Kick-off in Japan: FCB Women start Allianz Women's Tour 2026

Konnichiwa, Tokyo! No sooner had FC Bayern Women landed in Japan than they got down to work. On late Wednesday afternoon local time, the first session of the Allianz Women’s Tour (follow the live blog here!) took place in the Greater Tokyo Area. Head coach José Barcala welcomed his team onto the pitch at the RB Omiya training ground with a clear focus: carefully familiarising the body with the climate and the workload, and getting into tour mode.

📸 The best photos from the first session in Japan: 

The team had arrived in the early hours of the morning following a roughly 12-hour flight to Tokyo. The time shift was noticeable, yet the mood within the whole group was excellent. The plan initially involved a calm arrival: transfer to the team hotel, communal lunch – and then a few hours’ rest to shake off at least some of the jet lag. After that, it was onto the training field for the first practice session on Japanese soil.

Adjusting to climate and workload

The outside conditions differ significantly to those in Munich: over 30 degrees, plus high humidity, which makes every sprint just a little harder. And the opening session was adapted accordingly. Instead of maximum intensity, the coaching team opted for a more measured workload with a lot of movement elements: light jogging, longer periods of stretching followed by the first passing and match situation drills in small spaces. Regular hydration breaks and targeted activation exercises ensured that the circulation and musculature got going without immediately being pushed to their limits.

Director of women’s football Bianca Rech visited the German Embassy in Tokyo on Wednesday:

What’s in store for FCB Women in Tokyo

Along with training sessions, the agenda for the Allianz Women’s Tour in Tokyo, which lasts until 27 July, includes visits to partner Hitachi, cultural events and a group visit to a sushi restaurant. The days in Japan are intended to lay the foundation for the new season: physically, tactically and in terms of the team fabric. Joint experiences away from familiar surroundings, busy days with training, engagements and travelling – all of that strengthens the team spirit and creates moments that can carry a group through a season.

Friendly against RB Omiya live on FC Bayern TV PLUS

The week finishes with the German champions’ first pre-season friendly on Saturday at 10:00 CEST (live on FC Bayern TV PLUS), when FC Bayern Women take on Japanese top-flight side RB Omiya.

All the updates from the Allianz Women‘s Tour in our live blog: