Rugby Tours to Yokohoma
Rugby Tours to Yokohoma
Rugby Tours to Yokohoma

Rugby Tours to Yokohama

Located just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and one of the country’s most exciting destinations for visiting rugby teams. Renowned for its stunning waterfront, modern skyline and rich international history, Yokohama blends contemporary attractions with traditional Japanese culture. As the city where rugby first took hold in Japan and host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, Yokohama has become one of the world’s great rugby destinations, making it an ideal base for school, club and representative rugby tours.

Whether you’re playing local opposition, training with Japanese clubs or exploring the city’s famous attractions, Yokohama offers something for every member of the touring party. Wander through the vibrant Minato Mirai waterfront, experience the largest Chinatown in Japan, discover beautiful traditional gardens or enjoy world-class museums and entertainment. With excellent transport links to Tokyo and beyond, Yokohama provides the perfect combination of elite rugby, cultural experiences and unforgettable sightseeing.

Why Tour Yokohama?

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Our Popular Inclusions for a Rugby Tour to Yokohama

Play fixtures against Japanese schools, universities and local rugby clubs.
Visit the famous International Stadium Yokohama, venue for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final.
Explore the spectacular Minato Mirai waterfront district.
Wander through Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan.
Visit the historic Red Brick Warehouse shopping and entertainment complex.
Create your own instant noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum.
Take a ride on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel.
Visit the beautiful Sankeien Garden.
Enjoy panoramic city views from Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden.
Cruise around Yokohama Bay.
Visit Yamashita Park and the waterfront promenade.
Explore the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
Experience a Japanese cooking class or sushi-making workshop.
Take a day trip to nearby Tokyo or Kamakura.

Things to Do Off the Pitch

International Stadium Yokohama

Few stadiums carry as much significance in world rugby as International Stadium Yokohama (also known as Nissan Stadium). With a capacity of over 70,000 spectators, it hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, along with both semi-finals and several pool matches, firmly establishing Yokohama as one of rugby’s most iconic destinations. The stadium has welcomed many of the sport’s greatest players and remains a must-visit for any rugby enthusiast.

For touring teams, visiting the stadium offers the opportunity to stand where rugby history was made. Whether enjoying a guided tour, watching a local fixture or simply exploring one of Japan’s finest sporting venues, it provides an inspiring experience for players, coaches and supporters alike.

Minato Mirai

The spectacular Minato Mirai district is the modern heart of Yokohama. This stunning waterfront area is home to futuristic skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shopping centres, museums and beautiful harbour views. Its wide promenades and open public spaces make it an ideal place for rugby groups to relax after a fixture while taking in one of Japan’s most impressive city skylines.

By day, visitors can explore shopping malls, waterfront attractions and cafés, while the area transforms into one of Japan’s most beautiful night-time destinations after sunset when the skyline lights up across the harbour.

Yokohama Chinatown

Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the biggest in the world. Filled with colourful streets, ornate gates and hundreds of restaurants, bakeries and food stalls, it’s one of Yokohama’s most vibrant attractions.

Rugby groups can spend hours exploring the area while sampling steamed buns, dumplings, noodles and authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s a fantastic place for team dinners or free time, offering a lively atmosphere that showcases Yokohama’s international heritage.

Sankeien Garden

Escape the busy city and discover the peaceful beauty of Sankeien Garden, one of Japan’s finest traditional gardens. Covering over 175,000 square metres, the garden features historic temples, traditional teahouses, ponds, streams and seasonal flowers transported from across Japan.

Walking through Sankeien provides a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese architecture and culture while enjoying one of Yokohama’s most tranquil settings. It’s particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn when the gardens are filled with spectacular colours.

Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Standing 296 metres tall, the Yokohama Landmark Tower is one of Japan’s tallest buildings and offers breathtaking panoramic views from its Sky Garden Observatory. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy spectacular views across Yokohama, Tokyo Bay and even Mount Fuji in the distance.

Whether you visit during the day or after sunset, the observation deck provides incredible photo opportunities and is the perfect way to appreciate the scale and beauty of Yokohama.

Yokohama Cosmo World

Located in the heart of the Minato Mirai waterfront district, Yokohama Cosmo World is a colourful urban amusement park offering rides and attractions for visitors of different ages. Its central location makes it easy to include alongside other Yokohama attractions such as the Cup Noodles Museum, Red Brick Warehouse and waterfront promenade.

The park’s most recognisable attraction is Cosmo Clock 21, a 112.5-metre Ferris wheel that has become one of the symbols of Yokohama. The approximately 15-minute ride offers panoramic views across the city, harbour and Minato Mirai skyline, with especially impressive views after dark when the waterfront is illuminated.

Alongside the Ferris wheel, the park features roller coasters, family rides, carnival-style attractions and amusement arcades. It is a fun and flexible activity for rugby teams, school groups and supporters, whether visiting for a few rides during an afternoon of sightseeing or enjoying some free time together after a fixture.

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Combining an aquarium, amusement park, shopping and entertainment all in one location, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is one of Yokohama’s biggest attractions and an ideal day out for rugby groups. The park is home to thousands of marine animals, including dolphins, penguins, sharks and sea lions, alongside exciting rides and waterfront attractions suitable for all ages.

Visitors can watch spectacular animal shows, explore enormous aquariums, ride thrilling rollercoasters or simply enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. With plenty of restaurants and open spaces, it’s a fantastic team-building day and one of the most popular attractions for school and sports tours visiting Yokohama.

FAQs

Which cities should we visit?

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka provide the strongest overall combination of rugby, culture, transport and attractions. Kobe, Hiroshima and Nara can also be included as day trips or overnight extensions.

How long should a rugby tour to Japan be?

A tour of approximately 10 to 12 days works well, allowing time for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka alongside two fixtures, training sessions and sightseeing.

Can you accommodate groups of more than 70 people?

Yes. Japan’s major cities have strong hotel and transport infrastructure. Larger groups may use multiple coaches, divided restaurant bookings or separate fixture programmes.

Is Japan suitable for youth and school rugby teams?

Yes. Japan offers excellent cultural, educational and sporting experiences for young travellers. Itineraries can include suitable accommodation, supervised activities, age-appropriate fixtures and safeguarding arrangements.

Can we attend a professional rugby match?

Depending on your dates, we can explore tickets for Japan Rugby League One, the Brave Blossoms or another major rugby event. Match schedules must be confirmed before tickets are included.

Can we train at a rugby stadium in Japan?

Training can be arranged at suitable rugby grounds, municipal sports complexes or supporting facilities connected to major rugby venues, subject to availability. Access to the main stadium pitch cannot always be guaranteed.