Japan is gearing up for a big few years in sport as it hosts its first Rugby World Cup in 2019 before the Olympics come to Tokyo in 2020. Here are some tips for traveling fans.
Japan is gearing up for a big few years in sport as it hosts its first Rugby World Cup in 2019 before the Olympics come to Tokyo in 2020. Here are some tips for traveling fans.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Three stadiums around Tokyo will host Rugby World Cup games, including the final at the International Stadium Yokohama. A trip up the Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking views of the city.
Three stadiums around Tokyo will host Rugby World Cup games, including the final at the International Stadium Yokohama. A trip up the Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking views of the city.
Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
It goes without saying that Japan's capital is one of the busiest cities in the world. The famous scramble crossing -- the Shibuya intersection -- is at the heart of one of Tokyo's most colorful districts.
It goes without saying that Japan's capital is one of the busiest cities in the world. The famous scramble crossing -- the Shibuya intersection -- is at the heart of one of Tokyo's most colorful districts.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
If you're traveling around Japan, then the bullet trains are a must. Their <a target="_blank" target="_blank">fastest operating speed</a> is 200mph with an average delay of less than 60 seconds.
If you're traveling around Japan, then the bullet trains are a must. Their fastest operating speed is 200mph with an average delay of less than 60 seconds.
Carl Court/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
When it comes to transport, the Kobe-Nunobiki Ropeway takes you high above the port city of Kobe, which will host eight pools games across two venues at the Rugby World Cup.
When it comes to transport, the Kobe-Nunobiki Ropeway takes you high above the port city of Kobe, which will host eight pools games across two venues at the Rugby World Cup.
Mike Raggett
A visit to Japan wouldn't be complete without dipping into the country's rich cultural history. The Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to the 122nd Emperor of Japan who reigned from 1867-1912. Former US VP Dick Cheney is seen making a visit in 2004.
A visit to Japan wouldn't be complete without dipping into the country's rich cultural history. The Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to the 122nd Emperor of Japan who reigned from 1867-1912. Former US VP Dick Cheney is seen making a visit in 2004.
Junko Kimura/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The Buddhist temple of Zenko-ji dates back to the seventh century. Alongside <a target="_blank" target="_blank">Shinto</a>, today Buddhism is Japan's most practiced religion.
The Buddhist temple of Zenko-ji dates back to the seventh century. Alongside Shinto, today Buddhism is Japan's most practiced religion.
Mike Raggett
Finding an escape amid the country's bustling cities can be a welcome relief. Cherry blossoms -- which lend their name to Japan's rugby team -- are in full bloom during spring in Tokyo's Ueno Park.
Finding an escape amid the country's bustling cities can be a welcome relief. Cherry blossoms -- which lend their name to Japan's rugby team -- are in full bloom during spring in Tokyo's Ueno Park.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The gardens in Shinjuku -- seen from above -- also offer an oasis of green in the center of Tokyo.
The gardens in Shinjuku -- seen from above -- also offer an oasis of green in the center of Tokyo.
Mike Raggett
No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling the range of culinary delights the country has to offer. Sashimi -- sliced raw fish -- is a national delicacy.
No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling the range of culinary delights the country has to offer. Sashimi -- sliced raw fish -- is a national delicacy.
Mike Raggett
A chef in Tokyo's Akasaka district prepares takoyaki -- deep-fried octopus balls.
A chef in Tokyo's Akasaka district prepares takoyaki -- deep-fried octopus balls.
Mike Raggett
If shopping's your thing, then Osaka is home to Japan's longest indoor shopping street in Tenjinbashi -- 2.6km!
If shopping's your thing, then Osaka is home to Japan's longest indoor shopping street in Tenjinbashi -- 2.6km!
Mike Raggett
A view of one of the expansive malls in Kobe Harborland.
A view of one of the expansive malls in Kobe Harborland.
Mike Raggett
Lastly, enjoy the rugby. The sport has <a target="_blank" target="_blank">13 million</a> fans in Japan, and applications for tickets and to volunteer at the event have been oversubscribed. Asia's first Rugby World Cup promises to be a good one.
Lastly, enjoy the rugby. The sport has 13 million fans in Japan, and applications for tickets and to volunteer at the event have been oversubscribed. Asia's first Rugby World Cup promises to be a good one.
David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images