Hi r/JapanTravelTips, got directed here from r/JapanTravel! I’ve been a long-time reader and got plenty of inspiration from you guys. It also led to me planning our second trip to Japan together with my wife and our daughter (5y).
We are going to stay in Japan for 23 days in April. The itinerary includes Tokyo, Kobe, Fukuoka, Osaka, Gifu, and Tokyo again, with a long stay in Tokyo for 10 days before heading home.
I’m writing this because besides the overall Japan experience, I’m interested in visiting a football match. I’m from Sweden and have been a season ticket holder for the past 20+ years, and we have a big support culture for the bigger clubs, making the experience of visiting a game in Stockholm really impressive. Sold out stadiums, tifos, flags and stands singing all through 90 mins.
I’ve just scratched the surface of my research and stumbled upon this YouTube video from YouTuber AwayDays (https://www.youtube.com/@awaydaysfootball) (https://youtu.be/Cj57sqGGIg8), visiting three games within the Tokyo area. The culture seems amazing (and a bit unexpected for me, to be honest), and I would like to experience it!
Some questions some of you might have answers to:
– Will it be something for a 5-year-old, or is it alone time for dad?
– Which match do you find would be the most interesting experience? I have some options in the Tokyo greater area, and kickoff times works great for a family visit.
**FC Tokyo vs Machida Zelvia 21/4, 15:00 at Ajinomoto Stadium.**
*Is FC Tokyo “The Tokyo club”? maybe could be the reason for a visit.*
**Yokohama Marinos vs Kashiwa Reysol 20/4, 14:00 at Nissan Stadium.**
*Could there be a rivalry, hence relatively close-by clubs?*
**Urawa Reds vs Gamba Osaka 20/4, 16:00 at Saitama Stadium 2002.**
*Fun fact; Urawa Reds’ manager won the Swedish league last year, and he brought the Swedish team captain to Japan.*
**Kawasaki Frontale vs Tokyo Verdy 20/4, 16:00 at Todoroki Sports Park.** *Derby? Or almost-derby at least. Could be some heat?*
I appreciate any thoughts, tips, or recommendations on visiting a football game in Tokyo! Thanks!
by killernils