Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium

In short

It opened in 1929 (Showa 4) as Japan's first dedicated rugby ground under the name "Hanazono Rugby Ground." From 1963, it became the venue for the "National High School Rugby Tournament," earning its reputation as the "Sacred Ground of High School Rugby." After undergoing extensive renovations in 2018, it was reborn as a stadium equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and in 2019, it served as one of the venues for Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan.

• ​Watching Matches at the Sacred Ground​​: In addition to hosting the annual National High School Rugby Tournament, the stadium hosts matches featuring top-tier players, including Japan Rugby League One fixtures and international matches. Following its renovation, the stadium accommodates approximately 27,000 spectators
• ​Hanazono Rugby Museum​​: Located inside the stadium, this museum introduces the history of Hanazono Rugby Stadium and features highlight videos of finals from the National High School Rugby Tournament. There are also video exhibits explaining the plays
• ​Stadium Tours​​: On days when tournaments and events are not being held, stadium tours of about 40 to 50 minutes are available. Participation requires a reservation

History and Highlights

​Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium​ opened in 1929 as Japan's first dedicated rugby ground under the name "Hanazono Rugby Ground." Its origins trace back to the preceding year, when Prince Chichibu, affectionately known as the "Prince of Sports," rode the "Daiki" (Osaka Electric Tramway) train and proposed to the company's executives the construction of a dedicated rugby stadium along their railway line. In conjunction with the opening, a temporary station named "Rugby Undojo-mae Station" was established for match days, which became the permanent Higashi-Hanazono Station in 1967.

From 1963, it became the venue for the National High School Rugby Tournament, earning its reputation as the "Sacred Ground of High School Rugby." In 2015, ownership was transferred to Higashiosaka City, and its name was changed to the current "Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium." After undergoing extensive renovations in 2018, it was reborn as a stadium equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and in 2019, it served as one of the venues for Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Watching Matches at the Sacred Ground​​: In addition to hosting the annual National High School Rugby Tournament, the stadium hosts matches featuring top-tier players, including Japan Rugby League One fixtures and international matches. Following its renovation, the stadium accommodates approximately 27,000 spectators and features facilities catering to diverse viewing styles, such as large video screens and night-lighting systems.
• ​Hanazono Rugby Museum​​: Located inside the stadium, this museum introduces the history of Hanazono Rugby Stadium and features highlight videos of finals from the National High School Rugby Tournament. There are also video exhibits explaining the plays for first-time rugby viewers.
• ​Stadium Tours​​: On days when tournaments and events are not being held, 40- to 50-minute stadium tours are available. Participation requires an advance reservation.

Walking Tips

From Higashi-Hanazono Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, the closest station, it is an 8-minute walk north. Heading from the station via "Scrum Road Hanazono," which is lined with rugby-themed shops, builds excitement for the rugby atmosphere. From Yoshida Station on the JR Osaka Higashi Line, it is a 15-minute walk south. The parking lots can become full, and leaving by car immediately after a match can take time due to concentrated traffic, so visiting by train is recommended.