Best Cities for Fencing Travel, According to Armand Spichiger

Key Takeaways

• With this article, discover the best cities for fencing travel according to Armand Spichiger.
• Tokyo is my favourite destination for fencing. I love its atmosphere, the quality of its competitions and the respect and kindness I experience whenever I travel to Japan.
• Hong Kong and Shanghai are also memorable fencing destinations. Both cities combine international fencing competitions with unique experiences, culture, food and sightseeing.
• Good organization matters during a big tournament. When tournament days run smoothly, I can focus on my performance rather than the logistics around the event.
• Fencing travel is about more than competition. Discovering a city, its culture and its food is an important part of the fencing journey.
• Staying connected is essential. From competition updates to travel plans and keeping in contact with family, coaches and teammates, reliable connectivity like Ubigi eSIM makes tournament travel much easier.

Introduction

When I travel for fencing, I am not only looking for a place to compete. I also want to discover a new city, experience its culture and enjoy the atmosphere around an international competition with fencing background.

Over the years, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai have become some of my favourite fencing destinations, each offering a different experience. Each city offers something different, from international tournaments and major fencing competitions and major events to experiences beyond the piste.

For me, the best destinations for fencing are places where the competition and the city come together. That is what turns a competition into a memorable fencing journey.

Why Tokyo is a Fencing Paradise

Tokyo is my favourite destination for fencing and a popular choice for fencing travel. What I enjoy most is the combination of high-level competitions, excellent organization and the atmosphere of a city where tradition and modernity live side by side.

Every time I travel to Japan, I also try to experience more than just the competition. The culture, food and different neighbourhoods and the way people welcome visitors all make the trip special. For me, Tokyo can turn a fencing tournament into a much bigger travel experience.

1. An Unforgettable Fencing Atmosphere

What I love most about Tokyo is the atmosphere around the competitions. I really enjoy the mix of passion for sport and the calm, respectful attitude that you find everywhere in Japan.

One venue that represents Tokyo’s strong connection to international sport is KEIO ARENA TOKYO, also known as Musashino Forest Sport Plaza. The venue was used for fencing during the modern pentathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and continues to host major sporting events. Its sports facilities make it an important venue for international sporting events in Tokyo.

The World Cups held in Tokyo bring together some of the best competitive fencers in the world. Being part of these international fencing events is one of the things that makes travelling to Tokyo so special.

2. Cultural Respect

One of the things I appreciate most about Japan is the respect that you feel everywhere. It is part of the culture, and you notice it both during competitions and in everyday life.

As a fencer, I really enjoy this atmosphere. There is a strong respect for traditions and for the people around you. I have always felt welcomed when travelling to Japan for competitions, and I have found people to be kind, respectful and willing to help.

For me, this is an important part of what makes fencing in Japan so special. Every trip is also an opportunity to discover a different culture, explore the city, enjoy Japanese food and experience the country’s traditions.

3. Flawless Organization

One of the things I really appreciate when I compete in Japan is the quality of the organization. During tournament days, good organization means I can focus on my performance and prepare properly for each bout without unnecessary stress.

I have always been impressed by the quality of the organization at fencing competitions in Tokyo. From equipment inspection, the tournament venues and fencing strips, and the tournament schedule to the fencing professionals involved, smooth organization can make a real difference during a big event.

4. Passionate Fans

One of the things I really enjoy about competing in Japan is the passion of the public. You can really feel the enthusiasm around the competitions, and it creates a special atmosphere for the athletes.

The passion of the public creates a special atmosphere around the competitions. Combined with the quality of the events and the level of the experienced athletes competing, it is an atmosphere that I always enjoy experiencing when I travel to Tokyo.

5. Welcoming Spirit

Another thing that makes Japan special to me is the welcome I receive whenever I travel there. I have always found people to be kind, respectful and willing to help, which makes me feel comfortable every time I visit.

When I am not competing, I also like taking the opportunity to discover Japanese culture, explore different neighbourhoods and enjoy the local food. Having a fun recreational activity outside the competition is an important part of my fencing journey and makes each visit to Japan even more memorable.

These unique experiences are one of the main reasons I enjoy travelling for fencing.

Why Hong Kong is a Fencing Favourite

Hong Kong is one of the destinations I really enjoy travelling to for fencing. The city has a unique energy, with a mix of modernity and tradition that makes every visit feel different.

The World Cups also bring together some of the best fencers in the world, which creates a very special atmosphere around the competitions. For an athlete, combining an international event with the chance to explore Hong Kong makes the trip particularly memorable.

1. A City That Never Sleeps

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. I really enjoy its energy and the way modernity and tradition come together.

One of the places I particularly enjoy is Victoria Peak. The view from the top is incredible and gives you a completely different perspective of Hong Kong.

For me, this combination of energy, modernity and tradition is what makes Hong Kong such a special destinaton.

2. World-Class Fencing

The World Cups in Hong Kong bring together some of the best fencers in the world, creating a unique atmosphere around the competition.

