National teams and fans are flocking to Japan as the Rugby World progresses through its pool stages.
Held once every four years, the Rugby World Cup is the biggest event for Rugby Union.Β Over sevenΒ weeks, the best international teams will play across the whole of Japan in 12 venues. The final of the tournament will be held on November 2at the Yokohama Stadium.
If you are planning flights to Japan get ahead of the pack with BAIβs round-up of the closest airports to the main stadiums below.
Tokyo Haneda
Tokyo Haneda Airport is a 45-minute drive from Ajinomoto Stadium, also known as Tokyo Stadium in ChΕfu, a 25-minute drive fromthe International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama and 1 hour 30-minute drive to Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya.
The airportβs operating hours are 24/7 and it offers numerous facilities including the Business Aviation Gate, which provides an exclusive corridor and dedicated customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) facilities for business aviation customers. It has a check-in counter, lobby, private lounge and parking.
Tokyo Narita
This airport is 1-hour 40 minutes fromAjinomoto Stadium, a 1 hour and 25-minute drive fromInternational Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama and a 2-hour drive to Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya.
Narita operates 24/7 with the Business Aviation Terminal, Premier Gate, providing CIQ facilities exclusively for the use of VIPs using business jets. It also has a spacious lounge and plenty of car parking for easy access to the facility.
Kansai International
It will take you an hour to get from Kansai International airport to Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe. Hanazono Rugby Stadium is also a 1-hour drive away.
The 24/7 airport offers Premium Gate Tamayura, with a security checkpoint, CIQ, drop-off and pick-up area, car park, reception desk, lounge and meeting room. Applications are due by noon on the day before the desired date of use.
Chubu Centrair International
The City of Toyota Stadium in Toyota is a 50-minute driveΒ from the Chubu International Airport and the Shizuoka Stadium, Ecopa is two hours away.
Chubu International Airportβs operating hours are 24/7 and offers a Business Jet Terminal owith ground handling, concierge services, a VIP lounge, catering and refueling for Jet A-1 fuel. Immigration can be carried out quickly through dedicated lines β this must be coordinated ahead of time with the organizations involved.
Kobe Airport
Kobe airport is a 20-minute drive from the Kobe Misaki Stadium and Hanazono Rugby Stadium is just a 50-minute drive away.
Kobe airport offers direct access to aircraft from a private lounge, meeting space, waiting rooms and a private apron.
For more information on business aviation airports in Japan read our feature published in our print magazine here.
