Japan: Prepare for kick-off at the Rugby World Cup

Japan. Photo / Getty Images

What to see and do in each of the cities hosting Rugby World Cup games next year.

1 SAPPORO
The capital city on Japan's northernmost island Hokkaido is foodie nirvana — particularly in autumn (when the World Cup fixtures take place). Don't miss September's Sapporo Autumn Fest in central Odori Park, which runs through the heart of the city, with treats ranging from fresh seafood and ramen to quality nihonshu sake.

2 TOKYO
The capital's historic Hotel Okura will reopen next September in the Toranomon district, under a new name: The Okura Tokyo. It will be housed in two shiny new skyscrapers that aim to elevate the city's luxury offerings to new heights.

3 KOBE
Forget post-rugby beer drinking. Sip some of Japan's finest nihonshu sakes in Kobe, a city famed for its quality production, and perhaps go behind the scenes with a tour (and tasting) at the Hakutsuru Brewery, which dates back to the 18th century.

4 FUKUOKA
Among a flurry of scheduled new hotels opening across Japan is the Miyako Hotel Hakata in southern Fukuoka, which is due to launch next autumn — just in time for the rugby. The new hotel has a contemporary glass facade, with an in-built waterfall plus countless green plants and hot-spring bathing.

5 SHIBUYA
Busy Shibuya Station in Tokyo, famed for its night-time neon lights and packed diagonal zebra crossings, is in the throes of a lengthy overhaul. Next year's visitors will see the first of them — including one of the city's tallest observation decks, 230m high and perched atop a new skyscraper.

6 OITA
Located on Southern Kyushu island, Oita Prefecture has long been famed for its onsen, an essential part of Japanese bathing culture. The bathing credentials of this beautiful area will step up a luxury notch next year, with the opening of the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort and Spa.

7 YOKOHAMA
More and more people are choosing to cruise around Japan — it's a great way to see the key sights without the hassle of booking trains and accommodation. The busy port city of Yokohama (home to the biggest stadium in Japan, with a capacity for 72,327) is ramping up its offering with a new cruise terminal complete with shops and a hotel. While here, visit the Kirin brewery which has been brewing since 1888.

8 KUMAMOTO
The southern city's historic hilltop castle — among the most famous in Japan — is currently under wraps after being badly damaged in a series of earthquakes, but the scaffolding is finally due to be removed from the main tower in autumn 2019: just in time to appreciate the beauty of the castle complemented by fiery seasonal foliage.

9 IWATE
The final leg of the Sanriku Railway line in Iwate Prefecture — a sightseeing route along the picturesque Sanriku coastline — is due to reopen in March after sustaining extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. The trains are as eye-catching as the scenery — there is the Tatami train, with mat flooring; an old-school retro train; and a Kotatsu train with cosy tables and in-built heating.

10 OSAKA
Japan's third largest city, port city Osaka was historically the merchant capital of Japan. Locals still greet each other by saying "mohkare-makka", or "Are you making money?" Make sure you eat okonomiyaki — the savoury pancake originated here — and families will want to visit Universal Studios and Osaka Zoo. Get your onsen fix at Spa World, where there is capacity for 5000 bathers.

FACT BOX

GETTING THERE
Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to Tokyo.

DETAILS
Rugby World Cup 2019 takes place from September 20-November 2. The ticket ballot is open now until November 12.