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Rugby World Cup 2019

September 12, 2019

Japan will host the Rugby World Cup this year, beginning on September 20 and ending on November 2 of 2019. Twelve cities have been confirmed to host matches.

If you will travel to Japan to a location that is at the time hosting one of these events, consider enhancing your usual safety precautions.

Passports and visas

  • Foreigners in Japan are required to carry their passport or residence card at all times.
  • Your passport and visa should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
  • Review your travel insurance benefits.
  • Always take care of your passport, getting a replacement is costly and time-consuming. Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Before the event

  • Check in advance a route map and alternative routes to your destination as streets may be closed.
  • Monitor local media and alerts for issues that may impact your plans for the day.
  • Learn more from trusted locals about the usual rules, guidelines, and safety measures to observe before, during, and after the event.

If you will attend a match

  • Access to the entry of the event location may be slow due to crowds, ticket checks, and body searches depending on the event. To avoid bottlenecks get to the location early.
  • Police and stewards may ask to see the ID of persons attending the event. Carry a photo ID with you.
  • Follow local police instructions.
  • Prohibited items. Food and drink are not permitted into stadiums however, medicines and medicinal products will be permitted upon inspection by security at the gate. Refrain from bringing such products in glass containers, use plastic containers instead. For the safety of spectators, glass bottles and cans are strictly prohibited from being brought into stadiums.
  • Find your seat quickly and be polite to people around you.

Typhoons and earthquakes

General Tips

  • Proper manners are valued highly in Japan, and Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with basic rules and etiquette.
  • Find additional culture and etiquette recommendations from following rules, how to queue, handling trash, to eating on the go, and gift giving.
  • Most Japanese people are very friendly and welcoming but can be reserved. Loud, boisterous behavior is not as acceptable in Japan.
  • Smoking should be done at designated smoking areas. Public spaces, restaurants, offices, and so on are subject to tighter anti-smoking laws and are often non-smoking altogether. Ashtrays are installed only at designated smoking areas. In some areas of Japan, cigarette butt littering incurs a fine.
  • Be aware that stricter laws may apply in Japan. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment. Anybody can be arrested, and held for up to 23 days before being charged with a crime.
  • Tattoos have a historical association with organised crime in Japan. You may be refused entry to hot springs, gyms or swimming pools if you have one
  • The Japanese National Tourism Organization has a website to assist with understanding how to seek medical treatment in Japan.
  • Follow the instructions of the local police at all times.
  • Petty criminals often operate in areas where there are large crowds, so be vigilant and keep your valuables secured.
  • Don’t participate in, record, photograph, or stay to observe demonstrations abroad, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information, confirm your transportation plans, review your Personal Emergency Action Plan.
  • Terrorists continue to carry out attacks worldwide. Maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness.

Sources

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.