11004622/

2. Soba Ryori Kanaya

Another option is trying soba (buckwheat noodles) at Soba Ryori Kanaya, located a short walk outside Kumagaya Sports & Culture Park. This restaurant serves soba sets and other Japanese dishes, like tempura, in an intimate environment with tatami mats and low tables. If you are traveling with a smaller group this is an ideal place to get lunch. If you want to come here for dinner, a reservation is required (please contact the store directly).

Soba Ryori Kanaya
Address: Saitama, Kumagaya, Kamikawa Kami 612-2
Google Map
Website: http://www.sobaryourikanaya.jp/ (Japanese)

3. Fukuzushi

For lunch or dinner, visitors can enjoy sushi at Fukuzushi, a spacious restaurant located around a ten-minute walk from the stadium and park. There is table seating in addition to counter seats, making it suitable to relax after or during the games.

Fukuzushi
Address: Saitama, Kumagaya, Kamikawa Kami 499-4
Google Map
Website: https://fukuzushi.jimdo.com/

3. International Stadium Yokohama, Kanagawa

Picture courtesy of PIXTA
International Stadium Yokohama, also known as the Nissan Stadium, is a massive stadium with over 72,000 seats, located near Shin-Yokohama Station in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. The seating and stadium are designed with spectators' comfort and viewing needs in mind. There are also numerous food and drink stands and establishments to keep visitors refreshed during the games.

Access from Tokyo

International Stadium Yokohama is conveniently located close to Tokyo. From JR Tokyo Station, it takes around one hour via normal train. Ride the Keihin-Tohoku Line, bound for Isogo, until Higashi Kanagawa Station. Transfer to the JR Yokohama Line bound for Hachijoji and get off at Shin-Yokohama Station. Walk for around 14 minutes to arrive at the stadium. Alternatively, you can ride for one more stop on the train to Kozukue Station, and walk around 7 minutes to the stadium.

Address: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Kohoku, Kozukue 3300
Google Map
Official Website: https://www.nissan-stadium.jp/english/

Famous Places to Visit in Yokohama

Picture from Kamakura Travel Guide - Top 20 Spots

Spectators viewing games at the stadium are in very close proximity to all types of sightseeing and activities in Yokohama and greater Kanagawa Prefecture area.

If you are looking for something low-key and are a fan of Japanese food, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a facility right by Shin-Yokohama Station. Visitors learn about the origins and progression of Japan's ramen culture and taste delicious noodles, with exhibits and eight ramen restaurants from all over Japan. There is also much to see and do near the seaside and shopping area of Minato Mirai in Yokohama, including visiting museums and seeing Japan's largest Chinatown.

Visitors with more time can take a day trip or half-day trip to Kamakura, one of Japan's ancient capitals, known to travelers for its traditional atmosphere, giant Buddha statue, and many shrines and temples. Kamakura is around 30 minutes from Yokohama Station.

Dining in Yokohama

1. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, as mentioned above, is a facility that includes multiple ramen restaurants, and is close to the stadium, making it a nice choice for meals, as well. A number of restaurants here offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal-certified ramen, so diners with various needs can enjoy a meal too.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Address: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Kohoku, Shinyokohama 2-14-21
Google Map
Website: http://www.raumen.co.jp/english/

2. sMiLe Table

sMiLe Table is a restaurant with a farm-to-table concept, offering teishoku (set meals) dishes, curry rice, and noodles. The menu is nutritious, created in cooperation with nutritionists for athletes in Yokohama. The restaurant is open for lunch and is within around a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It is ideal for families and health-conscious consumers.

2. sMiLe Table
Address: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Kohoku, Kozuke 3302-5,
Nissan Stadium Higashi Gate-mae
Google Map
Website: https://www.nissan-stadium.jp/shoprest/smiletable.php (Japanese)

3. En

En is a restaurant close to the stadium, open for lunch and dinner serving Japanese cuisine, with a menu containing many fish and vegetable dishes. They also have a large selection of sake to choose from, making this a great choice for the evening and friend groups.

