Departure Day

Today the adventure begins. Check in for your international flight to Japan.

Arrival Day

Upon arrival into Japan, we will transfer you to your hotel in Fukuoka City for you to check in for your four night stay. Situated on the northern shore of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka City is a fun-loving, modern and cosmopolitan city and during the tournament, Fukuoka City is the place to be. All of the supporters will be staying in Fukuoka City and travelling into Oita Prefecture on match days. This city has a relaxed vibe with the perfect blend of chic boutiques, laid back bars and glorious cuisine.

This evening meet your Tour Manager and fellow tourists for welcome drinks.

Fukuoka City

Fukuoka City is thought to be where tea and Buddhism were first introduced into Japan, due to it being close to South Korea and the rest of eastern Asia.

The city itself is merged from two cities – Hakata and Fukuoka, and what Fukuoka City lacks in historical Japanese culture, it makes up for in it’s contemporary and dynamic modern way of life revealing the essence of Japan as it is today.

The city’s signature dish is it’s Hakata ramen, a thick noodle and pork broth. It has the second highest number of clubs and bars (after Tokyo Metropolitan) so whilst you are here, you may wish to wander along to Oyafuku Dori - the street brimming with afterhours bars and clubs which will provide the buzz of the vibrant and modern Japan you are looking for. Try a Yanagibashi burger made from fried fishcake at Hakata’s Kitchen which has about 100 years of history.

If you wish to take a break from the rush of tourism, Ohiri Park provides just that as you admire the peaceful lake, tranquil gardens and castle ruins. The lake was once a part of the sea but was built up to form part of the moat system for Fukuoka’s Castle.

Match Day – Quarter-final one

This afternoon, action begins with the first quarter-final, as the winner of pool C takes on the runner up of pool D at Oita Stadium. We will transfer you out the the stadium from your hotel and return you to your hotel when the match finishes. Once at the stadium, soak up the unique atmosphere that comes with a Rugby World Cup quarter-final and settle in as the teams prepare to battle for a place in the semi-final.

Match Day – Quarter-final three

This afternoon, action continues with the third quarter-final, as the winner of pool D takes on the runner up of pool C at Oita Stadium. We will transfer you out the the stadium from your hotel and return you to your hotel when the match finishes.

Fukuoka City to Osaka City

Experience travel by bullet train once more as we journey from Fukuoka City to Osaka City, where you will be staying for three nights. Osaka City is the second largest city in Japan and is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and incredible cuisine. The Japanese refer to the city as the ‘kitchen under the heavens’.

Osaka City

A couple of days at leisure to explore Osaka City. Osaka was, until the 17th century, both the political and cultural centre of Japan, meaning it possesses some of the oldest and most striking historical sites in the country, including Isshinji Temple and Osaka Castle. In total contrast, no visit to Osaka is complete without a visit to the Dotonbori district, a vibrant and brightly-lit social area that features the famous ‘Glico Sign’, a huge billboard advertising one of Japans top snack manufacturers.

Osaka City to Tokyo Metropolitan

Experience travel by bullet train once more as we journey from Osaka City to Tokyo Metropolitan, where you are staying for four nights.

Tokyo Metropolitan

Taking a ride on a tour bus in Tokyo Metropolitan is a good way to get a feel for the vibrancy of the city, with it’s busy walkways, neon lights and towering sky scrapers. For panoramic city views head up the Sky Tree broadcast tower or Tokyo Tower, as both have observation decks. When you are back down to earth, another must-see is the Imperial Palace gardens in Marunouchi which are the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Tokyo means ‘Eastern Capital’ and is made up of a patchwork of over 1000 neighbourhoods which conjoin together to create a mega metropolis. Each district has developed it’s own personality over the years which helps to refine where you choose to explore during your stay here.

You have the option to book onto our guided tour of Tokyo Metropolitan, a perfect way to familiarise yourself with this fascinating metropolitan area and take in some of it's most interesting sights.

Match Day – Semi-final one

This evening the penultimate stage of the competition begins with the first semi-final, as the winner of quarter-final one takes on the winner of quarter-final two at International Stadium Yokohama. We will transfer you out the the stadium from your hotel and return you to your hotel when the match finishes.

Match Day – Semi-final two

This evening the semi-finals continue as the winner of quarter-final three takes on the winner of quarter-final four at International Stadium Yokohama. We will transfer you to the the stadium from your hotel and return you to your hotel when the match finishes.

Tokyo Metropolitan to Kyoto

Today we depart Tokyo Metropolitan for Kyoto on the bullet train. This in itself is a uniquely Japanese experience. The trains always depart and arrive very punctually and travel at speeds up to 270 miles per hour. 

Kyoto

Kyoto, meaning capital city, reflects its 1000 year history as the imperial city of Japan. It’s significance in Japanese history resounds throughout the city. It was saved from bombing in World War II and as a result has many historical buildings in tact which attract thousands of tourist’s year on year. There are many ancient temples, tea ceremony masters, traditional ryokan inns and centuries old craftsmanship, flower arranging, zen rock gardens and mysterious Geisha…which all make Kyoto a truly mesmerising place to visit. You have the option to book onto our guided tour of Kyoto, a perfect way to familiarise yourself with this beguiling city. There is also the option to book onto our guided day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, one of the iconic sights of Japan.

Kyoto to Tokyo Metropolitan

Today we return to Tokyo Metropolitan, with its plentiful neon skyscrapers and giant video screens. You can pick up where you left off from your last visit and perhaps this time around you may wish to experience the more alternative side of the city. The Odaiba Statue of Liberty is a replica of the iconic New York one and about a seventh of its height… there is the Godzilla head perched bedside the Toho building in the Shinjuku district, the Kan’ei temple in Ueno Park dedicated to the souls of dead insects…and, not forgetting, the many quirky cafes such as the Vampire café. A bit different, but nevertheless a glimpse into one of the many faces of Tokyo Metropolitan.

Match Day – Bronze final

This evening the semi-final runners up battle it out in the bronze final. The runners up of semi-final one take on the runners up of semi-final two at Tokyo Stadium. We will transfer you to the the stadium from your hotel and return you to your hotel when the match finishes.

Match Day – The final

The day we have all been waiting for as tension builds for the final match. The winner of Rugby World Cup 2019™ will be crowned at the International Stadium Yokohama after six gruelling weeks of competition. We will transfer you to the the stadium in time to enjoy the unique atmosphere that comes with a Rugby World Cup final, and return you to your hotel when the match finishes.

Tokyo Metropolitan

Recover from the excitement of the final few days of the tournament and enjoy your final two days in Japan soaking up the atmosphere. If you are looking to escape the city perhaps book onto our optional one day excursion to Hakone, and view the magnificent Mount Fuji from the tranquillity of Lake Ashi,

On one of the final evenings your Tour Manager will arrange the End of Tour Dinner where you can relive your many memories of your trip with your fellow tourists.

Departure Day

Depart Japan today to head back to the UK.

Arrive in the UK

It's been memorable! Today we land back into the UK and make our own journeys home with many great memories and new found friendships.