Right around October, the inhabitants of Tokyo tend to get a little pep in their step as their thoughts turn to one thing: sports. This fall, though, will be more special than the others because of the Rugby World Cup 2019™ and the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Function Hall).

October has been a time for sports in Japan since the 1964 Summer Olympics took place in Tokyo. To commemorate the games, the second Monday in October has been designated as a National Holiday named “Health and Sports Day,” which promotes fitness and healthy lifestyle. During Health and Sports Day, many companies and schools are likely to hold athletic festivals consisting of track and field events (relays, sprints, long jumps, etc.), as well as ball tosses, sack races, and other competitive events. In 2019, this whole competitive atmosphere will be even more charged thanks to the Rugby World Cup 2019™, which will be taking place between September 20 and November 2.

Then, on October 22, Tokyo will hold the Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi, or the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden State Function Hall. It’s one of the many ceremonies connected to the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, during which he will officially proclaim his enthronement and be congratulated by government representatives.

Travelers and locals alike will be happy to hear that Shibuya Station is getting a makeover. This maze-like station is often called a "dungeon." However, this November, in addition to its revamped layout of the underground sections of the station, Shibuya will be opening a brand-new landmark that will extend the city into the sky.

SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE will be the new defining landmark of Shibuya. Scheduled to open on November 1, 2019, this building will offer 47 stories of sightseeing attractions, workspaces, and brand name stores such as BALENCIAGA, GIVENCHY, and TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE. The main attraction of this new landmark will be the open-air observation deck, SHIBUYA SKY that offers a 360-degree panoramic view from about 230 meter above. It will be the new highest point of Shibuya, and one of the largest observation decks in Japan. Ticket reservation from the official SHIBUYA SKY website goes on sale from September 1.

With the addition of the new landmark, Shibuya will also be getting a revamped underground passageway that links not only to the underground station square but will also offer easy access to multiple exits such as the east exit (Shibuya Hikarie side) and the Hachiko exit (where the famous dog statue stands); another alternative route to avoid crowds while moving around the area. SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE building is connected to all lines from Shibuya Station (from above and below ground) through its 3^rd to Basement 2 floors.
Tokyu Corporation, JR East and Tokyo Metro are the three companies behind this large-scale joint project that will be changing the whole surrounding neighborhood of Shibuya Station, providing this area into a more accessible and exciting place.

Tokyo is the perfect city for cycling. With endless attractions, bike tours are growing fast in popularity. With rental bikes, share-bikes and bicycle tours, there is a cycling experience waiting out there for everyone.

Walking is probably the most tiring part of the Tokyo tourist experience, which is probably why in recent years, the cycling scene has taken off in Tokyo.
Cycling Holiday Tokyo offers e-bike tours of Tokyo in English. On top of their three-hour morning or afternoon tours, Cycling Holiday Tokyo also offers seasonal tours such as cherry blossom tours in spring and illumination tours in winter.

For the independent traveler, DOCOMO Bike Share Service offers a simple and sleek e-bike sharing service that can be used anytime after registering or purchasing a 1-day pass. DOCOMO Bike Share Service bikes can be picked up at official bike stations in Central Tokyo and returns can be made at any of these stations, regardless of where they were originally borrowed.

For individuals and businesses looking to use bicycles in Tokyo, it is important to remember and remind travelers to ride safely. Bicycles must be ridden on the left-hand side of the road and children must wear helmets. By keeping these rules in mind, Tokyo can be one of the safest and most enjoyable places to explore by bike.

Cycling Holiday Tokyo https://www.cyclingholiday.tokyo/
Contact: info@cyclingholiday.tokyo

DOCOMO Bike Share Service https://docomo-cycle.jp/?lang=en

Soon the Rugby World Cup 2019™ will rush into Tokyo. All of the excitement have got fans hyped, and Tokyo’s many lively sports bars and cafés are prepared to welcome spectators from around the world. Whatever your taste may be, Tokyo is filled with an amazing variety of establishments where you can enjoy the city’s nightlife while watching the games.　

