The Best Rugby Stadiums in Japan

Japan is going to play host to the 2019 Rugby World Cup which will take place from 20 September to 2 November 2019. It’s for this very reason that we decided to take a closer look at the Rugby stadiums where the tournament will take place. Giving you a better indication of the atmosphere and playing conditions that await the qualifying Rugby teams from around the world.

Sapporo Dome

The Sapporo dome was initially constructed in 2001 to play host to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is considered the only stadium that is completely covered. Apart from the Oita stadium, because it comes with unexpected changing weather conditions. The stadium comes equipped with two different surfaces which greatly depend on the sport, including natural turf and artificial grass. It boasts with a 41,410 seating capacity and is home to the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and the Consadole Sapporo team.

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

Situated in Iwate Prefecture, which is the smallest city in Japan to play host to the tournament with a population of 41,022 people spread across 441.42 square kilometres. The Kamaishi stadium that is partly destroyed during 2011. Thankfully, the world governing body of rugby decided to assist the small city by including it as a host stadium for the World Cup in 2019. Re-construction started in 2016 and will be open to the public in 2019 just in time for the tournament, boasting with a 16,187 seating capacity.

Ajinomoto Stadium

Previously referred to as the Tokyo Stadium, the Ajinomoto stadium is situated in Chofu. It was initially constructed on a field consisting of United States Forces Japan, which is an American division that is based in Japan, during 2001. In 2003, it was finally sold to Ajinomoto. The stadium plays host to football and rugby games along with various other sporting events. The stadium is home to Tokyo Verdy and Tokyo FC and comes with a 49,970 seating capacity.

Nissan Stadium

Located in Yokohama, the Nissan Stadium was initially constructed in 1998 and is primarily used for football matches. It has also played host to the FIFA Club World Cup each year since 2005. The Nissan stadium is home to the Yokohama F. Marinos football club that participates in the J-League. The stadium is considered the biggest stadium in all Japan, boasting with a 72,327 seating capacity. What’s even more impressive is that it will play host to the Rugby World Cup final on 2 November 2019.

Ogasayama Sports Park Ecopa Stadium

Constructed in 2001 for the World Cup in 2002 with an emphasis on nature, health, and sports, the Ecopa stadium is situated in Shizuoka and boasts with a 50,889 seating capacity. It is home to the Shimizu S-Pulse and Jubilo Iwata teams and is surrounded by several sports field and green spaces that the public can enjoy all year round. The stadium was constructed on a 269-hectare park.