The Professional Rugby Season Kicks Off in Japan

Experience World-Class Rugby in the Heart of Tokyo

On Saturday, December 13, we had the pleasure of attending the opening match of the 2025–26 professional rugby season at the historic Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo. The season opener featured a thrilling matchup between Suntory Sungoliath and Ricoh Black Rams, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting year for rugby fans in Japan.

Japan Rugby League One: Truly International, Highly Competitive

Japan’s top professional competition, Japan Rugby League One, has rapidly grown into one of the most competitive rugby leagues in the world. One of its defining characteristics is its international flavor. Many teams feature players who are current or former members of national teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the UK, the Pacific Islands, and beyond—alongside Japan’s own national team stars.

This mix of global talent has dramatically raised the level of play. Matches are fast, physical, and tactically sophisticated, offering visitors a chance to see world-class rugby without needing to travel to traditional rugby powerhouses.

Growing Popularity—Yet Easy to Attend

Rugby’s popularity in Japan continues to rise, especially since the success of the Rugby World Cup hosted here and the national team’s strong international performances. Stadiums are lively and welcoming, with knowledgeable fans and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Despite this growing interest, tickets are still relatively easy to obtain, even for high-profile teams. Compared with major sports leagues in Europe or New Zealand, attending a professional rugby match in Tokyo remains refreshingly accessible—both in availability and price.

Why See a Rugby Match While Visiting Tokyo?

For travelers, a rugby game offers a unique cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing:

• 🏉 World-class sport in an intimate stadium setting
• 🌏 International players you may recognize from global tournaments
• 🇯🇵 A chance to see how Japan has embraced and elevated rugby
• 🎟️ Easy ticket access, even for visitors with limited time
• 📍 Convenient locations within Tokyo, including Prince Chichibu near Omotesando and Aoyama

Whether you’re a lifelong rugby fan or simply curious, a match is an excellent addition to your Tokyo itinerary.

Come See the Games in Tokyo

At Tokyo Walking Tours, we love introducing visitors to experiences that locals genuinely enjoy—and professional rugby is quickly becoming one of them. If you’re visiting Tokyo during the rugby season, consider spending an afternoon or evening at a League One match. It’s energetic, international, and unmistakably Tokyo.

If you’d like help combining a rugby game with sightseeing before or after—or advice on which matches to see during your stay—just let us know. We’ll be happy to help you experience Tokyo beyond the usual highlights.