The joys of European sports tourism

Travel to France to enjoy the French Open in the City of Lights

Many attractive sporting events are held in Europe from spring to summer. Among them, the French Open, held every year from late May to early June, is one of the big events that heralds the arrival of the full-fledged sports season in Europe. This tournament, which is counted as one of the four major international tennis tournaments (Grand Slams) along with the Australian Open, Wimbledon Championships, and the US Open, is a historic tournament that began in 1891 as the French Championships. It is the only Grand Slam tournament to use clay courts (red clay courts), and is known as the "toughest tennis tournament" that has produced many dramatic events. The French Open 2018 will be held from May 21st to June 10th. What kind of dramatic matches will unfold this year? Of course, attention will also be focused on the performance of Japanese players.

Now, the Roland Garros Stadium, where the French Open is held, is adjacent to the Bois de Boulogne, located about 5 kilometers west of central Paris. During the tournament, the entire city of Paris is engulfed in the excitement of the French Open, creating an even more festive atmosphere than usual. Of course, the City of Flowers, Paris, also has many must-see sights, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées. Witness the heated battles of the French Open and tour the beautiful sights of the City of Flowers... Why not enjoy such a dreamlike trip to France this year?

The whole of Russia erupts in cheers at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The sporting event that symbolizes the summer of 2018 is the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The 21st World Cup will be held in Russia for about a month from June 14th to July 15th. As you know, 32 countries, including Japan and the host country Russia, have advanced to the final tournament, and the heated battles are scheduled to be held in 12 venues in 11 cities across Russia. The Japanese national team's matches will be held in three cities: Saransk (June 19 vs. Colombia), Yekaterinburg (June 24 vs. Senegal), and Volgograd (June 28 vs. Poland). Furthermore, if the Japanese national team advances to the final tournament and wins, there is a possibility that the Japanese national team's matches will be held in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.

What kind of travel attractions await you in the three cities where the Japanese national team will compete in the group league: Saransk, Yekaterinburg, and Volgograd? For example, Saransk, located about 630 km southeast of Moscow, is the capital of the Republic of Mordovia, one of the republics that make up the Russian Federation, and has developed as a key point on Russia's southeastern border since the 17th century. With a population of about 300,000, it is the smallest of the cities where the World Cup matches will be held this time, and is not a very touristy city, so you should be able to get a glimpse of simple Russian life there. Yekaterinburg, where the second match will be held, is the core city of the Ural region located in central Russia. The city has many historical sites, such as the Church of the Ascension, which was established in the 18th century, and the Church of Blood, where the family of the last Russian emperor, Nicholas II, was shot. There are also art spots scattered around, such as the National Opera House and the Yekaterinburg Circus. Furthermore, Volgograd in southern Russia, where the third round will take place, was formerly known as Stalingrad, and is known as the site of fierce battles during World War II. The city is dotted with sights that tell the story of the city's history, including the "Motherland Calls" statue, which was erected to commemorate the battle.
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Of course, the capital of Russia, Moscow, is a transportation hub for the rest of Russia, and is dotted with world heritage sites such as the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, and the Trinity Lavra of Sergius in Sergiev Posad. St. Petersburg also has many beautiful sights, including the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's three major art museums along with the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The whole of Russia is filled with excitement during the month that the World Cup is held. Enjoy that special atmosphere along with the charms of traveling around Russia.

Enjoy a trip to Scotland to watch the British Open

The British Open, held every year in mid-July, is a major sporting event that symbolizes the European summer. The tournament, which is one of the four major golf tournaments along with the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open, was first held in 1860. Since then, it has been known as the "world's most prestigious golf tournament" backed by tradition and prestige. The British Open is held at prestigious golf courses in the UK, including the St. Andrews Old Course, which is famous as the "holy land of golf." There are many challenging courses that make use of the natural environment, and many golfers hope to "play on the British Open stage someday." The 2018 British Open will be held from July 15th to 22nd. It will be held at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, which is famous for its difficult courses.

Scotland is known as the birthplace of golf, with many famous courses such as Carnoustie Golf Links and the St. Andrews Old Course, where the tournament will be held, but it also has plenty of attractions for travel. For example, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a beautiful ancient city that still retains the charm of the Middle Ages. The old town, dotted with historical landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Edinburgh is also famous as a gourmet city. One of the best parts of traveling is being able to enjoy the food culture, such as Scotch whisky and haggis, a Scottish local dish made from sheep's stomach. Other attractions include Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, and Loch Ness, famous for the unidentified creature Nessie! Be sure to experience the charms of each region along with the British Open.

This summer, many noteworthy sporting events will be held in Europe, including the tennis tournament "French Open," the soccer festival "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia" to be held in Russia, and the prestigious golf tournament "The British Open." Watching a sports festival that is deeply rooted in European culture and experiencing the atmosphere of each city filled with excitement... Such a special trip is sure to become an unforgettable and wonderful memory!