Football in Japan: Your Complete Guide to Buying Tickets for J.League Matches
- Shumpei Nakayama
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Looking for a unique experience during your trip to Japan? Watching a J.League football (soccer) match is a great way to feel the local passion and excitement. Matches are held all across the country, offering a chance to dive into authentic local culture with enthusiastic fans.
In this article, we’ll show you how to buy J.League tickets easily even if you’re a first time visitor!
How to Buy Tickets for Football in Japan
Choose Which Team to Watch
The J.League is divided into three divisions: J1, J2, and J3, with professional teams based in cities throughout Japan. In Tokyo, popular teams include FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy, while in Osaka you’ll find Gamba Osaka and Cerezo Osaka. One of my personal recommendations is Kyoto Sanga F.C.
Not many people know that Kyoto has its own pro football team! You can enjoy a unique atmosphere where historic cityscapes meet a modern stadium. Even better Nintendo, the iconic gaming company headquartered in Kyoto, is a proud sponsor of the team!
Choose a team whose stadium is easy to access from your travel destination it’s the best way to fit a match into your itinerary.
Check the Match Schedule
You can check the full match calendar on each team’s official website or the J.League official site
🗓 The season typically runs from late February to early December.
Purchase Your Ticket
Here are the most common ways to buy J.League tickets:
🔸 Purchase via Online Ticket Platforms
🔸 Purchase at Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, etc.)
Use ticket machines such as Loppi (at Lawson) or FamiPort (at FamilyMart) to select your team, match date, and seating, and purchase your tickets easily.
🔸 Buy tickets at the stadium
If seats are still available, you can buy tickets at the stadium on game day.
However, popular matches often sell out advance purchase is recommended.
🏟 Football in Japan: Best Stadiums with Easy Access from Major Cities
If you're staying in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, here are some stadiums that are especially convenient for travelers.
🟥 National Stadium (Tokyo)
Location: Sendagaya, Tokyo
Access: Just a few minutes’ walk from Sendagaya Station or Kokuritsu Kyogijo Station
Why go: This is Japan’s largest stadium and a legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. A few special J.League matches are held here each year, including derbies or opening matches. If your schedule matches, it’s an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.
🟥 Ajinomoto Stadium (FC Tokyo/ Tokyo Verdy)
Location: Chofu, Tokyo
Access: About 20 minutes from Shinjuku via Keio Line to Tobitakyu Station
Why go: One of the most accessible stadiums from central Tokyo. Spacious and beginner friendly, with a vibrant local fanbase.
🟥 Saitama Stadium 2002 (Urawa Reds)
Location: Saitama
Access: About 50 minutes from central Tokyo. Take the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line or Saitama Rapid Railway to Urawa Misono Station, then walk 15 minutes to the stadium.
Why go: Japan’s largest football specific stadium, with a capacity of over 63,000. Home to Urawa Reds, known for their passionate supporters and electric match day atmosphere.
Originally built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, it’s a must visit for fans who want to experience Japanese football at its most intense and grand.
🟢 SANKYO Frontier Kashiwa Stadium (Kashiwa Reysol)
Location: Kashiwa, Chiba
Access: About 30 minutes from Ueno or Akihabara on the Joban Line to Kashiwa Station, then a 15-minute walk
Why go: A compact and lively stadium where you can feel close to the action. Great for an authentic local football experience.
🟣 Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA (Kyoto Sanga F.C.)
Location: Kameoka, Kyoto
Access: About 20 minutes from Kyoto Station via JR Sagano Line to Kameoka Station (right next to the stadium!)
Why go: A beautiful, modern stadium nestled in a historic city. Perfect for combining football and sightseeing in Kyoto. Nintendo, the Kyoto-based game company, is also a sponsor of the team!
💡 Tips When Buying Tickets
Seating options include Home End (Supporters), Main Stand (Premium Viewing), and General Admission.
For first timers and travelers, I recommend seats in the Back Stand or Main Reserved areas.
Ticket prices generally range from ¥1,500 to ¥5,000.
⚽ Make the Most of Your Match Day
Buy team merchandise and cheer with the locals! (Official shops available at stadiums and nearby stations)
Don’t miss the stadium food and local drinks; many venues offer regional specialties and cold beer.
Learn a few supporter chants in advance to feel the energy and join the fun!
This will be included in a TOMOGO! tour soon — we’re excited to share it with you!
Let us know if you have any questions!
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