Shiba Park Hotel has welcomed the New Zealand All Blacks and many other overseas teams throughout the years since the New Zealand Student Selection Team stayed over in 1956, 63 years ago. The hotel’s bar – BAR THE FIFTEEN’S – is imaged and designed like a rugby clubhouse, and its bartenders always come out with an original rugby cocktail to commemorate the World Cup series.
Kicking off the season with the return of its signature rugby-inspired “One-Side Love” cocktail, this sweet and sour yogurt drink will definitely make a great pre-game drink before charging off to watch the games with your mates.

There are many choices for watching live sports matches and events including rugby football and more in Tokyo. The Rugby Dinner No Side Club is one of the many establishments now accepting reservations to join the cheering crowds of rugby fans who are hungry to watch the biggest rugby event in the world. Great food, drinks, and atmosphere will make for an unforgettable experience.

Benoa, Los Cabos and Sports Bar C－these three places will also be stepping onto the field with their own viewing events during the World Cup. Fans can grab a drink and celebrate alongside one another, as Japan proudly takes on rugby teams on the international stage.

Shiba Park Hotel “BAR THE FIFTEEN’S”
https://en.shibaparkhotel.com/restaurants/bar-the-fifteens/
Contact: Public Relations, Shiba Park Hotel Yuko Matsubara
matsubara@shibaparkhotel.com

No Side Club http://nosideclub.jp/
Contact: Masagazu “MASA” Takeuchi nosideclub@gmail.com

Benoa https://www.pasela.co.jp/shoplist/benoa/ginza/
Los Cabos https://www.pasela.co.jp/shoplist/loscabos/shinjuku/

Sports Bar C http://www.sportsbarc.com/
Contact: nobuhara sportsbarc@gmail.com

When exploring Tokyo, there’s hardly any chance for a timeout, and with all the international sporting events up ahead, the excitement adds to such pace. This September the Rugby World Cup 2019™ will bring a lot of action to the rugby towns of Chofu and Fuchu. Both are easily accessible from Shinjuku and are well worth a visit for any sports enthusiast.

Fans in Fuchu are especially looking forward to the games. The city is regarded as the hometown of two major Japanese rugby teams; Fuchu’s love for the sport shines brighter than any other place in Tokyo. The city is promoting the 183 FUCHU FAN ZONE with BEERTERIA PRONTO to celebrate with rugby lovers during the event. Visitors can enjoy beer while cheering on their favorite teams.

Among the competition for the greater Tokyo area’s No.1 rugby town is Chofu. The Ajinomoto Stadium (Tokyo Stadium), which is just a five-minute walk from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line, is set to host the first match of the Rugby World Cup 2019™. At Tokyo 2020, the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza will be the venue for Badminton, Fencing (Modern Pentathlon) and Wheelchair Basketball.
Chofu Station Square will host a "Fan Zone" for the public to view games, mingle with fans, and enjoy other rugby-related events and activities. The Fun Zone is scheduled to be opened when a rugby match is held at Ajinomoto Stadium and on weekends during the World Cup.

Of course, there is more to Fuchu and Chofu than just a passion for rugby. While in the area for the World Cup make sure to check out all that these cities have to offer. Take a break from all the action by visiting the beautiful and cultural hotspots of Kyodo-no-Mori and Okunitama-jinja Shrine in Fuchu and Jindaiji Temple in Chofu. You can also enjoy a free brewery tour and beer tasting at Suntory Tokyo-Musashino Brewery in Fuchu.

Fuchu Official Visitor Guide http://mystery-city-fuchu.jp/

Chofu https://csa.gr.jp.e.adt.hp.transer.com/

Unagi (Freshwater Eel) is a traditional summer food in Japan. While uncommon in the west, in Tokyo, many specialty restaurants exist that exclusively feature unagi on their menus. Kristen, who is originally from the United States, is now working as an Okami-san (proprietress, female owner) of Shinozaki, an unagi specialty restaurant in Tokyo that strives to promote this traditional dish to the general mass together with her family.