Saitama Stadium 2002
Home to the Japan national football team, Saitama Stadium 2002 is a massive 60,000+ seat arena offering an electric match-day atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Saitama Stadium 2002
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the Japan national football team, Saitama Stadium 2002 is a massive 60,000+ seat arena offering an electric match-day atmosphere.
"A beautiful stadium with a multitude of food options and an exceptional experience."
🎯 Arrive Early for Open Seating
If your ticket is for behind the goal, seating is open. Get there early to snag a prime spot!
🍺 Beer in Cups Allowed
You can bring in beers if poured into stadium cups. Drinks inside are reasonably priced.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Arena
Main Pitch
Experience the immense 60,000+ seat capacity, home to the Japan national team. Feel the roar of the crowd!
Match Day Atmosphere
Throughout the Stadium
Soak in the electric energy of a live soccer match, with passionate fans and a vibrant community feel.
Food & Drink Options
Concourse Areas
Enjoy a variety of food and drink choices, with surprisingly affordable prices and efficient service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Stadium
Ticket & Seating Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travelling to Japan.
🎯 Arrive Early for Open Seating
If your ticket is for behind the goal, seating is open. Get there early to snag a prime spot!
🍺 Beer in Cups Allowed
You can bring in beers if poured into stadium cups. Drinks inside are reasonably priced.
Football in Japan
The "How to Watch Soccer in Japan" Megathread (Buying tickets/getting to stadiums/"Which game should I see?"/etc posts all go here)
🚶♂️ 20-Min Walk from Station
It's a pleasant 20-minute walk from Urawa-Misono station to the stadium.
📸 Camera Policy Caution
Be mindful of photo policies; some supporters may be sensitive about cameras.
A day out to see Urawa Reds. Possibly the best football stadium in Japan!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Open Seating
If your ticket is for behind the goal, seating is open. Get there early to snag a prime spot!
🍺 Beer in Cups Allowed
You can bring in beers if poured into stadium cups. Drinks inside are reasonably priced.
🚶♂️ 20-Min Walk from Station
It's a pleasant 20-minute walk from Urawa-Misono station to the stadium.
📸 Camera Policy Caution
Be mindful of photo policies; some supporters may be sensitive about cameras.
👍 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Expect a warm welcome; staff are generally very nice and ready to assist.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saitama Stadium 2002 is lauded for its impressive scale, vibrant match-day atmosphere, and good amenities, including affordable food and drink options. While most visitors have a positive experience, some advise caution regarding photography policies and the need to arrive early for open seating areas.
"Awesome stadium! Me and my brother watched Japan vs Saudi Arabia in a FIFA qualifier match. They let you bring beers in if if you pour it into their cups and the drinks inside don't cost much anyways. Bathrooms were good and never had that long a wait. The stadium is huge and the people were all very nice and helpful!
I didn't realize though that when getting tickets for behind the goal all the seating is open seating. You don't have an actual seat you just bran what you can. If I had known that we would have gotten to the stadium earlier. We were walking around the town thinking we had specific seats lol but hey no biggie just get their earlier if you want a closer seat."
Samuel Collins
"The huge soccer stadium has over 60,000 seats and is the home stadium of the Japan national team.
It takes about 30 minutes from the city center of Tokyo to Urawa-Misono, the nearest station.
And then it needed to walk 20 minutes from the station to the stadium.
It gets very crowded after matches."
K2
"Beautiful stadium, a multitude of food options, and an exceptional experience. I would give it 10 stars."
Joshua H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from central Tokyo to Urawa-Misono station, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, it's a 20-minute walk to the stadium.
Yes, it's well-connected by train to Tokyo. Urawa-Misono is the closest station, with a straightforward walk to the stadium.
Public transport is recommended. Trains to Urawa-Misono station are frequent, but expect crowds after the match.
While parking might be available, it's often best to rely on public transport due to potential congestion and limited availability on match days.
The walk from Urawa-Misono station to Saitama Stadium 2002 is approximately 20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through official J.League ticketing platforms or authorized resellers. For international buyers, check the J.League's official website for overseas purchasing options.
Be aware that seating behind the goals is often open seating, meaning you need to arrive early to secure a good spot. Always check your ticket details for specific seating arrangements.
Yes, various seating categories are usually offered, from premium seats to general admission behind the goals. Prices vary based on the match and seat location.
You can bring in beer if it's poured into stadium cups. Drinks inside the stadium are also available and not excessively expensive.
Stadium gates typically open 1-2 hours before kickoff, but it's advisable to check the specific match schedule for exact timings.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is electric and passionate, especially when the Japan national team plays. Expect a vibrant crowd and an engaging match-day experience.
Yes, the stadium offers a multitude of food options throughout the concourse areas, catering to various tastes.
Reviews suggest the bathrooms are good and generally do not have long wait times, even during busy periods.
While general photography is usually permitted, be aware that some supporters might be sensitive about cameras, especially during warm-ups. It's best to be discreet.
The stadium is large but generally well-organized. Staff are helpful, and signage should guide you to your section and amenities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to arrive early, especially if you have children, to secure good, accessible seating, particularly if you're in the open seating sections behind the goals. This avoids any last-minute rush and ensures a more relaxed experience for everyone. The walk from Urawa-Misono station is manageable, but keep an eye on the time to ensure a smooth arrival before kickoff.
⚽ Soccer Enthusiasts
Consider purchasing tickets in advance and understanding the seating arrangements, especially if you prefer a specific view. The open seating behind the goals can be a unique experience, but requires an early arrival to get the best spots. The stadium's amenities, including food and drink, are well-regarded, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Match Day Logistics
When it comes to tickets, understanding your seating is crucial. For areas behind the goals, seating is often open, meaning there are no assigned seats. This is a key piece of advice from visitors: arrive early if you want to secure a closer vantage point. If you had assumed you had a specific seat and didn't arrive early, you might find yourself walking around looking for a spot, as one reviewer humorously recounted.
Despite the potential for crowds, the overall experience is highly praised. The stadium boasts a massive capacity of over 60,000, making it an impressive venue for any soccer enthusiast. The atmosphere on game days is described as exceptional, with friendly and helpful people contributing to a positive environment.
Experiencing the Game Day Vibe
Beyond the pitch action, the stadium offers a good variety of food and drink options. Reviewers highlight that the prices inside are not exorbitant, and you can even bring in your own beer, provided it's poured into stadium-approved cups. This adds to the convenience and enjoyment of the match-day experience. The facilities, including bathrooms, are generally well-maintained and efficient, minimizing wait times even during peak periods.
While the majority of experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a word of caution comes from one visitor regarding photography. They encountered an aggressive supporter who objected to them taking pictures of players warming up. This suggests that while cameras are generally allowed, it's wise to be mindful of your surroundings and potentially discreet, as not all attendees may be as welcoming of extensive photography.
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