Up Your Game

HOLD THE FORT

THE BEAMING white hilltop castle of Himeji is one of Japan’s biggest and most popular. Located some 90 minutes from the city of Kobe, this imposing building showcases why the Kansai region is considered the cultural and historical heart of Japan. First built in the 14th century, the castle’s current guise has been intact since the 17th century. A walk through the grounds and maze-like interiors transports one into feudal Japan while a trek up the steep staircases to the top floor rewards with magnificent views of the castle grounds. >

SOAK IT UP

IF THE RUGBY gets too exciting, a great way to calm down between matches is a visit to a traditional Japanese onsen. Japan is blessed with thousands of hot springs and there are many onsen resorts around the country to choose from, varying from modest to luxurious. Located by Lake Hamana in the Shizuoka prefecture, an hour’s train ride from Nagoya, the KAI Enshu Hoshino Resorts represents the high end of onsen experiences, offering a modern take on the traditional hot spring ryokan inns.

Spring minerals are considered healthy so don’t rinse yourself afterwards.

GREEN BREAK

A SHORT RIDE on the Shin-Kobe Ropeway from central Kobe drops you into Japan’s largest herb garden. Visiting the Nunobiki Herb Gardens is a serene experience after the hustle and bustle of the city and from spring to autumn there’s always something flowering in the 12 themed gardens. The ropeway ride to the upper station offers views of Nunobiki Waterfall and the southern slopes of the Rokko Mountains. For those feeling energetic, there are walking tracks to the gardens and beyond from Shin- Kobe Station.

Panoramic views of Kobe from the Shin-Kobe Ropeway

NOODLE AROUND

YOKOHAMA is the spiritual home of Japanese ramen, introduced by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. The cavernous Shinyokohama Ramen Museum is a fun place to learn about Japan’s favourite noodle dish and try ramen from different restaurants. Opened in 1994 as the world’s first food-themed amusement park, the setting for the noodle tasting has been recreated in a retro streetscape of Japan from 1958. Nearly every region in Japan has their own version of ramen, and most of these styles are on offer at this noodle haven.

WHERE TO STAY

TOKYO

KOBE

With views of Kobe Bay from the rooms, the Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel also boasts impressive sights of the city skyline from the top floor bar.

SHIZUOKA

Onsen bath and green tea tasting are key parts of the stay at the serene KAI Enshu design hotel.

FUKUOKA

Located in the heart of Fukuoka, the Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu makes a convenient option for accessing the Hakatanomori Stadium.