J-League Stadium Guide

Michael Tuckerman

How to get to J-League Stadiums in Japan plus information on stadium capacity and other useful J-League stadium information.

Albirex Niigata | Avispa Fukuoka | Cerezo Osaka | Consadole Sapporo | Ehime FC | Fagiano Okayama | FC Gifu | FC Tokyo | Gainare Tottori | Gamba Osaka | Giravanz Kitakyushu | JEF United | Jubilo Iwate | Kamatamare Sanuki | Kashima Antlers | Kashiwa Reysol | Kataller Toyama | Kawasaki Frontale | Kyoto Sanga | Machida Zelvia | Matsumoto Yamaga | Mito Hollyhock | Montedio Yamagata | Nagoya Grampus | Oita Trinita | Omiya Ardija | Roasso Kumamoto | Sagan Tosu | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Shimizu S-Pulse | Shonan Bellmare | Thespa Kusatsu | Tochigi SC | Tokushima Vortis | Tokyo Verdy | Urawa Reds | Vegalta Sendai | Ventforet Kofu | Vissel Kobe | Yokohama FC | Yokohama Marinos | National Stadium

Albirex Niigata

Niigata Stadium, Niigata.

Home ground: Niigata 'Big Swan' Stadium
Address: 68 Seigoro, Niigata-City, Niigata 950-0933
Capacity: 42,300
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: JR Niigata Station
Nearest bus stop: Sports Koen

Other useful info: Known colloquially as 'Big Swan' as the roof of the stadium is supposed to resemble a resting swan.


Avispa Fukuoka

Hakata-no-Mori Stadium, Fukuoka.

Home ground: Hakata-no-Mori Stadium
Address: 2-1-1 Higashihirao-koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 816-0052
Capacity: 22,563
When built: 1989
Nearest train station: Fukuoka Airport Station
Nearest bus stop: Higashi Hirao Koen Iriguchi

Other useful info: The ground is a fair distance from Fukuoka city centre and the nearest train station, so bus is the best method of travel to attend a game here.


Cerezo Osaka

Nagai Stadium, Osaka.

Home ground: Nagai Stadium
Address: 1-1 Nagai-Koen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 546-0034
Capacity: 45,409
When built: 1996
Nearest train station: Nagai Station
Nearest bus stop: Gojosuji

Other useful info: The stadium is being refurbished for the upcoming 2007 World Athletics Championships.

J.League shirts


Consadole Sapporo

Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Home ground: Sapporo Dome
Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 062-0045
Capacity: 41,580
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: Fukuzumi Subway Station
Nearest bus stop: Sapporo Dome Mae
Other useful info: One of the most high-tech football stadiums in the world, the Sapporo Dome alternates between an artificial pitch used for baseball and a turf pitch - which is grown outside and lifted into the stadium prior to match days.
Home ground: Sapporo Atsubetsu Park Stadium
Address: 1-2-1 3-jo Kaminopporo, Ashibetsu-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 004-0033
Capacity: 20,005
When built: 1980
Nearest train station: Oyachi Station
Nearest bus stop: Atsubetsu Koen Iriguchi

Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Other useful info: The spiritual home of Consadole, the Atsubetsu Park Stadium is decrepit compared to the ultra-modern Sapporo Dome, and the wide running track makes it difficult to generate an atmosphere here.

Sapporo Dome


Ehime FC

Ehime Matusyama Athletic Stadium.

Home ground: Ehime Matusyama Athletic Stadium
Address: 1139 Ido-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime 791-1114
Capacity: 20,000
When built: 1980
Nearest train station: Matsuyama JR Station
Nearest bus stop: Ehime Koen

Other useful info: The official name of the stadium is the somewhat comical "Comprehensive Movement Park" now known as Ningineer Stadium.


Fagiano Okayama

Momotaro Stadium, Okayama.

Home ground: Momotaro Stadium
Address: 2-1-11 Izumino, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-0985
Capacity: 20,000
When built: 1957
Nearest train station: Hpkaiin-eki
Nearest bus stop: Okayama University of Science

Other useful info: Named for the popular Japanese folk hero, there is a statue of 'Momotaro' and his animal friends outside the stadium. Presently known as City Light Stadium.


FC Gifu

Nagaragawa Stadium, Gifu.

Home ground: Nagaragawa Stadium
Address: Nagarahara, Fukumitsu, Ono 2675-28, Gifu City, Gifu 502-0817
Capacity: 31,000
When built: 1990
Nearest train station: Gifu JR Station or Gifu Meitetsu Station
Nearest bus stop: Gifu Memorial Center-mae or Nagaragawa Kokusaekaigijo Kitaguchi

Other useful info: The Nagaragawa Stadium is the home ground of FC Gifu who gained J2 status in 2008 and is part of the Gifu Memorial Center sports complex situated on the north bank of the Nagara River (Nagaragawa).

The stadium has a running track so spectators are a bit removed from the action. Not all the stadium is covered and though the grass banks are great for picnics they are not pleasant in the rain. Nagaragawa is north of the city center and can be accessed by bus from both the JR and Meitetsu stations. The journey time is about 20 minutes. Buses back after a game are crowded.

Sports facilities at Nagaragawa Stadium include an athletics track, a baseball field (used occasionally by the Chunichi Dragons pro-baseball team), tennis courts, a swimming pool, a martial arts building and indoor stadia for volleyball, gymnastics, table tennis, basketball etc.

Nagaragawa Stadium, Gifu.

Nagaragawa Stadium Guide


FC Tokyo

Ajinomoto Stadium, Chofu, Tokyo.

Home ground: Ajinomoto Stadium
Address: 376-3 Nishi-machi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0032
Capacity: 50,000
When built: 2000
Nearest train station: Tobitakyu Station
Nearest bus stop: Ajinomoto Stadium Minami-guchi

Other useful info: Ajinomoto Stadium did not host any matches at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, despite being one of Japan's most high-tech stadiums.

Read more on Ajinomoto Stadium


Gainare Tottori

Home ground: Tottori Bank Bird Stadium
Address: 253-1 Kume-cho, Yonago-shi, Tottori 683-0824
Capacity: 16,033
When built: 1996
Nearest train station: Tottori Station
Nearest bus stop: Kurata Primary School

Other useful info: Tottori's home ground is actually Higashiyama Athletics Stadium in Yonago but as the stadium does not meet J. League requirements, they are forced to play in Tottori city. Presently called Axis Bird Stadium.


Gamba Osaka

Panasonic Stadium Suita Osaka, Japan.

Home ground: Suita City Football Stadium (Panasonic Stadium Suita Osaka)
Address: 3-3 Senri Banpaku-koen, Suita, Osaka Prefecture 565-0826
Capacity: 39,694
When built: 2016
Nearest train station: Banpaku Kinen Koen
Nearest bus stop: Banpaku Kinen Koen

Other useful info: The new Suita City Football Stadium replaced the former Osaka Expo '70 'Banpaku' Stadium in 2016 and is located close to the old stadium near Expo Park.

Banpaku Stadium, Osaka.

Former Stadium

Home ground: Osaka Expo '70 'Banpaku' Stadium
Address: 5-2 Senri-Banpaku-Koen, Suita City, Osaka 565-0826
Capacity: 21,000
When built: 1968
Nearest train station: Banpaku Koen Higashiguchi
Nearest bus stop: Banpaku Koen Higashiguchi

Other useful info: The stadium took its name from the 1970 World Exposition hosted by Osaka, and was refurbished in 1974.

Banpaku Stadium, Osaka.Osaka Expo '70 'Banpaku' Stadium

Panasonic Stadium Suita Osaka


Giravanz Kitakyushu

Honjo Athletic Stadium, Kitakyushu.

