IAI Stadium Nihondaira
IAI Stadium Nihondaira: A football-centric venue in Shizuoka, known for its passionate atmosphere and unique culinary offerings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
IAI Stadium Nihondaira
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
IAI Stadium Nihondaira: A football-centric venue in Shizuoka, known for its passionate atmosphere and unique culinary offerings.
"The stadium itself is a little old looking, but it’s a football specific stadium, no athletics track. "
🚶♀️ 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. 🚕
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 1,780 reviews
Type
Athletic Field
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pitch-Side Views
Main Stands
Experience the thrill of football up close with no athletics track, ensuring fans are tight to the pitch.
Passionate Supporter Chants
Behind the Goals
Feel the energy as dedicated fans create an incredible vibe, making you want to join in.
Unique Stadium Cuisine
Concessions
Savor surprisingly delicious and unique food options, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Matchday Experience: Food & Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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. 🚕
🎤 Sing Along
Join in the stadium's iconic 'woooahhh' chants during matches! 🎤
⚽ Football Focus
Enjoy a stadium designed purely for football, with no athletics track. ⚽
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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. 🚕
🎤 Sing Along
Join in the stadium's iconic 'woooahhh' chants during matches! 🎤
⚽ Football Focus
Enjoy a stadium designed purely for football, with no athletics track. ⚽
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the Shizutetsu line to Sakurabashi station and then walk to the stadium. Alternatively, buses are available from Shimizu Station.
The walk from Sakurabashi station to IAI Stadium Nihondaira typically takes about 35-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Standard stadium regulations apply, including restrictions on large bags, outside food and drink, and prohibited items. Check the official stadium policy for details.
The stadium generally offers accessible seating and facilities. It's best to contact the stadium or ticketing agent in advance to arrange specific needs.
While possible, buying tickets on match day is not guaranteed, especially for high-demand games. Purchasing in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
🎫 ⚽ 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.
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.
Away fans are typically located in the steep second tier of the stand behind the goal.
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.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but professional photography or videography may require special permits. Check the stadium's policy.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the stadium. It's best to consume these before entering.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the stands, capturing the pitch and the passionate crowd. The natural surroundings also offer scenic views.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at sports stadiums for safety and security reasons. Always check the official stadium policy before flying any aerial equipment.
The stadium's location amidst natural scenery offers picturesque views. Capturing the stadium exterior with the surrounding landscape can make for great shots.
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.
Yes, personal photography of players during a match is generally allowed, but avoid using flash photography which can distract players and officials.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit