Please read this page for information on flights, visas, accommodation, and ground transport for WMG 2027. Click here to return to the main tour page.
Dates
Considering our plans for pre-tournament training and/or friendly games, we have the following core ten nights in Kobe for each grade. These are the nights we require tour members to be in Kobe. Tour members may arrive earlier and stay longer as they wish.
- B Grade: 12 May (check in) to 22 May (check out)
- A Grade: 19 May (check in) to 29 May (check out)
Please book flights and accommodation accordingly.
Flights
Tour members are asked to book their own flights.
Mostly, this is because tour members will have different plans for travel before and/or after the tournament, different airline preferences, and different situations in terms of any travelling alone or with others. It also saves a lot of admin overhead.
If a group of 10 or more tour members can agree an identical travel itinerary, please ask us to put you in touch with JTB as they can arrange a group booking for groups of this size.
Please log your flights with us here.
Airports
The primary airport for international flights to the Kansai region is Kansai International Airport (KIX). Direct flights from Auckland are not usually available so KIX is best accessed from NZ via transits through places like Singapore or Taipei.
An alternative is to fly to one of the Tokyo airports (Narita or Haneda) and either use the Shinkansen bullet train or take a domestic flight to Osaka International Airport (Itami) or Kobe Airport. There may be some flights to Osaka International Airport (Itami) via some Asian transits also.
Ground Transport (Arrival and Departure)
We will keep an eye out for advice from WMG but expect the best option will be local public transport.
The hotel is located on the Shinkansen line if you are using Tokyo as your arrival point.
Visas
Visas, if needed, are also a player responsibility.
For most of our participants, entry into Japan is simple and does not require a visa in advance.
Citizens of New Zealand and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under “Temporary Visitor” status provided the visit is for non-paid activities and standard entry conditions are met (valid passport and proof of onward/return travel).
Taiwan passport holders are also eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days provided their passport includes a personal identification number.
If you do not meet visa-waiver requirements (e.g. due to passport type or extended travel plans) then Japan offers an eVisa system for short-term stays – this can be applied for online in advance. Please start early if you anticipate at visa issues.
Visit Japan Web is not mandatory but allows you to complete your arrival declaration prior to arrival in Japan i.e. instead of a paper arrival form you do it online and get a QR code to show customs.
Accommodation
The team hotel is ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG.
Adjacent to a hiking trail and roughly 1km from Kobe’s main entertainment district, this high-rise hotel is a minute’s walk from Shin-Kobe train station (a Shinkansen stop). Map link. This hotel was chosen on the recommendation of travel agency JTB because of price, location, capacity for 1300 guests, fitness facilities, coin laundry, and availability of breakfast-included rates.
Tour members are asked to book their own rooms at the team hotel.
We are not making a bulk booking, similar to the situation with flights, because of the high level of variation in what tour members need in terms of timing, room size, inclusion of breakfast, and so on. Bulk booking rates were not lower and added significant complexity (fewer room choices, universal deposit requirements, difficulty accommodating family members, etc).
So, in terms of cost per night, it depends on your choices but it is possible to book rooms at or just below our target price of NZ$200/night. It’s your choice of room, but some tips are:
- The cheapest rooms are “1 Single Standard” starting from about $195/night without breakfast included or $225/night with it.
- Twin rooms can be shared with team mates to make a significant saving.
- Most room rates don’t require pre-payment so there’s no reason not to book now and secure your room with the team.
- You can save a little by going prepaid and non-refundable, but it’s risky.
- It’s probably a good idea to book flights first so you know your personal nights required given your overall travel plans.
- Book through your choice of site (e.g. Expedia) depending on your preference and rates available but be sure to avoid scam sites or mistakenly booking a different hotel – direct with the hotel is safest.
- Rates are better if you join IHG One Rewards (it’s free) or login if you’re already a member.
Please remember to book at least the core dates. Please use this form to send us your hotel and flight details when you book them so we know everyone’s sorted. This includes folks staying with friends or family.
Please get in contact if, for any reason, you can’t get into the Crowne or cannot secure a rate there that is acceptable to you. We do want to try to stay together if possible, but have identified alternate hotels nearby as well.
Ground Transportation (Game Days)
We are investigating sponsored coaches for game days since we will have large groups and our equipment. However, games organisers are recommending public transport and plan to provide a transport pass as part of registration.
