The Rugby World Cup takes place in Asia for the first time from September to November across Japan, and with England among the favourites to lift the crown, the spotlight falls on Yokohama which will host not only the semi-finals and final but also the must-see clash between England and France.
Yokohama, capital of Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo, is a bay-located city renowned for its sensational night-time skyline, and its International Stadium has the biggest seating capacity of any stadium in Japan, packing in 72,327 fans.
The stadium is also one of the planned football venues for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
With thousands of rugby fans needing accommodation in Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city with a pupulation of 3.7 million, here’s a winning line-up of the city’s hotels as recommended by the Kanagawa tourism authorities.
Conveniently located hotels are listed below, but information on options for every budget and requirement is available on Tokyo Day Trip and Trip Advisor.
Choose a hotel near to the Minato Mirai 21 district to be close to the official Yokohama Fanzone, located in the district’s Rinko Park. The free-to-access Fanzone is where you will find matches broadcast on big screens, stage events featuring music and dance, food and drink stalls, and interactive rugby experiences.
InterContinental Yokohama Grand
Designed to evoke a yacht’s full sail, this contemporary hotel is a symbol of downtown Yokohama. It offers sweeping views across Yokohama Bay and is in walking distance of some of the city’s must-visit destinations, such as the iconic Cosmo World Ferris wheel.
www.interconti.co.jp/yokohama/en/
The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
It is located among the glittering lights of the Minato Mirai 21 district. This is modern and elegant hotel with a range of refine dining options. Luxury rooms face to the sea with balcony which is allowing you to feel the gentle ocean breeze.
Hotel New Grand
This historic hotel, with a main building unchanged since 1927, is now a masterclass in modern luxury. You can also get a taste of Japanese food history from its first-floor coffee shop, which offers a menu of “yoshoku” (Japanese-style Western food) dishes first popularised by the hotel.
www.hotel-newgrand.co.jp/english/
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Stay in this hotel to become part of Yokohama’s stunning neon-lit cityscape. Located on the 52nd to 67th floors of the Landmark Tower Yokohama, the hotel combines spectacular views with superb amenities for an unforgettable experience at the very heart of Yokohama.
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers
This well-appointed hotel is a moment’s walk from Yokohama station, making it the ideal base for travel in and around Yokohama, and is surrounded by shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Don’t miss the beautiful bay views from the 28th floor cocktail lounge, and the new Sheraton Club on 24th to 27th floors.
www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/tyoys-yokohama-bay-sheraton-hotel-and-towers/
Of course the rugby is the main event, but there will be plenty of time before, after and between matches to enjoy what Yokohama has to offer.
To help with finding the ideal trip itinerary, two new online resources that are a great place to start are Tokyo Day Trip and Trip Advisor
