Japan is an exciting destination for a school sports tour, offering an amazing blend of ancient traditions and modern life. It is unlike anywhere else on earth, with ultra-modern cities contrasting traditional cultures and incredible scenery, outstanding food, and plenty of sporting opportunities. In addition to its traditional sports, notably Sumo and Judo, team sports are widely played with Baseball and Football being the most popular. Rugby has enjoyed huge growth across Asia and particularly Japan, helped by the hugely successful 2019 Rugby World Cup. The standard of rugby is high in the high schools and groups can be sure of a warm welcome and possibly hosting opportunities. Our tour itineraries provide a perfect mix of sightseeing, cultural immersion and competitive sport.
Tailored Excursions
Experience the rich and diverse Japanese culture, from the bustling capital of Tokyo to traditional villages, experience amazing cuisine and unique pop culture. Japan has fantastic transport options with high-speed trains running around the country for easy access to all major cities. Also known for its high safety standards, Japan makes it a secure destination for school and youth sporting trips. A beautiful country that is like nowhere else, and our itineraries aim to include as many highlights as possible. Japan has so much to offer, however below are some of the activities you may experience on a sports tour with inspiresport.
Tokyo Skytree | Hot Springs (Onsen) | Mt Fuji | Sumo Experience | Tsukiji Fish Market | Osaka | Bullet Train | Hiroshima Peace Memorial / Kyoto
Sport Elements
Netball is growing in popularity in Japan, with increasing participation and interest at both grassroots and competitive levels. Here are some key points about netball in Japan, the country has been actively competing in various tournaments. For example, they recently played against Malaysia in the Asian Netball Championships 2024. Netball in Japan is on an upward trajectory, with growing support and enthusiasm from both players and fans.
Japan has a strong presence in field hockey, with both men’s and women’s teams competing internationally.
The Japanese men’s team Known as “Samurai Japan,” is ranked 16th globally and have participated in multiple Olympic Games and won their first gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games
The women’s team, often referred to as “Sakura Japan,” is also highly competitive. They have a strong track record in the Asian Games and other international tournaments
Japan has a strong rugby tradition, with both the men’s and women’s teams making significant strides on the international stage.
Men’s team Known as the “Brave Blossoms,” is ranked 14th globally
They have participated in every Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987 and reached the quarter-finals in 2019
The women’s team, called the “Sakura Fifteen,” is also competitive, participating in international tournaments and steadily improving their global ranking
Rugby tours of Japan are great for a mix of culture and Japan’s passion for al things sport, and with Japan’s short lived but energetic entry into the Super Rugby Competition the sport of Rugby is continuing to grow in Japan.
The Japanese men’s national football team, also known as the Samurai Blue, has made significant strides in international football. They have qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998 and have reached the Round of 16 four times, most recently in 2022
Japan has also won the AFC Asian Cup a record four times (1992, 2000, 2004, and 2011)
The team is currently ranked 15th in the FIFA rankings, They are known for their disciplined and tactical style of play,
and have developed strong rivalries with teams like South Korea and Australia.
Football is the second most popular sport in Japan, following baseball. The national football competition in Japan is called the J.League, with the top division known as the J1 League. This league features prominent clubs such as Yokohama F. Marinos, FC Tokyo, Gamba Osaka, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Kawasaki Frontale, and Vissel Kobe.
Football tours of Japan are great for a mix of culture and Japan’s passion for all things sport, and with football being Japan’s being such a popular sport playing games against similar matched opposition, training and being coached at high level facilities and enjoying all of the sights and sounds makes a sports tour to Japan a memorable experience.
Our Experts
Our staff have first-hand experience of travelling in Japan with sports groups, and combined with our excellent local partners, we can provide specialist advice and exciting and suitable itineraries.
Your Typical Japan Tour Itinerary
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