Complete Guide to Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park | Thorough Explanation of Facilities, Access, and Event Information
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park is a vast prefectural park covering approximately 90 hectares, located at 300 Kamikawakami, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. This park gained worldwide attention as the venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019. It stands as Saitama Prefecture’s leading hub for culture, sports, and recreation, where excellent sports facilities coexist with a rich natural environment.
History and Overview of Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park
History Dating Back to the Saitama Expo
The history of Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park traces back to the “Saitama Expo (Saitama Haku)” held in 1988 (Showa 63). This event, which ran for 72 days, attracted approximately 2.5 million visitors and became a major event symbolizing Saitama Prefecture during the bubble era.
After the expo closed, with the venue as its center, park development was planned to serve as a hub for culture, sports, and recreation activities to promote attractive regional development in the Kodama and Osato areas.
Phased Opening and Development
Park development proceeded in stages:
- 1991 (Heisei 3): Rugby field and surrounding facilities including softball fields and walking paths opened first
- July 2003 (Heisei 15): Track and field stadium and Sai-no-Kuni Kumagaya Dome opened as the main venue for the 59th National Sports Festival (Sai-no-Kuni Kokutai)
- 2019: Kumagaya Rugby Field gained worldwide attention as a Rugby World Cup competition venue
Development continues toward the planned area of approximately 100 hectares, with further expansion anticipated in the future.
Local Names and Community Affection
Among local residents, the park is often called “Bunka Koen” (Culture Park) or “Supo-bun” (Sports Culture) in abbreviated form and is cherished in daily life. Previously, when the rugby field was the main facility, it was commonly referred to simply as the “Rugby Field,” but following the opening of the dome and track and field stadium, the name “Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park” has become established as the term for the entire park.
Details of Major Sports Facilities
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park is equipped with comprehensive sports facilities that attract athletes from throughout the prefecture and beyond.
Kumagaya Rugby Field (Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Field)
Facility Overview
- Seating capacity: Approximately 24,000
- Natural grass ground
- One of Japan’s sacred rugby venues
Kumagaya Rugby Field was used as an official competition venue for Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan and hosted matches at the world’s top level. Since the tournament, it continues to be regularly used for Japanese national rugby team matches and Japan Rugby League One (formerly Top League) matches.
As one of Saitama Prefecture’s premier rugby-specific facilities, it is utilized for matches and practice across a wide range of categories, from high school rugby to professional and national team levels.
Track and Field Stadium (Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Track and Field Stadium)
Facility Overview
- Japan Association of Athletics Federations Grade 1 Certified Track and Field Stadium
- Saitama Prefecture’s only Grade 1 certified facility
- Main stand seating capacity: Approximately 15,000
- All-weather track (9 lanes)
As Saitama Prefecture’s only Grade 1 certified track and field stadium, numerous national-level track and field competitions are held here. The facility is equipped to accommodate events at the level of the Kanto Intercollegiate Championship and Japan Championships.
It is also used as the finish venue for major prefectural relay races and serves as a competition venue for the Women’s Soccer WE League, enabling diverse utilization.
Sai-no-Kuni Kumagaya Dome
Facility Overview
- One of Japan’s largest dome-type sports facilities
- Total floor area: Approximately 16,000 square meters
- Height: Approximately 30 meters
- All-weather indoor facility
Sai-no-Kuni Kumagaya Dome is one of Japan’s largest dome-type sports facilities where sports can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions.
Available Sports
- Tennis (up to 12 courts)
- Futsal
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Other multipurpose uses
A training room is also attached within the dome, allowing general users to easily engage in fitness and training activities.
Other Sports Facilities
Softball Fields
- 2 fields equipped
- Night lighting available
- Accommodates both official competitions and general use
Gymnasium
- Suitable for basketball, volleyball, etc.
- Also used as a venue for various sports classes
Jogging Course
- Approximately 3.5 km loop course through the park
- Distance markers provided
- Ideal for health promotion
Recreation and Leisure Areas
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park, beyond its state-of-the-art sports facilities, also features well-developed recreation areas for families and children to enjoy.