Home ground: Honjo Athletic Stadium
Address: Honjo Park, 1-16-1 Yahata Nishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-0804
Capacity: 10,202
When built: 1990
Nearest train station: Honjo Station
Nearest bus stop: Orio Station

Other useful info: A non-descript venue completely open to the elements leaves Giravanz Kitakyushu hoping to build a soccer-specific stadium in the near future.


JEF United Chiba

Fukuda Denshi, Chiba.

Home ground: Fukuda Denshi 'Fukuari' Arena
Address: 1-20 Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0935
Capacity: 19,781
When built: 2005
Nearest train station: JR Soga Station
Nearest bus stop: JR Soga Station

Other useful info: One of the best football-only facilities in Japan, the stadium was built as an alternative venue to United's former home ground, the unpopular Ichihara Seaside Stadium.


Jubilo Iwata

Yamaha Stadium.

Home ground: Yamaha Stadium
Address: 2500 Shingai, Iwata City, Shizuoka 438-0025
Capacity: 17,000
When built: 1978
Nearest train station: JR Iwata Station
Nearest bus stop: Hamamatsu Bus Terminal

Other useful info: Yamaha Stadium was used as the home base by the Japan national team during the 2002 World Cup and hosts the majority of Jubilo's home fixtures..

Home ground: Shizuoka 'Ecopa' Stadium
Address: Ogasayama Sports Park, Aino, Fukuroi City 437-8666
Capacity: 51,349
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: JR Aino Station
Nearest bus stop: Ogasayama Undo Koen

Other useful info: A 2002 FIFA World Cup venue, Jubilo Iwata play their more high profile matches at Ecopa Stadium, which they share with prefectural rivals Shimizu S-Pulse, other fixtures are held at Yamaha Stadium.

Brazil beat England 2-1 here during the 2002 World Cup. Visitors will need to take a local JR train from Hamamatsu Station if coming east from Osaka or Nagoya on the Shinkansen Bullet line connecting Tokyo and Osaka. If traveling west from Tokyo change at Kakegawa. Note that the fastest Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Line do not stop at Hamamatsu or Kakegawa.


Kamatamare Sanuki

Pikara Stadium, Takamatsu, Shikoku.

Home ground: Pikara Stadium
Address: 830 Kanakuracho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0053
Capacity: 30,099
When built: 1997
Nearest train station: JR Konzoji Station
Nearest bus stop: Konzoji tateba

Other useful info: The stadium is the home ground of Kamatamare Sanuki, relegated from J2 to J3 in 2018. The name 'Sanuki' is the former Edo Period name of what is now Kagawa Prefecture. 'Kamatama' is a type of udon (noodle dish) for which the area is famous, plus the Italian 'mare' meaning sea.

Pikara Stadium, Marugame near Takamatsu, Shikoku.

Read more on Pikara Stadium


Kashima Antlers

Kashima Stadium.

Home ground: Kashima Soccer Stadium
Address: 26-2 Ushiroyama, Jinkoji, Kashima City, Ibaraki 314-0007
Capacity: 39,000
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: Kashima Stadium Station
Nearest bus stop: Piston

Other useful info: The ground once had a capacity of just 16,000 but was completely refurbished and used as a host venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Ibaraki Guide


Kashiwa Reysol

Kashiwa Stadium.

Home ground: Kashiwa Hitachi Stadium
Address: 1-2-50 Hitachidai, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-0083
Capacity: 15,900
When built: 1975
Nearest train station: JR Kashiwa Station
Nearest bus stop: Midorigaoka

Other useful info: One of the smallest stadiums in the J-League, the stadium has only one covered stand, meaning that spectators can expect to get wet in the rain. Presently known as Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium.


Kataller Toyama

Toyama Stadium.

Home ground: Toyama Athletics Stadium
Address: 62-1 Takashima, Toyama 939-8064
Capacity: 25,250
When built: 1968
Nearest train station: Unten Kyouiku
Nearest bus stop: Unten Kyouiku

Other useful info: Located close to the Japan Sea, the large open-air Toyama Stadium is one of the colder venues in Japan outside the summer months.


