If you want to experience something special while sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend watching the home game of J.League FC Tokyo. Ajinomoto Stadium, which has excellent access, offers a cozy atmosphere that even football (soccer) beginners can easily enjoy, stadium gourmet food, and family-friendly events.
In this article, along with a report on watching FC Tokyo matches, we will introduce how to get a ticket, choose a seat, and points for what to bring and wear in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners. Why don't you add a football experience unique to Tokyo to your travel memories?
Watching Football in Between Sightseeing in Tokyo! Report from a Match of "FC Tokyo"
This time, we went to FC Tokyo's home game to find out how to enjoy watching soccer while sightseeing in Tokyo! J.League matches are held mainly on weekends, and kick-off is often in the late afternoon or late evening, when it is easy to stop by even after enjoying sightseeing and shopping. You can easily add a spectator experience according to your travel schedule.
Around the stadium, there are food trucks where you can enjoy local gourmet food, sales of cheering goods, and events that excite fans and supporters, so there are many things to enjoy other than watching the game. Even if you are a beginner in football, you will be surrounded by realistic cheering and enthusiasm, and it will surely be a memorable memory of Tokyo.
Watching Football in Japan has Certain Specialties! 3 Charms that Impress Even Beginners
Do you think watching football is a bit intimidating? In truth though, watching the J.League in Japan is beginner-friendly, and there are many attractions that you can enjoy even if you stop by while sightseeing.
In particular, FC Tokyo's home games are full of ideas that even first-timers can easily participate in, such as atmosphere, events, and gourmet food. Here, we will introduce the appeal of "football watching experience unique to Japan" that we felt when we actually watched the game.
1. The Atmosphere is Cozy and Easy for Beginners to Watch!
Even in the J.League, FC Tokyo's matches have a homey atmosphere. Even if you are not familiar with football, there is an atmosphere that you can enjoy purely as a "memory of your trip", and you can easily get used to it even if it is your first time.
Ajinomoto Stadium is not a specialized football stadium, but it is close to the pitch and has a sense of realism where you can see the facial expressions of the football players with the naked eye. This proximity further enhances the exhilaration of watching the game on site.
As soon as the kick-off began, the excitement in the stadium was at its peak! When there was a chance right in front of the goal, cheers of "Oooooh!" took over the whole place, turning the atmosphere into a match-watching where everyone's heart feels as one. Because of the close proximity to the pitch, it is easy to follow the movements of each player with your eyes, and you can experience the power that cannot be experienced on TV.
FUN! JAPAN editors were also able to enjoy the unity of the entire stadium while naturally mixing with the fans around them and cheering them on.
2. Holding Family-Friendly Events
FC Tokyo's home games are attractive because they are designed to be a space that is considerate of families with children. Many of the spectators followed the rules and enjoyed cheering, and we saw many people with small children.
The "Blue and Red Park" set up outside the stadium is open from about two hours before kick-off until halftime. In addition to the food trucks, there are attractions for children to play with and booths where you can take commemorative photos, so you can have plenty of fun before the game.
3. Stadium Gourmet Food is also Abundant and Delicious!
When it comes to watching soccer in Japan, don't forget the gourmet food! Ajinomoto Stadium, the home of FC Tokyo, also has a lot of delicious menus that you will want to stop by before the game or at halftime. If you're going anyway, then it's a good idea to go there while you are a little hungry.
At Tokyo Nishi-Yokocho, located outside the stadium, dishes with a retro taste of Japan are lined up, focusing on local gourmet foods from the West Tokyo area. One of the most noteworthy items is Higashimurayama City's beloved local food "Black Yakisoba" (900 yen). The chewy noodles are entwined with a rich sauce, and the volume is perfect.
The best thing that the editors found this time was the "baby castella" sold in the kitchen car of FC Tokyo. It was a cute sweet with the branding of Tokyo Dronpa and FC Tokyo, and its chewy texture and gentle sweetness were perfect for watching the game.
How to Buy and Book Football Tickets in Japan?
Buy Tickets on Your Smartphone or Computer! 6 Easy Steps
You can easily purchase tickets for J.League matches on your smartphone or computer. There is no need to carry a paper ticket, and entry is smooth with a QR code. Follow these 6 steps to get your tickets right away, even if you're a first-timer.
1. Choose the football club you want to watch
On the J.League ticket page, select the football club you want to support.
2. Choose the game you want to watch
Check the schedule and opponents and decide which match you want to go to.
3. Select the desired number of seats
Select the type and number of seats. The features of the seats will be explained in the next section.
4. Log in to your J.League ID or register for free
A J.League ID is required to purchase. If you don't have one, you can use it immediately with a free registration.