Children’s Play Area
Large Play Equipment
- Colorful combination play structures
- Roller slides
- Trampoline-type equipment
- Inflatable dome
- Play equipment area for younger children also available
Weekends see many families flocking to this popular area, filled with children’s laughter. Equipment is arranged by age group, designed so toddlers through elementary school children can play safely.
Four Seasons Hill and Therapy Garden
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park allows visitors to enjoy beautiful flowers throughout the seasons.
Spring Flowers
- Cherry blossoms (late March to early April)
- Moss phlox (mid-April to early May)
- Flower peach
- Primrose
- Azaleas
Early Summer to Summer Flowers
- Nemophila (late April to early May)
- Hydrangeas
Autumn Flowers
- Cosmos (late September to late October)
- Spider lily (mid to late September)
Winter Flowers
- Daffodils (December to February)
The Therapy Garden is developed as a garden that harnesses the healing effects of plants, providing a space for relaxation while strolling.
Spacious Grass Fields
The park features multiple large grass fields where visitors can freely enjoy picnics, ball games, kite flying, and more. On weekends, many families can be seen spreading out leisure sheets and enjoying their meals.
Barbecue Area
The park is equipped with an area where barbecuing can be enjoyed. Advance reservation is required for use in some cases, so checking the official site for the latest information is recommended.
Facility Usage Information and Basic Details
Location and Contact Information
Address
〒360-0004 300 Kamikawakami, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Telephone
048-526-2004
FAX
048-526-2014
Management and Operation
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Saitama Park and Greenery Association
Opening Hours and Closure Days
Administrative Office Reception Hours
8:30–21:30
Parking Lot Hours
5:00–22:00
Closure Days
- Generally the second Tuesday of each month
- Year-end and new year (December 31, January 1)
- ※Temporary closures may occur for facility maintenance, etc.
- ※Hours may change during events
Operating hours and closure days may vary by individual sports facility, so confirmation via the official site or phone before use is recommended.
Usage Fees
Park Admission
Free (excluding some facilities)
Sports Facilities
- Exclusive use of the track and field stadium, rugby field, dome, gymnasium, and other facilities incurs fees
- Fees vary by facility, usage time, and usage purpose (general/commercial)
- Training room use is available for several hundred yen per session
- Please check the official site or inquire at the desk for details
Parking
Free (capacity: approximately 2,000 vehicles)
Access Methods
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park is accessible by multiple methods including train, bus, and car. It is located approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Kumagaya Station.
Access by Train and Bus
From JR Kumagaya Station
- Kokusai Juoh Bus
- Depart from Platform 2 at the north exit of Kumagaya Station
- Buses to “Inuzuka,” “Shinrin Koen Station,” “Rissho University,” etc.
- Get off at “Track and Field Stadium Entrance” or “Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park”
- Travel time: Approximately 10–15 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 200 yen
- Taxi
- Travel time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 1,500 yen
- Walking
- Distance: Approximately 3 km
- Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Many people walk for health promotion
From Chichibu Railway Ishihara Station
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot
- Ishihara Station may be the closest station in some cases
Access by Car
From Kan’etsu Expressway
- Approximately 12 km from Higashimatsuyama IC (approximately 25 minutes)
- Approximately 14 km from Hanazono IC (approximately 30 minutes)
From Route 17 National Highway
- Approximately 3 km northeast from Kumagaya city center
Parking Information
- Capacity: Approximately 2,000 vehicles
- Operating hours: 5:00–22:00
- Fee: Free
- Congestion is expected during large events
Location and Surrounding Environment
The park is located in northern Kumagaya City along the Arakawa River, with the surrounding area rich in nature including Arakawa Oaso Park. Access from Kumagaya city center is also excellent, making it an ideal location as a sports and recreation hub for the northern Saitama region.
Events and Lecture Information
Throughout the year, Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park hosts various events and sports lectures.
Regularly Held Events
Health Promotion Programs
- Health promotion programs held monthly
- Yoga, stretching, walking lessons, etc.