Kawasaki Frontale

Todoroki Stadium.

Home ground: Todoroki Athletic Stadium
Address: 1-1 Todoroki, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 211-0052
Capacity: 25,000
When built: 1965
Nearest train station: Shin Maruko
Nearest bus stop: Shiei Ground Mae

Other useful info: The former home ground of the once great Verdy Kawasaki, who these days are more recognisable as Tokyo Verdy.


Kyoto Sanga

Sanga Stadium.

Kyoto's new stadium Sanga Stadium opened in 2020 and replaced Nishikyogoku. Sponsored by Kyocera the stadium has a capacity of 21,600. The ground is a 5-minute walk from Kameoka Station reached by train from Kyoto Station of Nijo Station in 30 minutes or less.

Nishikyogoku Stadium, Kyoto.

Home ground: Nishikyogoku Stadium
Address: 32 Nishikyogokushinmei-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 615-0864
Capacity: 20,242
When built: 1942
Nearest train station: Nishikyogoku Station
Nearest bus stop: Nishikyogoku Undo Koen Mae

Other useful info: City officials have decided to completely remodel one of the most unpopular stadiums in the J-League, in the hope of attracting more fans to Kyoto Purple Sanga games.

Kyoto Guide


Machida Zelvia

Machida Stadium, Tokyo.

Home ground: Machida Athletic Stadium (aka Nozuta Stadium)
Address: 550 Okura, Machida City, Tokyo 195-0062
Capacity: 10,000
When built: 1990
Nearest train station: Fuchinobe Station
Nearest bus stop: Machida Sun City

Other useful info: Machida's unloved Athletics Stadium held the team back from promotion, with the club forced to add extra seats and lighting to bring it up to J. League requirements.


Matsumoto Yamaga

Matsumoto Football Stadium (Sunpro Alwin).

Home ground: Matsumoto Football Stadium (Sunpro Alwin)
Address: 11-14 Yoshino, Matsumoto City, Nagano 399-0002
Capacity: 20,396
When built: 1999
Nearest train station: Murai Station
Nearest bus stop: Matsumoto Stadium

Other useful info: One of the most picturesque venues in Japan, Matsuomoto's home ground is known locally as ‘Alwin' as it sits at the base of the windy Japanese Alps.


Mito Hollyhock

Home ground: Kasamatsu Stadium
Address:
Capacity: 22,022
When built: 1974
Nearest train station: JR Tokai Station
Nearest bus stop: Kasamatsu Sports Park

Other useful info: Mito Hollyhock have one of the lowest average attendances in the J-League, and the fact that Kasamatsu Stadium is situated so far from Mito City gives a good indication why.


Montedio Yamagata

Yamagata Park Athletic Stadium.

Home ground: Yamagata Park Athletic Stadium
Address: 1-1 Sanno, Tendo City, Yamagata 944-0000
Capacity: 20,315
When built: 1991
Nearest train station: JR Tenri Station
Nearest bus stop: Yamagata Park Koen

Other useful info: The pitch is surrounded by such a wide running track, that it can be difficult to view the action from certain vantage points inside the stadium.


Nagoya Grampus

Toyota Stadium, Toyota.
Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Aichi.
Toyota Stadium, Toyota.

Home ground: Toyota Soccer Stadium
Address: 7-2 Sengoku-cho, Toyota City, Aichi 471-0877
Capacity: 45,000
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: Meitetsu Toyotashi Station
Nearest bus stop: Toyota City Stadium

Other useful info: Toyota Soccer Stadium will host the opening match of the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. Nagoya Grampus are Gary Lineker's old J-league club back in the 1990s. The team last won the J.League in 2010.

Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Aichi.

Toyota Stadium Guide

Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya.

