Saitama Stadium 2002
Stadium Large Japanese football stadium used in the 2002 World Cup
One of Japan’s largest football stadia, Saitama Stadium 2002 hosted World Cup matches and stages national and club fixtures; match days draw passionate supporters from the Greater Tokyo area.
Saitama Stadium 2002 is a large association football stadium in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, built for use in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and opened in the early 2000s. It is one of Japan’s largest football-specific venues.
The bowl seats roughly 63,700 spectators and features a standard international pitch of about 105 by 68 metres. The stadium is used for top-tier J.League fixtures and international matches and hosts major domestic cup finals and concerts.
Construction was completed for the 2002 World Cup period, and the venue has since served as the regular home stadium for the Urawa Red Diamonds. Over time it has been maintained and upgraded to meet international match standards.
The stadium sits in Saitama Prefecture, north of central Tokyo, within the Greater Tokyo area. It is accessed from Saitama and Tokyo by rail and road for matchday services.
- Capacity and pitch: Approximately 63,700 seats and a full-size 105 x 68 metre FIFA-standard pitch used for international matches.
- Major uses: Was one of the venues for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and remains the home ground of the J.League club Urawa Red Diamonds.
How to Get to Saitama Stadium 2002 #
Saitama Stadium 2002 is in Saitama City (Midori-ku). Take the Saitama Rapid Railway Line to Urawa‑Misono station - the stadium is roughly a 15-25 minute walk from that station, and on matchdays there are usually shuttle buses from major nearby stations such as Urawa and Saitama. By car it is reachable from central Tokyo via National Route 122 and local prefectural roads; expect heavy traffic and limited parking on event days.
Tips for Visiting Saitama Stadium 2002 #
- Buy match or event tickets in advance and plan to arrive early - security checks and fan queues can create delays on busy game days at this large venue.
- Use public transport and stadium-provided shuttles where available to avoid the heavy local traffic and limited parking around the stadium precinct.
- If you're visiting outside event days, check the club or stadium website for any guided tour offerings or open days-many miss the behind-the-scenes areas that are closed on matchdays.
Best Time to Visit Saitama Stadium 2002 #
Plan around the football calendar-attend during the season for matches, or visit in summer/winter off‑days for fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Saitama Stadium 2002 #
Saitama Stadium 2002's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1345 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (195 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
