Justin Harrison left the city center in order to see a different side of Tokyo. He engaged in sumo wrestling. In West-Tama, which is known for its natural beauty, he visited dwellings and a 300-year-old ryokan, which have been designated as important cultural assets. He also canyoned.
The former Wallabies try on sumo for size
Justin received training in sumo wrestling
It’s absolutely something you have to do if you visit Japan.—Mark Gerrard (Former Wallaby) and Lochie Lawrence (Classic Wallabies)
Sumo is Japan’s oldest sports. Visitors to the RAIEN Sumo Experience can suit up in traditional mawashi and be given authentic training by former wrestlers. They offer the rare chance to enter the sacred dohyo (ring) usually reserved only for practitioners of the ancient ritual.
JR Chūō Line (Rapid) to Mitaka Station; take a bus to Mikatashi Yakusho-Mae Stop. Take a walk to SUBARU Comprehensive Sports Center (About 55 minutes).
JR Chūō Line (Rapid) to Mitaka Station; take a bus to Mikatashi Yakusho-Mae Stop. Take a walk to SUBARU Comprehensive Sports Center (About 40 minutes).
Hanging out at Kobayashi House
Relaxing in yukata at Kabutoya
The fish was so good I practically ate the bones. —Mark Gerrard
The West-Tama region is about two hours away from Shinjuku Station, and features lush forests, tall mountain peaks, and crystal-clear rivers.
Kobayashi House, located in West-Tama and designated Important Cultural Property is a Japanese-style home in the mountains where locals from Hinohara Village used to produce charcoal. It served as a vital checkpoint for weary travelers centuries ago.
If you are staying over in West-Tama, we recommend that you stay over at the Kabutoya, whose history spans 300 years.
After spending a bit of time in the inn’s onsen, you can don yukata and eat a spread of locally produced delicacies. Justin and his former team mates staffed themselves with fresh fish caught from the streams surrounding Hinohara and vegetables grown in the family-run inn’s farm.
JR Chūō Ōme Line to Haijima Station; change to JR Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station; take a bus to Fujikura Bus stop and take a rail car(About 2h 40 mins).
JR Chūō Ōme Line to Haijima Station; change to JR Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. Take a bus to Kazuma bus stop(About 2h 50mins).
The guys make a splash
The group surrounded by the majestic nature of West-Tama
We got to experience things regular tourists can’t if they just stay in the city.—Justin Harrison
If you are searching for outdoor activities, how about canyoning with Canyons Japan?
Canyons leads adventure trips in various locations. The crystal-clear water is completely refreshing, but the course offered plenty of thrills too. Justin took the five-meter plunge.
JR Chūō Ōme Line to Ōme Station; change to JR Ōme Line to Kawai Station. Take a walk(About 2hours).
Take a bus to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station; take JR Chūō Ōme Line to Kawai Station. Take a walk(About 2hours).
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the center of the country’s culture and economy. This city is packed with temples and shrines, some dating back over a 1,000 years, state of the art technology, cutting edge art, and abundant nature. As you plan to enjoy the best of Japanese sports tourism, please look to the city of Tokyo as a base where you can enjoy a range of meals, from cheap tasty foods to Michelin star restaurants, as well as cuisines from all over the world.
MORE INFORugby World Cup action will kick off at this stadium—one of Tokyo’s finest—on Septemberr 20, 2019. The stadium which can accommodate about 50,000 spectators attracts a lot of people looking forward to various events regardless of the season. Some of these events include professional sports matches, amateur league matches and concerts.
- Keio Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Chofu; change to the Keio Line local train to Tobitakyu Station (About 30 minutes, ¥240). About 10-minute walk.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the center of the country’s culture and economy. This city is packed with temples and shrines, some dating back over a 1,000 years, state of the art technology, cutting edge art, and abundant nature. As you plan to enjoy the best of Japanese sports tourism, please look to the city of Tokyo as a base where you can enjoy a range of meals, from cheap tasty foods to Michelin star restaurants, as well as cuisines from all over the world.
MORE INFO Rugby World Cup action will kick off at this stadium—one of Tokyo’s finest—on Septemberr 20, 2019. The stadium which can accommodate about 50,000 spectators attracts a lot of people looking forward to various events regardless of the season. Some of these events include professional sports matches, amateur league matches and concerts.
- Keio Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Chofu; change to the Keio Line local train to Tobitakyu Station (About 30 minutes, ¥240). About 10-minute walk.