Home ground: Mizuho Athletics Stadium
Address: 5-1 Yamashita-tori Mizuho-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi 467-0062
Capacity: 27,000
When built: 1947
Nearest train station: Mizuho Sports Park Station
Nearest bus stop: Mizuho Ground Bus Stop

Other useful info: One of the oldest grounds in the J-League, the stadium was built close to Nagoya city centre but is being fazed out of use, with the club preferring to play most of their games at the newer Toyota Soccer Stadium. Nagoya Grampus have dropped the "Eight" from their name.

Mizuho Stadium Guide


Oita Trinita

Oita Big Eye Stadium, Oita.

Home ground: Oita 'Big Eye' Stadium
Address: 1351 Yokoo, Oita City, Oita 870-0126
Capacity: 43,000
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: JR Oita Station
Nearest bus stop: Big Eye Higashi

Other useful info: One of the most futuristic stadiums ever built, Oita's 'Big Eye' Stadium features a retractable roof to help deal with Kyushu's unpredictable weather.

Omiya Ardija

Omiya Stadium.

Home ground: Omiya Stadium
Address: 4 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 330-0803
Capacity: 12,500
When built: 1964
Nearest train station: Omiya Koen
Nearest bus stop: Soccer Jo Mae Bus Stop

Other useful info: Renovations are taking place to upgrade Omiya Stadium throughout the 2006 J-League season, so Omiya Ardija will play the majority of home matches at nearby Komaba Stadium - the spiritual home of rivals Urawa Reds. The ground has been knon as NACK5 Stadium since 2007.

Home ground: Saitama Soccer Stadium
Address: 500 Nakanoda, Midori-ku, Saitama-City 330-0846
Capacity: 63,700
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: Urawa Bi-en
Nearest bus stop: JR Urawa Station

Other useful info: A 2002 FIFA World Cup venue, Omiya Ardija play occasional matches at Saitama Stadium, particularly the derby against crosstown rivals Urawa Reds.

Saitama Guide


Roasso Kumamoto

KK Wing Stadium.

Home ground: KK Wing Stadium
Address: 3-5 3-Chome Tsuyoshigun, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto 862-091
Capacity: 32,000
When built: 1999
Nearest train station: Hikari-no-mori Station
Nearest bus stop: Hikari-no-mori Station

Other useful info: Originally envisaged as a potential World Cup venue, KK Wing Stadium is one of the few venues in Japan best accessed by car. Presently called Egao Kenko Stadium.


Sagan Tosu

Tosu Stadium.
Tosu Stadium.
Sagan Tosu are now a solid J1 club.Sagan Tosu are now a solid J1 club

Home ground: Tosu Stadium
Address: 812 Kyo-machi, Tosu City, Saga 841-0034
Capacity: 24,490
When built: 1996
Nearest train station: JR Tosu Station
Nearest bus stop: JR Tosu Station

Other useful info: One of the most picturesque grounds in J2, Sagan Tosu's magnificent Tosu Stadium is one of the most accessible in the league, and lies next to a train station in the centre of the city.

Indeed this stadium feels like a real football stadium, and is something of a mecca for hard-core J-League followers, who make the journey to this attractive town.


Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Hiroshima Stadium.

Home ground: Hiroshima 'Big Arch' Stadium (EDION Stadium Hiroshima)
Address: 5-1-1 Otsuka-nishi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 731-3162
Capacity: 50,000
When built: 1993
Nearest train station: JR Hiroshima Station
Nearest bus stop: Sando University Bus Stop

Other useful info: The distance of the stadium from Hiroshima's city centre makes it difficult for the club to attract large crowds. Sanfrecce will move in 2024 to the new EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima Stadium. Edion is a nationwide electronics retailer.

Hiroshima Stadium.

Read more on Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium


Shimizu S-Pulse

Nihondaira Stadium.

