
Egao Kenko Stadium
Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, is a key venue for professional football and rugby, offering a vibrant atmosphere for sports fans.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full stadium atmosphere

Egao Kenko Stadium
Best Time
Experience the full stadium atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, is a key venue for professional football and rugby, offering a vibrant atmosphere for sports fans.
"Nice stadium for watching rugby, with friendly staff and a good overall experience."
🚗 Parking & Walking
Parking is a 10-min walk away. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the walk!
💰 Food & Drink Costs
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks; stadium prices can be high.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rugby World Cup Matches
Main Pitch
Experience the electric atmosphere of international rugby games, like the France vs. Tonga match.

J.League Football Games
Main Pitch
Catch exciting J.League football action, with teams like Roasso Kumamoto playing here.

Friendly and Informative Staff
Throughout the stadium
Benefit from the helpfulness of staff and volunteers, a hallmark of Japanese hospitality.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Egao Kenko Stadium
Getting to Egao Kenko Stadium
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Walking
Parking is a 10-min walk away. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the walk!
💰 Food & Drink Costs
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks; stadium prices can be high.
☔ Weather Preparedness
The stadium is open-air, so check the weather and dress accordingly, especially if rain is forecast.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Expect helpful and friendly staff and volunteers throughout your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Walking
Parking is a 10-min walk away. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the walk!
💰 Food & Drink Costs
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks; stadium prices can be high.
☔ Weather Preparedness
The stadium is open-air, so check the weather and dress accordingly, especially if rain is forecast.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Expect helpful and friendly staff and volunteers throughout your visit.
🚆 Station Assistance
Local assistance to the stadium from Kumamoto Station might be limited; plan your route.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Egao Kenko Stadium is appreciated for its role in hosting exciting rugby and football matches, with visitors highlighting the friendly staff and overall good experience. However, some find the open-air nature diminishes atmosphere, and practicalities like parking and food costs are noted drawbacks.
"Nice stadium for watching rugby. The nearest parking is 10 minutes walk away so reserve some time if you drive there"
Sam Ip
"I went there to watch live football match two times and enjoyed a lot it is better to arrive there one hour earlier parking is always in license office and it was too crowed that we weren’t able to find our place to sit and better to take food and snack by yourself rather than buying there as it is expensive there"
Pooja Niroula
"Nice stadium. Good experience at the France v. Tonga game. Being open, it does lose a little atmosphere as noise isn't trapped in by stands. That said, it's a quaint stadium to watch Rugby at. Not sure how I would have felt had it rained though."
Fershad Irani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take the local line to Hikarinomori Station. From there, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. If driving, parking is available but requires a walk to the venue.
Yes, parking is available, but it's typically located at a license office about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It's advisable to arrive early on match days.
Taxis are an option, but availability might vary, especially on event days. It's best to confirm with local taxi services or use ride-sharing apps if available in Kumamoto.
From Kumamoto Station, take the local train to Hikarinomori Station. Some visitors have noted limited assistance for directions to the local line upon arrival at Kumamoto Station, but the return journey from Hikarinomori is usually better organized.
While train access to Hikarinomori Station is common, bus routes might also serve the area. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information closer to your travel date.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through official ticketing websites for the specific event (e.g., J.League, rugby unions), and sometimes on the day of the event, though booking in advance is highly recommended to secure good seats.
Opening hours vary greatly depending on the event. For matches, gates usually open 1-2 hours before kickoff. It's best to check the specific event schedule for exact timings.
While specific rules can vary, generally, large bags, outside food and drinks (though some reviews suggest bringing your own is common), and prohibited items are not allowed. Check the event organizer's policy for details.
It might be possible to purchase tickets on the day, but for popular matches, they can sell out quickly. Booking in advance is the safest bet to guarantee entry and preferred seating.
There is no strict dress code, but fans often wear team colors or jerseys to support their favorite teams. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor weather is recommended.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere can be vibrant during major sporting events like rugby and football matches. However, being an open-air stadium, it might feel less intense than enclosed venues, especially if the crowd is not fully engaged.
Food and drink options are available, but reviews suggest they can be expensive. Many visitors opt to bring their own snacks and beverages to save money.
Yes, it's generally family-friendly, especially for sporting events. Ensure children are supervised, and consider the weather conditions as it's an open-air venue.
Seating arrangements vary by event. It's advisable to check your ticket for specific seat numbers. Some reviews mention difficulty finding seats if arriving late.
Information on public Wi-Fi availability can be inconsistent. It's best to rely on your mobile data or download any necessary information beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are allowed. However, specific event organizers might have restrictions, so it's wise to check their policies.
The pitch itself during a game offers dynamic shots. The stadium exterior and surrounding areas can also provide good photo opportunities, especially with the right lighting.
Drones are typically prohibited at sporting venues and public gathering spaces due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check the official stadium or event rules before flying a drone.
For capturing action shots during games, a camera with good zoom capabilities is useful. For general atmosphere, a standard DSLR or even a good smartphone camera will suffice.
While Egao Kenko Stadium itself isn't a One Piece statue location, Kumamoto prefecture is famous for its 10 One Piece statues scattered across various locations, which are popular photo spots for fans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in anime, combining a stadium visit with the One Piece statue hunt in Kumamoto offers a dual-themed adventure. This can make the trip more engaging for children who are fans of both sports and the popular manga series.
⚽ Football & Rugby Enthusiasts
Be sure to check the schedule for Roasso Kumamoto or any visiting international teams. Arriving early is recommended to soak in the pre-game atmosphere and secure good viewing spots. While the stadium's open design might mean less trapped atmosphere than some venues, it provides a clear view of the action.
✈️ International Visitors
Key considerations for international travelers include understanding the public transport system to reach Hikarinomori Station and being prepared for the walk to the stadium. Familiarizing yourself with the event's specific rules regarding food, drinks, and photography beforehand is also advisable. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, combining a stadium visit with the One Piece statue tour in Kumamoto offers a unique cultural immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Egao Kenko Stadium Experience: More Than Just a Game
Visitors often praise the stadium for its friendly and helpful staff, a common characteristic of Japanese hospitality. However, practical considerations like parking and food pricing are frequently mentioned. Parking requires a walk from designated areas, and bringing your own food and drinks is a common strategy to manage costs. The stadium's accessibility via public transport, particularly the train to Hikarinomori Station, makes it reachable, though navigating to the stadium from the station might require some walking and planning.
Beyond major sporting events, the stadium serves as a home ground for local teams like Roasso Kumamoto in the J.League. This means it's a hub for local sports culture. While the stadium itself isn't a direct tourist attraction like the One Piece statues in Kumamoto, it's a significant landmark for sports enthusiasts visiting the region.
Navigating Kumamoto for Sports Fans
These One Piece statues have become a significant draw for fans, turning a trip to Kumamoto into a treasure hunt. Popular spots include Franky's statue at Takamori Station and Luffy's statue in Kumamoto City. Many visitors combine a visit to the stadium with a tour of these statues, making for a comprehensive anime and sports-themed itinerary.
When planning your visit, consider the logistics of traveling between these sites. While the stadium is accessible via public transport, the One Piece statues are spread out, often requiring car rental or extensive use of local trains and buses. This makes Kumamoto an ideal destination for those who enjoy both sports and anime culture, offering a unique blend of experiences.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit