Location
Saitama Stadium 2002 is in Midori Ward, Saitama City — about 50 minutes from central Tokyo. It hosted the 2002 World Cup semi-final and is now home to the Urawa Reds. The 63,700-seat stadium is surrounded by parks rather than urban development, which means transport planning matters.
By train (primary option)
Saitama Rapid Railway to Urawa-Misono Station. This line connects directly to Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, so you can ride from central Tokyo without transferring. From Akabane-Iwabuchi: 15 minutes. From Nagatacho (central Tokyo): about 40 minutes. Walk from Urawa-Misono Station to the stadium: 15 minutes, following the crowd on match days.
By shuttle bus
Match-day shuttle buses operate from JR Urawa Station (East Exit). Journey takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses get crowded, so arrive early. Check the Urawa Reds website for schedules — they vary by match.
By taxi
From Urawa-Misono Station: about ¥800 (5 minutes). From JR Urawa Station: about ¥2,000 (15 minutes). From Tokyo center: ¥8,000+ (not recommended).
By car
Tohoku Expressway Urawa IC, then 10 minutes. Parking is limited and fills up hours before kickoff. Public transport is strongly recommended.
After the match
Urawa-Misono Station gets extremely crowded right after the final whistle. Wait 15-20 minutes and the crowd thins dramatically. Grab food at the station area or sit in the park until the rush passes.
How to buy tickets
Available through the Urawa Reds official site and J-League ticket platform. Reds are J-League's best-supported club — book early for big matches.