En
Address: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Kohoku, Shin Yokohama 2-10-45 Cubic Plaza Shin-yokohama 10F
Google Map
Website: http://www.cubicplaza.com/restaurant-cafe/shop_10_10-008/ (Japanese)

4. Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA, Shizuoka

Picture courtesy of PIXTA
The Ogasayama Nature and Sports Park ECOPA in Shizuoka Prefecture is an expansive park with large stadiums for rugby, soccer, and musical events. Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA, the stadium to be used for the Rugby World Cup, can accommodate 50,000 guests, is surrounded by greenery and nature. The park area has trails where visitors can enjoy short walks and nature hikes through the surrounding forests.

Access from Tokyo

From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Sanyo Kodama Shinkansen to Kakegawa Station. The ride is about 1 hour and 43 minutes. At Kakegawa Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line, bound for Hamamatsu. Ride about 15 minutes until JR Aino Station. The stadium is about a 15-minute walk from the station.

Address: Shizuoka, Fukuroi, Aino 2300-1
Google Map
Official website: http://www.ecopa.jp/english/

Famous Places to Visit in Shizuoka

Picture from Shizuoka - 10 Must Visit Spots In This Nature Rich Tokyo Neighbor!
Shizuoka Prefecture boasts close proximity to Mt. Fuji and a beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. Travelers can spend an activity-filled trip in addition to cheering on their favorite team in this nature-rich prefecture.

Visitors wanting to experience a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji should head to Shizuoka City, accessible from JR Shizuoka Station (one stop before Kakegawa on the Shinkansen towards Tokyo). Go to Miho-no-Matsubara see the stunning coast with Mt. Fuji in the background.

You can also head west to Hamamatsu to enjoy history and nature. Hamamatsu Castle is in central Hamamatsu and has a park and tea house. Another site not to miss is Hamamatsu Flower Park, a nationally-renowned park with endless flower fields year-round.

In Kakegawa, a short train ride from the stadium, is Kakegawa Castle, a castle that has been reconstructed faithfully in accordance with its original state. This beautiful castle has been used for filming Japanese television dramas.

Dining in Shizuoka

1. TSK Restaurant

TSK Restaurant is located within the park grounds and operates on Saturdays and Sundays. It is a very casual space serving classic Japanese comfort food, like, bento lunches, curry, and yakisoba. It is an ideal place to take a break and relax close to the stadium.

TSK Restaurant
Address: Shizuoka, Fukuroi, Aino 2300-1 Ecopa Arena 2F
Google Map
Website: https://www.ecopa.jp/facilities/arena_restaurant/ (Japanese)

2. Aji Sho Ichinozuki

Aji Sho Ichinozuki is a restaurant where diners can enjoy a Shizuoka specialty: seafood. The restaurant serves sashimi, sushi, and Japanese sake of all varieties. Located just a 4-minute walk from Aino Station, this is an easy-to-access establishment that will let visitors indulge the local food scene.

Aji Sho Ichinozuki
Address: Shizuoka, Fukuroi, Aino Higashi 2-9-3
Google Map
Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/98e72gd90000/ (Japanese)

3. Hatenko

For spectators craving ramen, Hatenko is a popular local ramen restaurant near Aino Station open for lunch and dinner. You can choose from different types of ramen and tsukemen for a classic and satisfying meal. This is a convenient and casual option, great for people traveling with friends.

Hatenko
Address: Shizuoka, Fukuroi, Aino Higashi 1-87-1
Google Map
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/shizuoka/A2202/A220202/22019176/

Enjoy the Rugby World Cup 2019 in the Tokyo Area

With a number of matches being held in the large, state-of-the-art venues, rugby and sports fans will sure to be pleased with the stadiums and facilities in and around Tokyo. In addition to the games, a visit to recommended destinations will allow fans to have an even better stay.

Rugby World Cup 2019 Official Website: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/venues