Location & Access
Kashima Soccer Stadium Station (鹿島サッカースタジアム駅), also known as Kashima-Soccer Stadium Station by JR East, is situated in the city of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. This station holds a unique operational model, primarily opening its doors to passengers only when there is a football match at the adjacent Kashima Soccer Stadium. This makes it a crucial access point for sports fans heading to events.
Railway Lines
The station is a joint-use junction, managed by JR East and also serving the third-sector Kashima Rinkai Railway. It operates on the JR East Kashima Line, the Kashima Rinkai Railway's Ōarai-Kashima Line, and also functions as a freight depot for the freight-only Kashima Rinkō Line, connecting to the Okunoyahama Freight Terminal. This dual role highlights its importance for both passenger transport during events and industrial logistics.
Station History
Opened on November 12, 1970, the station was originally known as Kita-Kashima until 1994 when it was renamed to reflect its proximity to the soccer stadium. Despite its limited passenger service, it is a staffed station, indicating its strategic importance. In FY2019, it recorded an average daily ridership of 411, primarily driven by match-day traffic.
Travel Tips
If you plan to use Kashima Soccer Stadium Station, remember that passenger services are strictly limited to football match days at Kashima Soccer Stadium. Always check the match schedule and train timetables in advance. For those interested in the freight operations, the station serves as a significant hub for the Kashima Rinkō Line, though this is not accessible to the general public.