- Open to beginners
- Pre-registration required
Supo-bun Lectures (Fiscal Year 2026)
- Various sports classes
- Tennis, soccer, track and field, and many other sports
- From children’s to adult programs
- Content updated annually
Parent and Child Ball Play Time ♪
- Ball play event enjoyable for parent and child
- Open to preschool age and up
- Also promotes communication skills
Major Sports Competitions
Rugby
- Japanese national rugby team matches
- Japan Rugby League One official matches
- High school rugby prefectural championships
Track and Field
- National-level track and field competitions
- Prefectural high school sports festival athletics
- Various relay race finish venues
Soccer
- WE League (women’s soccer) official matches
- High school soccer prefectural championships
Seasonal Events
Spring
- Cherry blossom festival
- Moss phlox viewing event
Summer
- Summer vacation children’s sports classes
- Night events
Autumn
- Cosmos festival
- Sports festival
Winter
- New Year’s sunrise event
- Winter sports classes
Event information is updated regularly on the official site’s “Topics” and “News” sections. Many events require advance registration, so early confirmation is recommended.
Neighboring Facilities and Tourist Spots
Arakawa Oaso Park
A park along the Arakawa River near Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park. Suitable for nature observation and strolls, it is visited by many who enjoy birdwatching.
Kumagaya City Center
Kumagaya city center, known for the “Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri,” is approximately 10 minutes by car. The area around Kumagaya Station features abundant dining and shopping facilities.
Hoshikawa
Known as a cherry blossom spot in Kumagaya City, Hoshikawa is located approximately 15 minutes by car from the park.
Precautions and Etiquette When Using the Park
Park Usage Rules
Prohibited Activities
- Use of open flames such as fireworks (except designated areas)
- Pets off-leash (leash attachment required)
- Golf practice
- Bicycles (except designated areas)
- Littering
Etiquette
- Take all trash home with you
- Remember to be considerate of other users
- Be mindful of surroundings when playing ball games on grass areas
- Plant collection is prohibited
Precautions When Using Sports Facilities
- Advance reservation is required for some facilities
- Early reservation is recommended for exclusive use
- Athletic shoes required when using training room
- Follow facility-specific usage rules
Heat Stroke Prevention
Kumagaya City is known as one of Japan’s highest-temperature areas. When using facilities during summer, pay attention to the following:
- Frequent water intake
- Use of hats or parasols
- Adequate rest
- Avoid strenuous exercise during hot daytime hours
- Do not overexert if feeling unwell
How to Check for Latest Information
Official Website
The official site of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Saitama Park and Greenery Association regularly updates the following information:
- Event and lecture information
- Facility closure dates and schedules
- Training room usage schedules
- Important notices
- Kumagaya Sports Culture Park news
Telephone Inquiry
For questions, contact the management office directly at 048-526-2004. Reception hours are 8:30–21:30.
Social Media and Media
Latest information about the park and seasonal flower bloom updates are also shared on official social media. Following is convenient for staying informed.
Summary: The Appeal of Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park, as Saitama Prefecture’s premier comprehensive sports and recreation facility, possesses diverse attractions.
For Sports Enthusiasts
- Access to first-class facilities such as a Grade 1 track and field stadium and international-standard rugby field
- Year-round sports enjoyment in weather-independent dome facilities
- Opportunity to try new sports through various sports classes
For Families with Children
- Large play equipment and inflatable domes where children can play freely
- Spacious grass fields for picnics and ball games
- Walking trails with seasonal flowers
For Those Pursuing Health and Fitness
- Casual jogging on the jogging course
- Fitness building in the training room
- Exercise with others through health promotion programs
On its vast 90-hectare grounds, Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park harmonizes sports, nature, and recreation. While carrying on the legacy of the Rugby World Cup, the park continues to be beloved by the community and is expected to develop further.
Located just 3 kilometers from Kumagaya Station with excellent access, this park is definitely worth a visit. Depending on your purpose—watching sports, family outings, health promotion, or nature appreciation—there are countless ways to enjoy this outstanding park that Saitama Prefecture is proud to offer.
