Rugby World Cup 2019
Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup 2019, the first time the event will be held in Asia. Of the 12 cities hosting the games, three will be in the Tokyo Metro area.
Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium, capacity 49,970) is where 8 games will be played including the opening match on 20 Sep.
Normally the J-League FC Tokyo team play their home games here and will be used for soccer in the 2020 Olympics. It can also hold track and field events, although the track is generally covered with artificial turf for rugby or soccer.
About 20km (13mi) west of central Tokyo, the nearest rail station is Tobitakyu 飛田給 on the Keio Line. You can board the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station, the major transportation hub on the western end of downtown Tokyo. The Japan Rail Pass doesn't work on the Keio Line; you'll need to purchase a single ride ticket of 240 JPY to board. You may also use the SUICA/PASMO transportation cards.
Express trains usually do not stop at Tobitakyu, but all types of trains will make an extra stop on game day starting four hours before kickoff and 2.5 hours after the game finishes. From the station, it is about a 5 minute walk directly north.
International Stadium Yokohama (Nissan Stadium) is about 30km (18mi) SW of Tokyo near the Shin-Yokohama Station and can be quickly accessed using the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo or Shinagawa. It will also host 8 games, including the final on 2 Nov. Normally the Yokohama Marinos play here. and was also used for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. With a capacity of close to 70,000 it is the largest stadium in Japan.
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium is about 65km (40mi) north of Tokyo and will host three games, including the US vs Argentina game on 9 Oct. Built specifically for rugby, the stadium underwent extensive renovations in 2018 adding new seats and now the capacity is at 24,000.
The closest station is Kumagaya, which is a station on the Niigata or Nagano-bound Shinkansen - however take note that some trains do not make a stop at Kumagaya.
There is also the option to take the slower but more frequent regional trains (local or rapid service) on the Takasaki Line, which will take about one hour. The Japan Rail Pass can be used on either types of services.
From the north exit of the station, it is a further 3.5 km away on a free shuttle bus that will be depart from the Fanzone located about 8 minutes away from the station. There is a information booth immediately outside the station gate, so it is recommended to stop by for receiving directions. The bus runs frequently and will take around 15 minutes. After the game, there will be a long queue, so expect to spend up to 30 minutes in line. The return bus will drop you right in front of the station. Choosing to walk back to the station will take about 50 minutes.
The red-roofed building that used to house MUJI and LOFT stores have been renamed "Tokyo Sports Square" and opened on Sep 20 as one of the official "Fanzone" during the games. There is a bag inspection before entering and non-Heineken drinks cannot be brought from outside. The first and second floors both have a big screen with live viewings of all games; the second floor is designated as a Family Zone and alcohol consumption prohibited.The location is adjacent to the Yurakucho Station at the address 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. In Yokohama, the Fanzone will be adjacent to the Pacifico Yokohama convention hall in the waterfront.
The biggest store carrying RWC merchandise opened at the former site of the Subaru Building on the western side of the Shinjuku Station. The Megastore will open from 10:30-20:00 (19:00 on Sundays) and is located at 1-7-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.
Although originally planned as the venue for the finals, the new Tokyo Olympic Stadium will not be a part of RWC. Delays in the construction will mean the new stadium will only be completed after the Rugby World Cup has finished.
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