富 士 山
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IAI Stadium Nihondaira

4.1
·2k reviews·Shizuoka, Japan

IAI Stadium Nihondaira: A football-centric venue in Shizuoka, known for its passionate atmosphere and unique culinary offerings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Match Days

Experience the electric atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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富 士 山

IAI Stadium Nihondaira

Best Time

Match Days

Experience the electric atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

IAI Stadium Nihondaira: A football-centric venue in Shizuoka, known for its passionate atmosphere and unique culinary offerings.

4.1
(2k reviews)

"The stadium itself is a little old looking, but it’s a football specific stadium, no athletics track. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Sakurabashi

Skip long bus queues; take Shizutetsu to Sakurabashi and walk to the stadium. :athletic_shoe:

🚕 Taxi Tip

After the game, walk downhill away from the main taxi rank for quicker pickup. :taxi:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pitch-Side Views

Pitch-Side Views

Main Stands

Experience the thrill of football up close with no athletics track, ensuring fans are tight to the pitch.

Reddit
Passionate Supporter Chants

Passionate Supporter Chants

Behind the Goals

Feel the energy as dedicated fans create an incredible vibe, making you want to join in.

Reddit
Unique Stadium Cuisine

Unique Stadium Cuisine

Concessions

Savor surprisingly delicious and unique food options, a highlight for many visitors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Plan Your Journey

Accessing IAI Stadium Nihondaira can be a trek. Shuttle buses from Shizuoka Station may be unavailable. Consider taking the Shizutetsu line to Sakurabashi and walking, or heading to Shimizu Station for local buses. Allow ample travel time and be prepared for an uphill walk to the stadium itself. Reddit

Matchday Experience: Food & Atmosphere

While the stadium might seem a bit dated, the close proximity to the pitch creates an incredible atmosphere, especially with passionate fans. Food options are surprisingly delicious, with unique offerings like 'American Dream Over Rice' being a standout. Reddit

Best Times

When
Match Days
Why
Experience the electric atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Off-Season Weekdays
Why
Quieter stadium exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

TERU TERU BOZOO GO TO SHIZUOKA STADIUM ECOPA 🏟️ #StrayKids #スキズ #dominATE #dominATE_JAPAN
@straykids_japan
630.1K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Sakurabashi

Skip long bus queues; take Shizutetsu to Sakurabashi and walk to the stadium. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚕 Taxi Tip

After the game, walk downhill away from the main taxi rank for quicker pickup. Reddit :taxi:

インドネシア戦🇮🇩で期待してる選手をおしえてー! #サッカー日本代表 #最高の景色を #スポーツ #日本代表
@jfa_samuraiblue
567.1K likes • 6.7M views
今シーズンのホームゲームでのリーグ戦⚽️初勝利✨ ひさしぶりの祝杯🥂 次のホームゲームは国立🏟でも祝杯🥂を… #spulse #iaistadiumnihondaira #勝ったら花火
yujean1117
52 likes • 264 views

🎤 Sing Along

Join in the stadium's iconic 'woooahhh' chants during matches! TikTok :microphone:

⚽ Football Focus

Enjoy a stadium designed purely for football, with no athletics track. Reddit :soccer:

🥅Supporters goal reaction🥅 3年前の清水戦、東京アウェー席はお祭りだった。 2019/7/10 Shimizu S-Pulse VS FC Tokyo 🏟IAI Stadium Nihondaira #fc東京 #FC東京 #fctokyo #東京 #tokyo #明治安田生命j1リーグ #j1リーグ #jleague #jリーグ #footballmatch #footballgame #footballgames #footballstadiums #footballfans #footballsupporters #サッカー観戦 #jリーグ好きな人と繋がりたい #サッカー好きな人と繋がりたい #🔵🔴 #清水エスパルス#ゴール #goal
kota_ftbl.kit
71 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Sakurabashi

Skip long bus queues; take Shizutetsu to Sakurabashi and walk to the stadium. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚕 Taxi Tip

After the game, walk downhill away from the main taxi rank for quicker pickup. Reddit :taxi:

🎤 Sing Along

Join in the stadium's iconic 'woooahhh' chants during matches! TikTok :microphone:

⚽ Football Focus

Enjoy a stadium designed purely for football, with no athletics track. Reddit :soccer:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

IAI Stadium Nihondaira offers an authentic football experience with an incredible atmosphere and surprisingly delicious food, despite its somewhat dated appearance and challenging access. Visitors praise the close-up views of the pitch and the passionate fan culture, though the journey and stadium amenities might require some planning. Reddit

