Many supporters who visited Japan for the Rugby World Cup also spent their time visiting hot springs and temples, among other attractions across the country, according to a recent survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun.
In conjunction with the international event hosted by Japan, The Yomiuri Shimbun surveyed 100 foreign men and women who came to watch the rugby matches about their impressions of Japan, and what their plans were while in the country.
The average length of their stay was about 18 days. Many respondents had planned to visit not only rugby match venues, but also tourist spots in the country. However, the survey also highlighted a lack of enough English speakers and cashless services, among other issues that need to be tackled for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
Longest stay: 57 days
The surveys were conducted as face-to-face interviews by Yomiuri Shimbun reporters at 12 stadiums and fanzones nationwide during the RWC. They interviewed 100 visitors from 21 countries and regions, ranging from 15 to 75 years old -- including 30 people in their 30s, 20 in their 40s and 17 in their 50s. Of the 100 respondents, 74 were visiting Japan for the first time, and five had visited the country more than 10 times in the past.
At the fanzone in Chofu, Tokyo, Dave McVinnie, a 54-year-old New Zealander, enjoyed watching the opening match on Sept. 20. McVinnie came to Japan to celebrate his retirement, said with a smile that he was looking forward to not only enjoying rugby matches but also a 48-day stay traveling the country. McVinnie's itinerary included visits to hot springs in Oita and Shimane prefectures.
The RWC was held for 44 days, but the longest stay among the respondents was 57 days. According to the survey, 50 people stayed from 10 to 19 days, while 21 people stayed from 20 to 29 days.
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, various temples and shrines in Kyoto Prefecture and climbing Mt. Fuji were popular activities among respondents, while others said they were looking forward to visiting hot springs. Many people were also interested in Japanese food, such as sushi, okonomiyaki and ramen.
When asked about the positive aspects of Japan, with multiple answers allowed, 79 people said kindness and friendliness, expressing their satisfaction with the Japanese style of hospitality. Some of the respondents said they were grateful for the help they received in finding directions and solving issues they had. An Australian woman said a person offered her help when she was looking at a map without her even asking.
Twenty-nine people said delicious food, 19 cited clean streets and hotels and 16 answered organized traffic networks. Many people also appreciated the traditional culture and for Japan being, overall, a safe country. Some even mentioned the smiles of the volunteers at the stadiums.
Communication barrier
Regarding the negative aspects of Japan, 58 respondents answered there was nothing. However, 11 people cited the language barrier.
Dorean Naidu, a 51-year-old visitor from Fiji, said it would have been more helpful if there were more people who could speak English.
Some showed their disappointment at the high prices, the number of shops that do not accept credit cards and the typhoon that affected the RWC.
Some asked for the improvement of Wi-Fi services. One Frenchwoman said she wondered why Japanese people were so glued to their smartphones.
When asked about the 2020 Tokyo Games, nine people said they were determined to come back to Japan for the event, but the rest of the respondents were split almost 50-50 into not coming or under consideration.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