Being part of a fencing competition in Hong Kong alongside some of the world’s top fencers makes every event special.

3. A Warm Welcome

Another thing I appreciate about Hong Kong is the welcome I receive as an athlete. The organizers are always very welcoming and make sure that athletes have everything they need to compete in good conditions.

When you travel internationally for a fencing tournament, this kind of attention makes a real difference. It allows you to concentrate on your competition and enjoy the experience.

4. Discovering Hong Kong Beyond Fencing

When I travel to Hong Kong, I also try to make the most of my time outside the competition. The city has so much to discover, from its skyline to its different neighbourhoods and mix of cultures. For fencers looking to combine competition and cultural discovery, Hong Kong is a great option for fencing travel.

For me, this is what makes fencing travel in Hong Kong so memorable. The competition is at the heart of the journey, but discovering the city is also part of the experience.

Why Shanghai is a Fencing Highlight

Shanghai is another city I really enjoy travelling to for fencing. It is impressive because of its incredible energy and architecture, with a striking contrast between the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong and the historic buildings around the Bund.

The competitions are also very well organized, and I have always appreciated the welcome I receive as an international athlete.

1. A City of Contrasts

What impresses me most about Shanghai is the contrast between its different sides. The futuristic skyline of Pudong feels completely different from the historic atmosphere around the Bund, and this is what makes the city so fascinating to discover.

When I travel there for a fencing competition in Shanghai, I always enjoy taking some time to experience the city beyond the fencing venue.

2. International Fencing Competitions

The competitions in Shanghai are always very well organized, and the competition venues provide an important setting for these international fencing events.

I particularly appreciate the welcome reserved for international athletes. Being in a city where you feel well received makes the whole competition experience more enjoyable.

For anyone interested in fencing in China, Shanghai offers an interesting combination of international competition and cultural discovery.

3. A Warm Welcome for Athletes

I have always felt really well received when travelling to Shanghai. The welcome from the people involved in the competitions makes me feel comfortable and allows me to focus on the competition.

For me, this is an important part of a fencing trip. When you feel well looked after, you can enjoy both the competition and the city.

4. Exploring Shanghai Beyond the Competition

When I am not competing, I like taking the opportunity to discover Shanghai and its different neighbourhoods.

The architecture and atmosphere of the city make every trip interesting. These moments outside the competition are an important part of travelling for fencing because they allow me to experience the city rather than simply travelling there for the event.

Essential Fencing Travel Connectivity

Why Connection Matters

When I travel for competitions, staying connected is essential. I use my phone to stay in touch with my coach and family, follow my travel plans, check competition updates and share my experience on social media.

Having a reliable connection makes tournament travel much easier, especially when schedules change or I need to quickly find information during a competition. The convenience of staying connected wherever I travel gives me peace of mind and lets me focus on what matters most: my fencing.

My eSIM Solution

I rely on Ubigi eSIM for travel connectivity, so I’m online the moment I touch down and never have to scramble for local SIMs. For me, it is a simple way to stay connected throughout my fencing trips and focus on the competition, wherever I am travelling.

With fast, secure data, I can look up fencing club contacts, order replacement gear, or verify equipment inspections without waiting. Reliable service keeps me in touch to arrange warm-ups with teammates, update scores with family, and re-book flights when flights are delayed.

Conclusion

For me, fencing travel is about much more than the competition itself. Tokyo remains my favourite destination, but Hong Kong and Shanghai have also given me some great experiences, both on and off the piste.

Each city has its own atmosphere, and every trip is an opportunity to compete, discover a new culture and enjoy every possible experience. These experiences are an important part of my competitive journey, making each fencing trip memorable. That is what makes travelling for fencing so special to me. These cities are not only places to compete, but also places that become part of my wider fencing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tokyo a great destination for fencing??

Tokyo is my favourite destination for fencing. I particularly enjoy the atmosphere, the quality of the competitions, the passion for sport and the welcome I receive whenever I travel to Japan.

Which other Asian cities are great for fencing?

Hong Kong and Shanghai are two other destinations I really enjoy. Hong Kong stands out for its energy and international competitions, while Shanghai impresses me with its architecture, organization and welcome.

What should I consider when choosing a fencing destination?

Think about the type of competition you want, available fencing training, fencing clubs, important competition dates and what you would like to discover outside the tournament.

Is staying connected important when travelling for fencing?

Absolutely. I need to stay in touch with my coach and family, manage my travel planning, follow competition updates and share my experience. Having a reliable connection makes everything much easier when I travel for international competitions.

What are some important fencing dates to check?

Before booking tournament travel, check the official competition calendar for the fencing events you want to attend. Dates can help you organize flights, accommodation and training around the tournament.

Why do you use an eSIM when travelling for competitions?

I use Ubigi eSIM because I can be connected as soon as I arrive, without having to look for a local SIM card. It is a simple way to stay connected throughout my international fencing trips.