"Probably the most difficult to access stadium I have been to! 😂 They seem to have stopped the shuttle bus from Shizuoka station. We took the Shizutetsu to Sakurabashi and walked down….took about 35-40 mins. We could’ve went to Shimizu station and queued for the local buses, but didn’t mind the walk. When you get to the Nihondaira area, you have to walk up the hill to the stadium. There didn’t appear to be any food truck area that is common at most J league stadiums I’ve been to. The stadium itself is a little old looking, but it’s a football specific stadium, no athletics track. Which means the fans are tight to the pitch. The away fans are away up in the steep 2nd tier of the stand behind the goal. The steps to your seat are a bit ropey but the view is fantastic. The food here is some of the best I’ve ever had at a football game. They had some faux-American food, new york hot dogs, that looked decent tbf, chilli fries and various meat-over-rice…..and it was delicious. I had the American Dream Over Rice (a mouthful for sure) but it was great. Chicken, beef and pork with BBQ sauce, white sauce and a peppery sauce over rice. It really was good. Beers are in a paper cup and the standard ¥700-750 range. Chu-his ¥500.

After the game (I won’t mention the score 😖)we had read about the crazy lines for buses so we decided to take a taxi, but we seemed to have walked down the hill past the taxi rank despite following the sign for taxis. As we started to walk back towards Sakurabashi station, there was a taxi waiting on the street. So top tip, don’t wait in line, walk down the road and you’ll get a taxi before and you won’t have to wait in traffic. We were ¥1380 back to Sakurabashi station…cheaper than going to Shimizu station."

Tubby Beaver

"Such an amazing experience. Everyone was excited as the team ascended to the J League. The fans behind the goalie never stopped cheering as it made want to join them, but we stayed in our seats respecting their rules. What an incredible vibe."

Juan jo Martínez

"Nice location, nice view, but outdated stadium. The S pulse deserve a better stadium"

Guillaume7372

What People Like

Intense atmosphere
Close pitch views
Delicious food

What People Dislike

Difficult access
Dated facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access can be challenging. Shuttle buses from Shizuoka Station are often unavailable. Consider the Shizutetsu line to Sakurabashi and walk (approx. 35-40 mins), or take local buses from Shimizu Station. Be prepared for an uphill walk to the stadium. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability and costs can vary. It's advisable to check the official Shimizu S-Pulse website or local event information closer to your visit. TikTok

To avoid long queues, walk downhill from the stadium away from the main taxi rank. You're likely to find a taxi waiting on the street, often cheaper than waiting in line. Reddit

Yes, you can take the Shizutetsu line to Sakurabashi station and then walk to the stadium. Alternatively, buses are available from Shimizu Station. Reddit

The walk from Sakurabashi station to IAI Stadium Nihondaira typically takes about 35-40 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are usually available through the official Shimizu S-Pulse website, J.League ticketing platforms, and at the stadium on match days. It's recommended to purchase in advance, especially for popular games. Instagram

Stadium opening hours are typically tied to match schedules. Gates usually open 1-2 hours before kick-off. Check the specific match day information for exact timings. TikTok

Standard stadium regulations apply, including restrictions on large bags, outside food and drink, and prohibited items. Check the official stadium policy for details. TikTok

The stadium generally offers accessible seating and facilities. It's best to contact the stadium or ticketing agent in advance to arrange specific needs. Reddit

While possible, buying tickets on match day is not guaranteed, especially for high-demand games. Purchasing in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🎫 ⚽ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is incredible, especially during Shimizu S-Pulse matches. The football-specific design brings fans close to the action, and the dedicated supporters create a vibrant and energetic environment. TikTokReddit

Yes, the stadium offers surprisingly delicious and unique food options, including 'American Dream Over Rice' and various meat-over-rice dishes. Standard beer and chu-hi options are also available. Reddit

Away fans are typically located in the steep second tier of the stand behind the goal. Reddit

While some visitors describe the stadium as a bit old-looking, it's a dedicated football stadium with no athletics track, offering excellent views of the pitch. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but professional photography or videography may require special permits. Check the stadium's policy. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The stadium offers a surprisingly good selection of food, including American-style options like New York hot dogs and chili fries, as well as delicious meat-over-rice dishes. Reddit

While the focus seems to be on meat-based dishes, it's worth checking the specific vendors on match day for any vegetarian-friendly options like fries or rice dishes. Reddit

Beers are typically in the ¥700-¥750 range, and chu-his are around ¥500. Food prices vary but are generally considered reasonable for stadium fare. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the stadium. It's best to consume these before entering. TikTok

Many visitors rave about the food, with some calling it some of the best they've had at a football game. The 'American Dream Over Rice' is a highly recommended, albeit large, option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are from the stands, capturing the pitch and the passionate crowd. The natural surroundings also offer scenic views. InstagramReddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at sports stadiums for safety and security reasons. Always check the official stadium policy before flying any aerial equipment. TikTok

