── A Complete Guide for First-Time J.League Visitors ──
About the Stadium
In Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, there is one of Japan’s finest football-only stadiums. Its official name is Ibaraki Prefecture Kashima Soccer Stadium. The Japanese e-commerce company Mercari — best known for running Japan’s largest second-hand marketplace app — holds the naming rights (the right to give a stadium its commercial name). Because of this, the stadium is now widely called Mercari Stadium Kashima.
This stadium is the home ground of Kashima Antlers, the most decorated club in J.League history. The J.League is Japan’s professional football league; Kashima Antlers compete in J1, the top division. The stadium holds around 40,728 spectators. The stands are built very close to the pitch, which creates an intense, exciting atmosphere.
Two Ways to Get from Narita Airport to the Stadium
There are two main options for travelling from Narita International Airport to Mercari Stadium.
Option 1: Direct Bus (Simplest, but Booking Required)
A direct bus runs from Narita Airport to the stadium. This bus only operates on match days. The bus stop is at Bus Stop No. 28 at Narita Airport.
The bus is scheduled to arrive at the stadium about 90 minutes before kick-off. However, there is only one departure per match. You must book in advance by phone: Kantets Kanko — Itako Travel Centre, TEL: 0299-80-0037
Once you board, there are no transfers. The bus takes you directly to the stadium entrance. Please check the fare at the time of departure.
✅ Advantage: No transfers. This is the easiest option. ⚠️ Note: Only one bus per match. Booking is essential. Does not run on non-match days.
Option 2: Train (Reliable and On Time — Recommended for First-Timers)
Trains are not affected by traffic. They run on schedule. If you follow the steps below, you will reach the stadium safely and without confusion.
Step 1: Narita Airport Station → Narita Station
Go to JR Narita Airport Station (or JR Airport Terminal 2 Station), located underground at the airport. Take the JR Narita Line and get off at Narita Station. This takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Narita Station → Kashima-Jingu Station
At Narita Station, change trains to the JR Narita Line heading towards Choshi or Kashima-Jingu. Your destination is Kashima-Jingu Station (鹿島神宮駅). Depending on your train, you may need to change trains again at Sawara Station (佐原) or Katori Station (香取) onto the JR Kashima Line. This leg takes about 1 hour.
🚉 Total travel time: Approximately 1 hour 20–30 minutes from Narita Airport to Kashima-Jingu Station 💴 Fare (IC card): Approximately ¥990
⚠️ Important: Trains Are Infrequent
Beyond Narita Station, trains run only once every 1–2 hours. Always check the timetable before you leave. You can search on the JR East official website or Google Maps.
From Kashima-Jingu Station to the Stadium
Once you arrive at Kashima-Jingu Station, you have a few ways to reach the stadium.
On Match Days: Shuttle Bus
On match days, a shuttle bus runs frequently from the bus rotary outside Kashima-Jingu Station. Extra buses are added before and after the match. Fare: ¥290 for adults (contactless IC cards accepted). The ride takes about 10–15 minutes.
On Match Days: Kashima Soccer Stadium Station (Temporary)
On match days only, a special station called Kashima Soccer Stadium Station opens. This is a temporary station (open on match days only) on the Oarai-Kashima Line. It is located just a 2–3 minute walk from the stadium entrance. If you are travelling on the Oarai-Kashima Line, get off here and walk directly to the stadium. You can use your Suica IC card at this station if you boarded from the JR Narita area.
⚠️ This station is closed on non-match days. Check the Kashima Antlers official website for the operating schedule.
Taxi
Taxis are available from the taxi rank in front of Kashima-Jingu Station. The journey takes about 5–10 minutes. The estimated fare is around ¥700–¥1,000. After the match, taxis can be hard to find due to large crowds. Plan ahead if you want to use a taxi on the way back.
How to Buy Tickets and Use the Train — A Guide for International Visitors
Recommended: Use a Suica (Contactless Smart Card)
In Japan, a contactless smart card makes train travel much easier. Think of it like London’s Oyster card — you simply tap the card on the reader at the ticket gate. You do not need to buy a paper ticket every time you travel.
Welcome Suica (For International Visitors)
You can buy a Welcome Suica at the JR East Travel Service Centre inside Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. There is no deposit required. The card is valid for 28 days. You can top up (add money to) the card at ticket machines in stations or at convenience stores.
How to Buy at a Ticket Machine
- Select “English” on the screen.
- Choose “Purchase Suica”.
- Enter the amount you want to load (e.g., ¥2,000 or ¥3,000).
- Pay with cash or a credit card (availability varies by machine).
💡 Tip: The total fare for the route to the stadium is about ¥1,000–¥1,500. Loading ¥2,000–¥3,000 gives you a comfortable buffer.
Buying a Paper Ticket
- Select “English” on the ticket machine screen.
- Find your destination on the route map or fare chart and check the correct fare.
- Press the button for that fare amount and insert cash.
- Collect your ticket and receipt.
Summary: Which Route Should You Choose?
| Direct Bus | Train (Recommended) | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | Approx. 1–1.5 hours | Approx. 1 hr 20–30 min |
| Transfers | None | 1–2 transfers |
| Traffic risk | Yes | None |
| Booking | Required (by phone) | Not required |
| Non-match days | Does not run | Available |
| Difficulty | Easy | Slightly more complex |
Our recommendation: For first-time visitors, the train is the better choice. If you check the timetable in advance, you will reach the stadium with no problems. With a Suica card, the journey is simple and stress-free. On the way, you will also see rice fields, rivers, and quiet Japanese countryside from the train window — a special memory that is all part of the J.League experience.
Final Checklist
- Check the latest timetables on the JR East official website (jr-east.co.jp).
- Visit the Kashima Antlers official website (antlers.co.jp) for stadium access information and special transport services on match days.
- After the match, the area around the stadium is very busy. Give yourself extra time when leaving.