InsideJapan Tours provides the ultimate fix for sports fans
As the nation continues to bask in the glory of Olympic gold, specialists in travel to Japan,InsideJapan Tours has come up with some experiential travel ideas featuring similarly special sporting moments. Tailor-made packages, including tickets to one of the annual sumo tournaments, the FIFA Club World Cup, baseball games or Formula 1, are sure to keep that winning feeling alive as well as offering a cultural look at sport in Japan and the country’s impeccable organisation of major sporting events.
Sumo in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka
Grand sumo tournaments, often attended by members of the Imperial family, take place over a two- week period, six times a year (in January, March, May, July, September & November). See the up and coming wrestlers compete at the beginning of each day, with the big guns headlining during the afternoon and early evening. Ancient ceremony is integral to sumo and customs are strictly adhered to at the beginning and end of each fight; ring-side seats are often Japanese floor cushions and traditional lunch boxes (bento) and green tea or beer are always on sale.
The experience
Accompanied by the President of the UK Sumo Association, try out some sumo wrestling training at a stable in Tokyo, then eat like a sumo wrestler- dining on large amounts of Japanese stew (chanko nabe). The eight-night ‘Sumo Experience’ package costs from £1,330 pp (two sharing) and includes a private sumo guide, sumo tournament tickets, seven nights’ accommodation in Tokyo, one night in a traditional ryokan near Mt Fuji, daily breakfast, domestic transfers and more. Flights extra.
Chelsea vs. the world in the FIFA Club World Cup, 13-16 December, Yokohama
The perfect host nation, Japan provides first-class hospitality, delectable cuisine and one of the best public transport systems in the world. Watch Chelsea take on the world in Yokohama, 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo. Soccer, as it is known in Japan, is well supported and tournaments like this one are gaining in popularity. Be ready for a carnival-type atmosphere as the host nation welcomes the best football teams in the world.
The experience
The Chelsea in Japan package costs from £1,215 pp (two sharing) and includes airport transfers, five nights’ accommodation in Tokyo, daily breakfast, Category 3 tickets to see the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final and final, and transport to and from the matches. As an antidote to all the football mania, why not add on a four-night package that features a stay in the foothills of Mt Fuji and temple visits in Kyoto – the full nine-night package costs from £1,960 pp (two sharing). Flights extra.
Baseball – Japan’s number one sport, March-October
Baseball or yakyu is the game of choice in Japan. From March to October every year, the Central and Pacific Leagues provide entertainment for the masses across the country. Major rivalry exists between the Tokyo Giants, who represent the Kanto region (home to Tokyo), and the Hanshin Tigers, who represent the finest of the Kansai region, where the ancient capital of Kyoto is located. Immerse yourself in the heady and convivial atmosphere of a baseball game, with crowds drumming, chanting and drinking beer.
The experience
Anyone travelling to Japan should go to see a baseball game. You may not be au fait with all the rules or understand the chanting but it’s great to be part of an environment where the Japanese really let their collective hair down. For the best atmosphere, InsideJapan Tours recommends the 2009-built Mazda Stadium in Hiroshima, its architecture resembling a retro-classic American ballpark, or the oldest and most famous stadium in Japan, the Hanshin Tigers’ Koshien Stadium in Kobe. A nine-night package including tickets to see the Hanshin Tigers costs from £1,612 pp including nine nights’ accommodation, domestic transport, daily breakfast and more. Flights extra.
The need for speed – Formula 1, 5-7 October
The Suzuka International Race Circuit is located 30 miles from the city of Nagoya. Built in 1962 and owned by Honda, this figure-of-eight circuit lends itself well to decent viewing. The circuit area is self-contained, with a theme park, hot springs (onsen), golf courses, tennis courts and restaurants. Enjoying an increasing amount of sponsorship in Japan, Formula 1 is fast gathering the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic fans in the world.
The experience
InsideJapan Tours can incorporate Formula 1 tickets into any itinerary. Dose up on culture on the same trip with visits to sublime Kyoto and serene Hakone, and then take the bullet train to Nagoya, Japan’s third largest city and popular with the drivers and teams. A twelve-night ‘Formula One Culture’ package costs £1,940 pp and includes F1 tickets for the weekend, airport transfers, domestic transport, daily breakfast and more. Flights extra.
For further information: Call InsideJapan Tours on tel: 0117 370 9733 or visit www.insidejapantours.com
ENDS / 24 AUGUST 2012
NOTE TO EDITORS: Launched in 2000, InsideJapan Tours is a small, dedicated team of specialists, all of whom have first-hand experience of living, working and travelling in Japan. The company offers a range of original, affordable packages for small groups and independent travellers. InsideJapan Tours has offices in the UK and Japan. It is a member of AITO, and is fully bonded via AITO Trust and ATOL. http://www.insidejapantours.com/
PRESS: For more details, please contact James Mundy, PR Manager, tel. 0117 370 9733, email james@insidejapantours.com. Issued on behalf of InsideJapan Tours by Travel PR, tel. 020 8891 4440, email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or m.bishop@travelpr.co.uk