Home ground: Nihondaira Stadium
Address: 3880-1 Otani, Shimizu-muramatsu, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0926
Capacity: 20,339
When built: 1991
Nearest train station: JR Shimizu Station
Nearest bus stop: Nihondaira Undo Koen Iriguchi

Other useful info: Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque venues in Japan, the roof was designed to cover just three-quarters of the main stand, so as not to obscure the spectacular view of Mt Fuji in the background.

Shizuoka Stadium, Fukuroi.

Home ground: Shizuoka 'Ecopa' Stadium
Address: Ogasayama Sports Park, Aino, Fukuroi City
Capacity: 51,349
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: JR Aino Station
Nearest bus stop: Ogasayama Undo Koen

Other useful info: The club generally play the derby against Jubilo Iwata and the home match against Urawa Reds at Ecopa Stadium.

Ecopa Stadium


Shonan Bellmare

Hiratsuka Stadium, Kanagawa.

Home ground: Hiratsuka Stadium
Address: 1-1 Ohara, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 254-0074
Capacity: 18,500
When built: 1987
Nearest train station: JR Hiratsuka Station
Nearest bus stop: Hiratsuka Koen

Other useful info: The stadium was refurbished in 1998. Presently called Lemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka.


Thespa Kusatsu

Gunma Shikishima Athletic Stadium.

Home ground: Gunma Shikishima Athletic Stadium
Address: 464-28 Kusatsu-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711
Capacity: 10,050
When built: 1969
Nearest train station: JR Maebashi Station
Nearest bus stop: JR Maebashi Station

Other useful info: Surrounded by parklands, Gunma Shikishima Athletic Stadium has an old style grass hill - an unusual feature, even in some of Japan's more outdated stadia.


Tochigi SC

Tochigi Green Stadium, Tochigi.

Home ground: Tochigi Green Stadium
Address: 1-15 Sakae-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi 320-0024
Capacity: 18,025
When built: 1993
Nearest train station: Utsunomiya Station
Nearest bus stop: Sano Shintoshi

Other useful info: One of the more colourful venues in the J. League, Tochigi Green Stadium is renowned for the grassy green banks fringing the pitch.


Tokushima Vortis

Pocari Sweat Stadium, Tokushima.

Home ground: Naruto Athletic Stadium (Pocari Sweat Stadium)
Address: 2-22 Hisagodani, Aza, Inubushi, Itano-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima 779-0108
Capacity: 20,441
When built: 1971
Nearest train station: Tokushima JR Station
Nearest bus stop: Naruto Athletic Stadium

Other useful info: Naruto Athletic Stadium has high raking stands along the sidelines, to provide better views for fans sitting towards the front of those stands, however fans behind the goals are hindered by the size of the athletic track surrounding the pitch.


Tokyo Verdy

Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo.

Home ground: Ajinomoto Stadium
Address: 376-3 Nishi-machi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0032
Capacity: 50,000
When built: 2000
Nearest train station: Tobitakyu Station
Nearest bus stop: Ajinomoto Stadium Minami-guchi

Other useful info: After relocating from their original home town of Kawasaki, Tokyo Verdy now share their Ajinomoto Stadium with more popular cross-town rivals FC Tokyo.


Urawa Reds

Saitama Soccer Stadium, Saitama.
Saitama Soccer Stadium, Saitama.

Home ground: Saitama Soccer Stadium
Address: 500 Nakanoda, Midori-ku, Saitama-City 330-0846
Capacity: 63,700
When built: 2001
Nearest train station: Urawa Bi-en
Nearest bus stop: JR Urawa Station

Other useful info: The 63,700 capacity: Saitama Stadium was built with Urawa's fanatical support in mind, and is often filled to near capacity for the club's J-League matches.

Saitama Soccer Stadium, Saitama.

Home ground: Komaba Stadium
Address: 2-1-1 Komaba, Urawa-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 330-0051
Capacity: 21,500
When built: 1967
Nearest train station: JR Minami Urawa Station
Nearest bus stop: Uchu-Kakakukan Iriguchi Bus Stop

Other useful info: Urawa often pack Komaba Stadium during lower profile J-League and Emperor's Cup matches.

