2019 Rugby World Cup Venues – Japan

Although the Japanese Sunwolves have been a part of the 18 club Super Rugby franchise since only 2016, rugby has been played in Japan for over a century and boasts the fourth largest rugby population in the world.

With the introduction of the first nationwide competition, the Top League in 2003, the sport remains moderately popular as fan favourites baseball and football (soccer) dominate media distribution channels. Popularity of rugby is sure to increase when Japan hosts the 9th Rugby World Cup, and the first in Asia. As we approach the kick-off for this historical tournament, we take a look at the venues set to stage the event.

Sapporo Dome

Location: Sapporo City
Capacity: 41,410

Resembling some kind of space ship or giant mushroom, the Sapporo Dome is truly one of the world’s most impressive stadiums. Its modern design allows the venue to host baseball games in a triangle format and also transform into a rectangular rugby or soccer field. The grass for the rectangle pitch is natural grass, grown outdoors. The pitch is positioned adjacent to the arena and automatically floats in while the new seating configuration adjusts according to the new formation. Watch the video below to check out the transformation.

Kobe Misaki Stadium

Location: Kobe City
Capacity: 30,132

Kobe Misaki Stadium is located in the quiet port city of Kobe and also known as Noevir Stadium Kobe. This multi-purpose venue is home to rugby union Top League team Kobelco Steelers and features a retractable roof and treats spectators to close up views, no matter where they are sitting.

Hakatanomori Stadium

Location: Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City
Capacity: 21,562

Surrounded by the a lush green forest, located in the laidback city of Fukuoka and only a short walk from the Fukuoka International Airport, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium will provide fans with up close experience of the on-field action. Being loacated close to the city center, fans will also be able to enjoy the vibes pre and post match.

Kumamoto Stadium

Location: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City
Capacity: 30,228

Used mostly for football (soccer) and sometimes top league rugby and athletics, Kumamoto Stadium boasts beautiful forest surroundings adding to Japan’s list of stadiums built within amazing natural scenery.

Oita Stadium

Location: Oita Prefecture
Capacity: 40,000

Located just in parklands just outside Oita City, as Oita Stadium is the largest Rugby World Cup venue on the south island of Japan. Originally opened in 2001 for the FIFA World Cup, the stadium originally has a capacity of 43,000, however, 3000 seats were removed after the event, reducing the capacity to 40,000. Don’t let the reduced capacity fool you, this stadium will be buzzing when it hosts the five matches including tournament favourites New Zealand vs Canada.

Hanazono Stadium

Location: Osaka Prefecture, Higashi-Osaka City
Capacity: 24,000

Opened in 1929, Hanazono Stadium is considered the as the spiritual home of rugby in Japan as the oldest dedicated rugby stadium in country. Having undergone extensive renovations to host four matches during the tournament, the stadium will be looking to write another chapter in its rich rugby history.

Toyota Stadium

Location: Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City
Capacity: 45,000

This multipurpose venue features a retractable roof which folds like an accordion, however, due to maintenance costs, it has never been closed. The venue provides fans a great view from virtually every seat in the stadium with its steep, high stands.
With a capacity of 45,000, the stadium will be absolutely rocking when it hosts some of the world’s biggest teams and the epic blockbuster between host nation Japan and Samoa.

Shizuoka Stadium

Location: Shizuoka Prefecture
Capacity: 50,889

Due to its capacity, Shizuoka Stadium is the primary venue for large scale sport events in Shizuoka Prefecture including football, rugby and track and field. Located among green hills, looking over Shizuoka’s famous tea plantations, the stadium offers picturesque surroundings for fans to take in and is set to host the massive game between Japan and Ireland.

International Stadium

Location: Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City
Capacity: 72,327

Often referred to as the birth place of rugby in Japan, with rugby matches reportedly been played here as early as the 1860s, International Stadium is largest capacity stadium in Japan. It has hosted three first-round games and the final between Brazil and Germany during the FIFA World Cup in 2002. As was the case then, it is only fitting that the final is held here, along with both semi finals and some of the most anticipated group stage blockbusters including heavy weights New Zealand vs South Africa.

Tokyo Stadium

Location: Tokyo Metropolitan
Capacity: 49,970

Also known as Ajinomoto Stadium due to naming rights Tokyo stadium was the first stadium in Japan to offer naming rights in 2003, sold to Ajinomoto Co. paving the way for other naming rights for other Japanese stadiums such as Nissan Stadium (International Stadium).

The stadium is predominantly used for football matches with rugby matches taking place on occasions. Other non-sporting event are also held here such as flea markets and concerts, it also served an important purpose when it was a shelter for 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami survivors.

Tokyo stadium will host the opening ceremony along with some of the biggest games of the tournament including two quarter finals and the opening match between Japan and Russia on September 20th.

Kumagaya Rugby Grounds

Location: Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya City
Capacity: 25,600

Built exclusively for rugby in 1991 (and renovated in 2016), Kumagaya Rugby Grounds is one of the premier stadiums and fan favourites. It is home to Top League club, Panasonic Wild Knights and is also used for University League games.

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

Location: Iwate Prefecture, Kamaishi City
Capacity: 16,334

Although it is small, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium is perhaps one of the most important stadiums in Japan. Situated in stunning surrounds of dense forested mountains and provides spectators with view of the nearby countryside and the sea.

The stadium pays tribute to those who perished in the Tsunami on 11 March 2011. The stadium was built specifically for the World Cup on the site of a former elementary and junior school which was wiped out by the tsunami. The site also remembers the ‘Miracle of Kamaishi ‘ where all the children from both schools were save by escaping to higher ground.

The stadium will use 10,000 temporary seats while 6,000 permanent seats will remain after the tournament.

While Japan is no stranger to hosting world class sporting events, it isn’t the first country that comes to mind when rugby is discussed. This World Cup is sure to put them on them rugby map as these venues (many of which are multipurpose) take center stage for almost two months.