The Quarter Finals in Oita, Japan. Rugby World Cup 2019

19^th October 2019

As it was daylight we could see our surroundings. Our accommodation, the Yamaga Kazenosato was set in a forest and the surrounding area was tranquil and beautiful. 

We went for the traditional Japanese breakfast in the Kimonos and jackets provided by the establishment; I did not wear the Geta- Japanese wooden clogs as I could not walk in them.  

At Yamaga Kazenosato

The breakfast had many courses, some odd but most very nice, I really liked the pickles.

Today was match day; England v Australia, Quarter Final. We went into the nearby town and went to Nakayamaga station to see if there were trains to Oita. There were and they were frequent. The train journey took about 40 minutes, it was a nice ride along the coast, but after Beppu the train was crowded with Rugby Fans and you could not see out of the train.

The town of Oita was decorated and well set up for the rugby, with 

large Fanzone and big open areas in the town had large TV screens,

open bars and eating areas. This was good as we would be 

coming back into town to catch the Ireland v All Blacks ¼ final.

There were free shuttle buses to the Stadium, the system of loading 

the buses was very efficient and it  was a quick ride to the stadium.

We were seated right up in the roof of the stadium, but the seats 

provided a good view of the match- we were very tense, but 

ecstatic when England played well and won the match.

We made a quick exit to get the bus back into Oita and arrived just 

in time to watch the Ireland match. Sadly despite the enthusiastic 

Japanese crowds singing ‘ Shoulder to Shoulder’, the Irish 

were no match for the All Blacks.

We got the last train back to Nakayamaga. It had been a great 

Rugby filled day.

20^th October 2019.

We were far more relaxed today so after a mammoth breakfast- 

more like a main meal, 

we drove up the hill to find the kumano magaibutsu sculptures. It 

was quite a tough walk up to the top of the hill.

Having made our way to Oita we enjoyed the Fan Zone and all its 

attractions.

Oita Fan Zone, Rugby World Cup 

Oita Fan Zone, Rugby World Cup 

Oita Fan Zone, Rugby World Cup 

Then went to the stadium to watch the France v Wales match. Then 

back to Oita to a packed main square to watch the Japan v South 

Africa match.

Oita Fan Zone, Rugby World Cup 

It had been a great Rugby weekend and even though our 

accommodation was out of town it did not impact on our 

experience- with its traditional food, beds and amazing out door 

hot spring actually added to the experience.