5. Choose a payment method
Accepts credit cards and various electronic payments. Choose the method you want.
6. Your purchase is complete!
If you present the QR code you received on your smartphone at the entrance on the day of the event, you can enter as it is.
👉Click here to purchase J.League tickets
👉Click here to purchase tickets for FC Tokyo (English only). Tickets will be sold only for FC Tokyo's home games.)
Which Seat Should I Buy to Watch Football?
There are three main types of seats: the main stand, the back stand, and the back of the goal. Choose the right seat according to your viewing style and preferences.
Main Stand
The main stand is an area where you can watch the game from an angle similar to a live TV broadcast. You can see the entire pitch from the front, and you can see the bench and the coach's movements up close. It is for those who want to watch calmly.
Back Stand
Located on the opposite side of the main stand, this is also an area with a good view of the entire pitch. The ticket price is relatively more reasonable than the main stand, and it is especially recommended for first-time spectators.
Behind the Goal
Behind the goal is a cheering area where enthusiastic supporters gather. It is for those who want to enjoy cheering with a sense of realism, such as standing and cheering, singing cheering songs (chants). Perfect for those who want to feel the air of football with their bodies!
What Should I Bring to Watch Football in Japan?
With limited luggage during a trip, many people are wondering "What should I bring with me?" This time, we would like to introduce itemz that we actually watched a FC Tokyo match and thought, "This is a must-have and I'm glad I brought it!" Some of them can be procured locally, so please use them as a reference for preparations that even travelers can easily enjoy.
Ticket
In the J.League, it is common to purchase tickets through an online service called "J.League Ticket". There are many clubs where you can enter as it is just by displaying a digital ticket with a QR code on your smartphone, and there is also a function to distribute it to friends, which is very convenient. You don't have to worry about forgetting your paper ticket, and it's helpful to be able to complete it with just one smartphone.
Cheering goods such as towel, scarves, and uniforms
Goods that are indispensable for cheering can be obtained at the stadium kiosk, so there is no need to prepare in advance. This time, we bought a key chain of FC Tokyo's mascot "Tokyo Doronpa"! Wearing team-colored blue-red merchandise naturally creates a sense of unity with the fans around you, making watching the game more enjoyable.
Wet wipes, alcohol disinfectant sprays, etc.
There are many opportunities to enjoy street food and snacks at the stadium, and it is convenient to have wet wipes and disinfectant spray to wipe your hands before eating or drinking. Especially in outdoor stadiums, it can also be useful for wiping off a little dirt and sweat.
Hoodies and ponchos
Many seats do not have a roof, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or rain poncho in case of weather. It's safe even if it rains while you're watching, and the wind can get cold at night, so it's useful for regulating body temperature.
Are There Any Things I Cannot Bring When Watching Football in Japan?
In order to enjoy watching football, it is also important to follow the rules and stay safe. Some items are prohibited in the stadium, so be sure to check in advance.
Of course, dangerous goods such as fireworks, firecrackers, smoke canisters, and gas horns are not allowed to be brought in. Due to the safety of spectators and players, if you are found with these items in your possession at the venue, you may be ejected from the venue.
Also, drinks in bottles and cans are basically NG. You may be asked to transfer the contents to a paper cup at the entrance. As for PET bottles, depending on the venue, there may be restrictions on bringing them in, so it is safe to check in advance on the official website.
What is the Best Outfit to Wear to Watch Football in Japan? Is There a Dress Code?
There is no special dress code for watching J.League matches. Basically, it is OK as long as it is easy to move around and dress according to the weather. However, there are some points to be aware of as a spectator etiquette.
For example, it is bad manners to wear a large hat or headgear that obstructs the view of the person behind you. Spectators are basically seated, so it is important to be considerate of your surroundings.
The stadium is basically outdoors, so the choice of clothing according to the season has a big impact on the comfort of the spectators. In summer, the sun and heat are severe, so in addition to light and breathable clothing, it is safe to have a small hat, sunglasses, neck cooler, and sweat towel.
On the other hand, in winter, it is often windy and cold, so it is recommended that you prepare measures to protect yourself from the cold, such as thick outerwear, gloves, scarves, and blankets for lap rests.
One of the Memories of Sightseeing in Tokyo is Watching FC Tokyo Football!
"In between sightseeing in Tokyo, I'm going to watch a J.League game." Such an unexpected experience may turn into a memorable day. At Ajinomoto Stadium, which is easily accessible, you can feel the power of football up close in a cozy atmosphere, which is a style of watching matches unique to Japan.
There are many attractions that can only be experienced locally, such as facilities that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind, gourmet food, and a sense of unity with fans and supporters. If you have a little extra time in your travel schedule, be sure to visit the stadium once!
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