Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, built in 1991, is very popular with Japanese rugby fans as it is one of the few stadiums in the country that was built exclusively for rugby. The stadium was completely renovated ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, making it a world-class international rugby venue.
The recent changes to the stadium seating give spectators an even better view of the game. The stadium's capacity was expanded from 20,000 (10,000 seats) to 24,000 people (full seating).
It is the main rugby stadium in Saitama Prefecture and is the home of the top league club Panasonic Wild Knights. It is also used for university league games and sometimes other top league games.
All eyes will be on Japan in 2019 as it prepares to be the first Asian nation to host the Rugby World Cup tournament.
Kumagaya's local rural themed cuisine includes udon noodles made from locally grown wheat, Buddhist inspired inari sushi, horumon grilled tripe and gokabo rice sweets coated in soybean powder.
Vert Cafe is located in the former Oshimachi Credit Association, a tangible Cultural Property of Gyoda City. A beautiful wooden mansion glossed in a light fern green, it is not only aesthetically pleasing, but there is an interesting backstory to its 100 year history.
Guinness World Record holding rice field art closest to both Tokyo and a rugby world cup stadium.
Surrounded by mountains, bordered by rivers and blessed with space, Kumagaya (熊谷市, Kumagaya-shi) is a hidden jewel of Japan. Located just north of Tokyo in Saitama, the city continues its historical role as a transport hub, plays host to the largest summer festival in the Kanto region and features one of Japan's top three Buddhist temples. Free from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Kumagaya offers the perfect taste of local Japan.
The Hoshikawa Illumination event takes place along Kumagaya's Hoshikawa Street, and it includes around 40,000 sparkling LED lights adorning trees in alternating shades of champagne gold and ocean blue.
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