The stadium's location amidst natural scenery offers picturesque views. Capturing the stadium exterior with the surrounding landscape can make for great shots. Reddit

A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the stadium and closer action on the pitch would be ideal. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for evening matches. Instagram

Yes, personal photography of players during a match is generally allowed, but avoid using flash photography which can distract players and officials. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

IAI Stadium Nihondaira can be a fun outing for families, though the journey requires some planning. The close proximity to the pitch means kids can get a great view of the action. Reddit While there aren't specific 'kid zones,' the general atmosphere is lively and engaging. Consider packing snacks and drinks for younger children, as outside food policies should be checked. TikTok

Getting to the stadium might involve a longer walk or public transport, so factor in the energy levels of your children. The unique food options could also be an exciting part of the experience for them. Reddit

⚽ Football Purists

For those who prioritize the game itself, IAI Stadium Nihondaira is a dream. Its football-specific design, free from athletics tracks, ensures unobstructed views and an intense connection to the pitch. Reddit The passionate local support, particularly from the dedicated fan sections, creates an authentic and electrifying atmosphere that rivals any top-tier stadium. InstagramReddit

You'll appreciate the close-up action and the raw energy of Japanese football culture. The stadium's layout fosters a sense of community among fans, making it an ideal destination for experiencing the heart of J.League football. Reddit

✈️ International Visitors

International visitors might find the journey to IAI Stadium Nihondaira a bit of an adventure, as public transport options can be less straightforward than in major cities. Reddit However, the effort is rewarded with a truly unique and authentic Japanese football experience. The stadium's food is a highlight, offering a taste of local flavors. TikTokReddit

Be prepared for a walk and potentially a language barrier, though the passion for football is universal. Engaging with the local fans, even with limited communication, can be a rewarding part of the visit. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to IAI Stadium Nihondaira

Reaching IAI Stadium Nihondaira requires some planning, as direct shuttle services from Shizuoka Station are not always available. Many visitors opt for the Shizutetsu line to Sakurabashi Station, followed by a walk to the stadium. This walk can take around 35-40 minutes and involves an uphill climb as you approach the venue. Reddit An alternative is to travel to Shimizu Station and utilize local bus services. It's crucial to factor in ample travel time, especially on match days, to avoid missing kick-off. TikTok

For those departing after a match, a common tip is to walk downhill away from the main taxi rank. This often leads to finding a taxi more quickly and potentially at a lower cost than waiting in a long queue. The journey back to Sakurabashi Station via taxi is reported to be around ¥1380. Reddit

When considering your transport, remember that the stadium is situated in a scenic natural area, which adds to its unique charm but also contributes to the travel time. Reddit

The Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience

IAI Stadium Nihondaira is renowned for its electric matchday atmosphere, largely due to its design as a football-specific stadium. The absence of an athletics track means fans are positioned very close to the pitch, creating an intimate and intense viewing experience. Reddit This proximity amplifies the impact of the passionate supporters, particularly the dedicated fan groups situated behind the goals, whose constant cheering and chanting create an unforgettable vibe. TikTokReddit

Visitors often highlight the incredible energy generated by the fans, noting how it makes them want to join in the singing and cheering. Reddit Even during breaks or specific challenges, like the 'ice cream challenge' seen in TikTok videos, the stadium erupts with crowd participation. TikTok This collective enthusiasm is a significant part of what makes attending a Shimizu S-Pulse game at this stadium a memorable event. Instagram

While the stadium itself might be described as a bit dated by some, the unparalleled connection to the game and the vibrant fan culture more than compensate. It's an experience that truly immerses you in Japanese football culture. Reddit

Culinary Delights at the Stadium

Don't let the stadium's age fool you; the food offerings at IAI Stadium Nihondaira are a pleasant surprise for many visitors. Beyond the typical stadium fare, you'll find unique and delicious options that have garnered praise. Reddit Standout items include American-style offerings like New York hot dogs and chili fries, alongside popular meat-over-rice dishes. Reddit

A particular favorite mentioned is the 'American Dream Over Rice,' a substantial and flavorful dish featuring chicken, beef, and pork over rice with various sauces. Reddit While not explicitly detailed, the variety suggests there are options to satisfy different tastes. Standard beverages like beer (around ¥700-¥750) and chu-his (around ¥500) are also readily available. Reddit

These culinary experiences add another layer to the overall matchday enjoyment, proving that IAI Stadium Nihondaira offers more than just football; it provides a satisfying gastronomic adventure as well. Reddit

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