(Kokuritsu Kyogijo) Minato-ku, Tokyo

National Stadium, in Tokyo, is the "grand old man" among soccer facilities in Japan. The stadium has been in use for nearly 50 years, and has hosted such events as the 1964 Olympic games, the 1958 Asian games, the 1967 Universiade and the 1971 World Track & Field Championships. Even today, when there are many other more modern and advanced facilities available, National Stadium has an important role to play in the Japanese soccer scene. Although no team currently uses the stadium as a permanent home base, many teams play some of their most high-profile matches here. Kashima Antlers, Urawa Reds, Yokohama Marinos, and both Tokyo-based teams have held "home" matches at the stadium over the past year

There were many reasons for National Stadium's continuing role. Certainly tradition plays a part. As the venue for so many important matches over the years, National Stadium has an aura of history and tradition that few other facilities can match. Although it is not a particularly good stadium in terms of proximity to the field, the design is nevertheless very appealing, and it makes a very attractive venue.

The most important feature of this stadium, however, is its accessability. Located right in the center of Tokyo, National Stadium is served by three major subway and two above-ground train stations. This is probably one of the reasons why it continues to serve as a venue for so many truly "national" sporting events, including football matches. The final of the Emperor's Cup, which marks the official end of the J. League season each year, was held here every January 1. After winning the rights to hold the 2020 Olympics, Japan decided to rebuild a new National Stadium on the site of the old Kokuritsu Kyogijo. The last J.League match held there was the 2016 Emperor's Cup.

Note: Tokyo National Stadium was never the official home stadium of any team, but many play "home" matches here, including not only the two Tokyo teams, but also teams from the surrounding prefectures, such as Urawa Reds, Yokohama Marinos, JEF United Ichihara and Kashima Antlers.

Stadium Access National Stadium is easily accessible from many major train stations in downtown Tokyo. The closest subway station is Kokuritsu Kyogijo Station, on the O-edo subway line. It is about a 5 minute walk from both the Sendagaya and Shinanomachi stations of the JR Chuo line, and a 10 minute walk from Gaienmae station, on the Ginza subway line.	Click to enlarge
	Ticket Prices General admission: Adults around Y2,000 (depending on the fixture) SA reserved seats: Adults around Y2,500-Y3,000 (depending on the fixture) SS reserved seats: Adults around Y3,000-Y4,000 (depending on the fixture) A reserved seats: Adults around Y4,000-Y5,000 (depending on the fixture)

Pictures of Tokyo National Stadium