Couldn't get a ticket to a Rugby World Cup match? Don't worry; you can still enjoy the Games to the fullest at these official Rugby World Cup 2019 Fanzones in and around our capital. Happening throughout the duration of the Games from September 20 to November 2, these Fanzones are a hive of activity: you can watch live screenings of all 48 matches, partake in traditional Japanese workshops, enjoy rugby-themed sessions, take some souvenir photos, fuel up on food and drink, and simply celebrate the joyous mood with fans from all around the world. Here’s a list of the Rugby World Cup Fanzones in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kumagaya (Saitama) – all of them free and open to everyone.
Rugby Fanzone at Tokyo Sports Square
Tokyo Sports Square is one of the two official Rugby World Cup Fanzones in central Tokyo. Here you can join rugby fans from all over the world in enjoying live screenings of all 48 Rugby World Cup matches on large LED screens – with a cold beer in hand.
That’s not all: on September 20, comedian duo Kyaeen will take to the stage, while Shotaro Onishi, former national rugby player of Japan, will have a talk on October 20 to introduce the game in detail. Furthermore, you can participate in rugby lessons taught by professional players, and don’t forget to check out the on-site museum regaling Japan’s rugby history. If you want a taste of local culture among all these sporting experiences, check out the Japan booth to get dressed up in a kimono.
Photo: rugbyworldcup.com
Rugby Fanzone at Chofu Station Square
The Ajinomoto Stadium in the Tokyo city of Chofu is the capital’s match venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019. The nearby Fanzone, located next to Chofu Station, provides indoor and outdoor live screenings of most of the matches. Entry is free for everyone.
Come practise your rugby moves under the guidance of top league players and enjoy the stage performances by comedic group Chiemi Blouson with B (September 20) and singer Sakurako Ohara (November 2), among other talents and artists. On September 22, former national rugby player Takashi Kikutani will be hosting a commentary session on the game.
There’s a corner for traditional Japanese activities, too, where you can peruse the Edo-style photo spot and partake in a variety of workshops.
Rugby Fanzone in Yokohama
There's a lot going on at Minato Mirai's rugby Fanzone to keep you occupied. You can watch live screenings of 32 World Cup matches, sample regional and international cuisines from local restaurants, enjoy live performances including a fusion dance show with ukiyo-e projection mapping (Oct 20), and experience a number of Japanese cultural activities such as sake tastings and more. If you're not familiar with the game of rugby, no sweat. The Fanzone also offers rugby-related activities so you can gain a better understanding of the game and learn how to enjoy it better.
Rugby Fanzone in Kumagaya (Saitama)
This Fanzone at Kumagaya City Community Plaza is where you can watch all the Kumagaya Stadium matches on a big screen for free. That's not all; the festival will also feature a host of other entertainment and activities including talks, live gigs and cheerleading shows by high school students.
Want to learn more about the game? Don't miss the 360-degree Rugby Attraction Hall, where you can experience how it feels like to be in a rugby field. There's also the on-site Kumagaya Rugby Museum for you to study up on the history between the city and the sport. The Fanzone will also have food and drink booths offering local Kumagaya dishes as well as the cuisines of competing international teams.
Looking for more ways to experience the games? You can watch Rugby World Cup matches at these sports bar. For more information on Rugby World Cup 2019, click here.