InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) bars and restaurants across Japan have transformed into the ultimate rugby viewing destinations, offering tailor-made Rugby Bars for pre-game rallying, post-game commentary and, of course, cheering on the teams. Game on!
IHG is pulling out the stops to prep, host and entertain local and international rugby devotees. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, select InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels will transform into exciting rugby destinations and ‘IHG Lobby Scrums’ for everything needed on match day. Locals and visiting guests can find out where to watch upcoming matches as groups or individuals, how to get around, where to find the best beer and how to get the most out of incredible destinations across Japan.
“While the world’s biggest rugby event is happening, IHG will ensure no one misses out on the excitement. IHG hotels across the country invite local and visiting rugby fans alike to watch the games and indulge in diverse food and beverages specially matched for this thrilling world event,” says Hans Heijligers, Head of Japan IHG & CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan.
Hans Heijligers continues, “We have seen Japan continue to thrive and rise as a world-class destination for travellers, and IHG’s team of experts are here to help travellers explore one of the most dynamic, colourful countries in the world.”
Renowned for delivering ‘True Hospitality’ for all guests, IHG has rolled out the IHG Home Team Hospitality hub as your world-class guide to all information, guides and offers from the IHG family.
Where and when to catch rugby action while exploring Japan:
Kanto / Chubu
Right in the middle of the action, Tokyo offers some of the most vivid, eclectic and iconic experiences of Japan. Take a break from exploring to enjoy Japanese street food and burgers inspired by the rugby nations at ANA InterContinental Tokyo, or bask in the sun and atmosphere of ANA Crowne Plaza Narita’s Rugby Beer Garden (a handy spot before flying home!).
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
The iconic hotel has introduced the ‘Hero Bar’ for rugby fans, offering a metropolis of entertainment and experiences with a world-class mix of locally-inspired Japanese street food and exciting activities.
20 September – 3 November
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (weekdays)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (weekends)
InterContinental Yokohama Grand
Enjoy a world-class gourmet carnival in Ocean Terrace with European meals and special rugby treats. Or head up to Rugby Bar at View Lounge 31st for the best in views, live broadcasts and ambiance.
20 September – 1 November
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (weekdays)
1:00 PM – 11:00 PM (weekends & holidays)
ANA Crowne Plaza Narita
Don’t forgo the summer ambiance to watch the game indoors – bask in the outdoor Rugby Beer Garden with Crowne Plaza complete with its ambient fit-out, new menu and international drinks.
From 1 October
ANA Crowne Plaza Grand Court Nagoya
Bask in the ambiance just monents from Toyota Stadium! The transformed Rugby Bar is serving international favourites, or unwind for a lazy evening in as you enjoy the special in-room dining menu.
20 September – 2 November
Kyushu / Okinawa
Best known for its relaxing hot springs and pristine views of nature, the Kyushu and Okinawa region will give you a peaceful respite from the fast pace of the city – without missing a beat of rugby action. Check out the recently opened ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort & Spa for a pool-side rugby bar overlooking the beautiful mountains and Beppu bay.
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
The Quarter Finals reach the world-class Onsen destination in time to experience Japan’s newest InterContinental resort. Guests can enjoy the matches pool side in the pop-up Rugby Bar overlooking Beppu Bay.
2, 5, 9, 19, 20 October
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
Experience a taste of the tropics with the new bar screen and special set menu with Heineken beer, Ishigaki Beef Ragout Croquet and fresh vegetables with Ishigaki sea salt.
20 September – 2 November
ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka
Mezzanine Bar
Renowned for its cocktail collection, the Mezzanine Bar on MF2 transforms into a special space for Mastercard cardholders and IHG Rewards Club Members to experience the matches on big screens and exclusive menus.
20 September – 2 November
7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Chugoku / Shikoku
Experience Japan’s rich historic and cultural past in Hiroshima during the day, then test out traditional dishes from the rugby nations by night! Expert tip: Don’t go home without tasting Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
Eat your way through the rugby madness with the World Buffet presenting traditional dishes from the 20 rugby countries!
20 September – 31 October
ANA Crowne Plaza Ube
Salvia
Salvia has been turned on its head into an ambient Rugby Bay while the restaurant welcomes dishes from rugby nations in the World Buffet experience.
20 September – 2 Nov
ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama
Sky Bar & Lounge- Sen
Join Crown Plaza the entirety of the rugby cup with Sky Bar & Lounge- Sen open til midnight. All-new menus have been brought in exclusively for the games!
20 September – 2 November
3:00 PM – midnight
Tohoku / Hokuriku / Shinetsu
With the region offering perfect spots to witness the Land of the Rising Sun’s best sunsets, head to ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata and soak in the tournament’s most thrilling moments right in the centre of Niigata.
ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata
Experience the natural beauty of Niigata by day and indulge in the evenings at KOSHI – the lobby lounge switches to J Sports with an authentic side of fish & chips and buffalo wings.
On during the rugby.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Follow the lead of the local with a stopover at ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa with free hospitality in the banquet rooms and ¥3,000 offer for a plate meal and Heineken!
20 September, 6:45 PM – 9:45 PM
28 September, 3:15 PM – 6:15 PM
5 October, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
13 October, 6:45 PM – 9:45 PM
ANA Holiday Inn Sendai
Travelling with the family? Indulge with the ‘World Lunch’ bonanza with an all-day dining Chef’s Table exclusively through the rugby. A melting pot of food and drinks from across the globe will be on offer.
15 Sept – 13 October
Kansai
A cultural hotspot and one of the best places to soak in Japanese culture, Kansai is a must-visit. You can eat like a local with Kobe beef, Tajima chicken, Nada gogo sake, beer and Kobe wine on offer at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe.
ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
The Library Bar
The not-to-be-missed hub rugby fans and the culinary curious, offering an incredible 26-macth viewing capability, specially-curated menu and international beer range on offer.
20 September – 2 November
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (weekdays)
1:00 PM – 11:00 PM (weekends & holidays)
ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
Don’t miss a second of the action with the 75” large screen tv in the Sports Bar on level 4. Local favourites reign the menu with the world-famous Kobe beef, Tajima chicken, beer, Nada gogo sake & Kobe wine.
20 September – 2 November
4:00 PM – midnight
Hokkaido
Eat your way through one of Japan’s most famous seafood regions, and pair that with a fresh beer at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo!
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo
Entertainment goes sky-high as the level 26 Sky Lounge Sapporo View transforms into the IHG Rugby Bar. Soak in the views, atmosphere and big-screen TVs showing all the action.
20 September – 22 September
During game times.
ANA Holiday Inn Sapporo Susukino
The classics have joined the menu with Guinness and Heineken on offer, while local Sapporo beer is not to be missed. The level 2 bar lounge, Verde, pops up as Rugby bar! at verde for all the rugby action.
21 September – 23 September
3:00 PM – 11:00 PM