Tokyo for
Sports Fans
With the Rugby World Cup and Summer Olympics and Paralympics getting everyone in the city fired up, there’s no better time to be a sports fan in Tokyo. Experience the energy and excitement for yourself by mingling with locals at a baseball game or a sumo match, or just hanging out in a good sports bar.
t Competitors fighting kendo-style with bamboo swords
Martial Arts
From the dramatic silence of kyudo archers to the war-like shouts of kendo swordsmen, the martial arts provide all kinds of thrilling spectacles. Tournaments are often held at Tokyo Budokan (www.nipponbudokan.or.jp), with demonstrations held in February. Other events occur in April at the Taito Riverside Sports Center (1 Chome-1-10 Imado, Taito), and November at Meiji Shrine.
Try Hard
Japan’s love affair with rugby started in the mid-19th century with the end of isolationism, and it was soon a regular fixture at elite universities. It became a true favorite and a source of national pride after Japan’s team – the Brave Blossoms – put together a string of impressive performances and a legendary last-minute victory over South Africa in 2015. Although the World Cup may be over, rugby fever is still running high, so it’s well worth booking tickets to a match to join in Tokyo’s newfound sporting obsession (www.rugby-japan.jp).
Hit a Home Run
Baseball was imported to Japan from the US during the early Meiji Period, and almost immediately gained popularity among amateur athletic clubs and universities. Banned as a corrupting American influence during World War II, it is now the most watched and played sport in the country. The season runs from late March to early October, and tickets are easy to buy on each team’s website. Tokyo’s own Yomiuri Giants (www.giants.jp/en/ticket) probably offer the most lively experience, as they have both the most avid fans and die-hard haters, known as the anchi-Jaiantsu (anti-Giants).
Want Sumo This?
Sumo matches are an incredible display of pomp and power, with pre-bout posturing before wrestlers collide into each other with a crash that sends gasps around the arena. Tokyo’s spectacular Ryogoku Kokugikan venue hosts three grand tournaments a year, and tickets go on sale a month in advance (www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket). Between events, the beya – where the wrestlers live and train – open their doors to visitors. To catch an early morning training session, contact the Japan Sumo Association (sumo.or.jp).
RINGS OF GLORY
The 1964 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo symbolized Japan’s rebirth after World War II. Many Japanese people see the 32nd Olympiad in 2020 as a similarly significant and renewing event, marking the end of the difficult few decades since the economic bubble burst in the early 1990s. Despite controversies and a major redesign, the huge New National Stadium promises to be a monument to match those from the last Olympics. Hire a bike, and cycle around Yoyogi Park to admire some of the original 1964 venues that will be used once again in 2020.
DISCOVER Tokyo Your Way
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drink MLB café Tokyo This shrine to baseball is packed with memorabilia of Japan’s favorite sport. ⌂ 1-3-61 Kouraku ∑ mlbcafe.jp Los Cabos Shinjuku A Mexican-style sports bar with great tequila. ⌂ 1-3-16 Kabukicho ∑ pasela.co.jp/shoplist/loscabos/shinjuku Legends Sports Bar Enjoy juicy burgers and craft beer as you watch different sports on the bar’s eight screens. ⌂ 3-16-33 Roppongi ∑ legendsports.jp |