Read more on Saitama Stadium 2002


Vegalta Sendai

Yurtec Sendai Stadium.

Home ground: Yurtec Sendai Stadium
Address: 78 Yanagi, Nanakita, Izumi-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi 981-3131
Capacity: 19,694
When built: 1997
Nearest train station: Izumi Chuo Subway Station
Nearest bus stop: Izumu Chuo Subway Station

Other useful info: Vegalta Sendai are one of the most popular teams in J2, and Yurtec Sendai Stadium - which is located in the middle of the city, regularly welcomes large crowds.

Sendai Goods


Ventforet Kofu

Kose Sports Park Stadium.

Home ground: Kose Sports Park Stadium
Address: 840 Kose-machi, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400-0836
Capacity: 17,000
When built: 1985
Nearest train station: Minami Kofu Station
Nearest bus stop: Kose Sports Park

Other useful info: The stadium is virtually inaccessible by train, so car or bus are the best way to travel to a match in rural Kofu. Presently known as JIT Recycle Ink Stadium.


Vissel Kobe

Kobe Wing Stadium, Kobe.

Home ground: Kobe 'Wing' Stadium
Address: 1-2-2 Misaki-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 652-0855
Capacity: 34,000
When built: 1975
Nearest train station: JR Hyogo Station or Misaki-koen Station on the Kaigan Subway Line
Nearest bus stop: Wada Misaki Station

Other useful info: This 2002 World Cup venue has superceded the deteriorating Kobe Universiade Stadium as the home of Vissel Kobe, and features a retractable roof to keep out inclement weather.

Kobe Guide


Yokohama FC

Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama.

Home ground: Mitsuzawa Stadium
Address: 3-1 Mitsuzawanishi-machi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0855
Capacity: 15,050
When built: 1955
Nearest train station: JR Yokohama Station
Nearest bus stop: Mitsuzawa Koen Iriguchi

Other useful info: Mitsuzawa Stadium will undoubtedly be packed for Yokohama FC's top-flight debut, which takes place against bitter local rivals Yokohama F. Marinos.


Yokohama F. Marinos

Yokohama International Stadium, Yokohama.

Home ground: Nissan 'International' Stadium
Address: 3300 Kozukue-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama city, Kanagawa 222-0036
Capacity: 72,370
When built: 1997
Nearest train station: Kozukue Station
Nearest bus stop: Nissan Stadium Mae

Other useful info: Venue for the 2002 World Cup Final, this ground features high-tech broadcasting facilities and is also the venue of the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final.

Home ground: Mitsuzawa Stadium
Address: 3-1 Mitsuzawanishi-machi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0855
Capacity: 15,050
When built: 1955
Nearest train station: JR Yokohama Station
Nearest bus stop: Mitsuzawa Koen Iriguchi

Other useful info: Yokohama F. Marinos rarely use this stadium these days, and with crosstown rivals Yokohama FC looking good for promotion from the Second Division, may give the ground up altogether.

Yokohama Guide


National Stadium

National Stadium, Tokyo.

Home ground: Tokyo Kasumigaoka National Stadium
Address: 10-2 Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0013
Capacity: 56,000
When built: 1958
Nearest train station: Sendagaya Station
Nearest bus stop: Kokuritsu Kyogijo

Other useful info: Built in 1958 for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Tokyo National Stadium replaced what was the Meiji Jingu Gaien Athletic Stadium. The National Stadium in Tokyo is not home to any particular J-League club. Many J-League clubs in the vicinity of Tokyo host matches here, however, and the ground is frequently used by the Japan national team. The ground will also host matches at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. 5 minutes walk from Sendagaya Station on the JR Chuo/Sobu line. 2 minutes walk from the Kokuritsu-kyougijo on the Toei Oedo line.

Michael Tuckerman


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