Take a Break From The Cup with Otterly Adorable Rugby Players at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

If you're visiting Japan to attend the 2019 World Rugby Cup, you may have a few activities already planned to fill your schedule when you're not cheering for your team, not all of them rugby-related. If there's any wiggle room in your travel plans, you may want to consider hopping on a train to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, just over an hour away from the International Stadium Yokohama. Not only is it one of Japan's largest amusement parks, with an aquarium, amusement rides to entertain you, as well as a shopping mall, during the Rugby World Cup period, it's also the place where you can enjoy a unique event sure to bring a smile to your face no matter which team you root for.

Otter Rugby Tournaments

Until November 4th, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is having its own rugby tournaments with a team of Asian small-clawed otters as players!

Using the Asian small-clawed otter's natural behavior of carrying fish with its claws, the zookeepers have set up a rugby ground on which the otterly adorable players will pick up mini ruby balls with their claws.

After they score a try, you might even be able to give them the equivalent of a high-five (they'll hop up on your lap)!