5 Priceless Experiences You Can Have While In Japan For Rugby World Cup 2019
Head to @Mastercardau to access the Tap Map, an interactive guide to the best experiences and Mastercard offers fans can access in Tokyo. Learn more on Mastercard.com.au/tapintotokyo.
Japan is one of the most inviting destinations on the planet; a country where hospitality – or omotenashi, as it’s known by locals – is a way of life. Going above and beyond to welcome visitors and make them feel at home is what the Japanese do best.
With Rugby World Cup fever set to take over Japan from 20 September to 2 November, there’s no better time to get out and discover this unique omotenashi culture for yourself.
If that wasn’t enough, Mastercard holders have access to sweet discounts and savings on some of these totally unique Japanese experiences through Priceless Specials, so we guess we know what you’re doing when you’re not watching a match.
#1 The Michelin-Star Sushi Experience
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There’s sushi, and then there’s the sushi from Ginza Iwa – a Michelin-starred restaurant serving high-end quality at an affordable price. Run by the talented young Chef Iwa, it’s a relaxed, intimate venue where every delicate morsel served is like a work of art.
There’s the 13-course set lunch, which features 12 delicious pieces of nigiri sushi and a bowl a miso soup, or the chef’s choice omakase dinner menu where Chef Iwa takes care of the ordering. The menu changes depending on the season, though regular features include the likes of Yellowtail amberjack, aoyagi (orange clam), and bluefin Maguro tuna.
Reservations for this priceless experience tend to fill up weeks in advance, so online bookings are essential!
Where: 8 Chome−4−4, Chuo City, Ginza, Tokyo 104-0061
Priceless Special: Save on Ginza Iwa‘s lunch nigari sushi course or dinner omakase course when you book with Mastercard.
#2 The Most Insane Show In Tokyo
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Japan is renowned for its kawaii culture of cute. From the food to the fashion and even signage placed around construction sites, almost everything in Japan is adorable. Its themed cafes and restaurants, however, really take this cuteness to the next level.
If you only have time for one themed priceless experience, though, make it the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku.
Often described as the most insane show in Tokyo – and quite possibly the world, too – it’s an electrifying dinner and live performance featuring singing, drumming, roaring dinosaurs, dancing robots, crazy costumes, and an incredible laser light show to boot.
Where: 1-7-1 Kabukicho | B2f, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0021
Priceless Special: Enjoy discounted admission tickets and/or VIP seats when you book your Robot Restaurant experience with Mastercard.
#3 The Best (And Only) Rugby Bar In Town
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Nothing compares to the thrill of experiencing a Rugby World Cup match in the flesh… but watching it on the big screen at No Side Club could be the next best thing. As the best (and only) rugby bar in Tokyo, it’s a meeting point for avid rugby fans from Japan and across the globe.
The beers will be cold, the food will be hot, conversation is guaranteed to be full of passion, and the big screen will be showing every single heart-racing moment and match live! Now that’s what we call a priceless experience.
Where: No Side Club, 3 Chome-10-22 Takada, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0033
#4 The Tokyo Rooftop With A View
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Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities – it’s massive. Experiencing it from ground level is one thing, but seeing it from above really puts it into perspective. And when it comes to the best view in town, you can’t go past the Rooftop Bar at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.
Perched on the hotel’s 52nd floor, this sleek late-night bar boasts an impressive cocktail and sake menu, together with uninterrupted views all the way to Odaiba and Tokyo Bay.
Whether you kick back with a cocktail in hand or embrace your inner Bill Murray over some premium whisky, the view over the glittering skyline before you is a truly priceless experience.
Where: Andaz Tokyo, 1-23-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001
#5 The Unforgettable Sumo Experience
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The Japanese might love rugby, but Sumo wrestling is the country’s original national sport. While you can only see these incredible athletes go at it in competition a handful of times every year, you can still see them in action at open training sessions at sumo “stables” around the country.
On a sumo stable tour, you can see the tactical understanding and physical strength required to compete in sumo wrestling up close, in addition to learning about the sport’s unique history, traditions, and cultural significance. You can even hang around after training’s finished for a priceless selfie with the sumos.
Priceless Special: Save 10% on a morning sumo training experience when you book with Mastercard.
Beyond the bright lights of Tokyo, Japan during Rugby World Cup will take your breath away.
From the historic cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa, to remote mountain villages, hidden temples to awe-inspiring national parks, every step can lead to another priceless moment.
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As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019™, Mastercard brought two strangers — Australian rugby legend Mat Rogers and local Japanese rugby fanatic Tomo — together in Tokyo to show the good that comes when people are united by a passion like sport.
Built on a mutual love of rugby, the two creates an all-in-one interactive travel guide – the ‘Tap Map’.
Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019™, rugby fans can access the Tap Map to unlock the best experiences and Mastercard Priceless Experiences in Tokyo.
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(Lead image: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash)