Sao Paulo was an obvious choice for Japan’s base camp – with almost 700,000 people of Japanese decent living in the state.
The Spa Sport Resort includes a fully equipped training complex.
The cooler climate of Itu will be a welcome relief for the players as Japan’s group matches will be held in Recife, Natal and Cuiaba – three of the hottest venues at the World Cup.
Alberto Zaccharoni’s team play their first two group games in the north of Brazil. They meet Ivory Coast in Recife, a two hour 40 minute flight from Sao Paulo and a journey of 1,646 miles. Greece are the opponents for the second game in Natal, 1,820 miles away and a flight time of just short of three hours.
They end up with a match in Cuiaba against Colombia, which is a one hour 34 minute flight and a distance of 930 miles.
