The Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture, will host hockey at the 2026 Asian Games. It is the only hockey venue in the Tokai region that meets international competition standards, making it an important part of the Games.
Also known as the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium, the venue has two blue, water-based artificial turf pitches. Both were upgraded in December 2025 to meet the same specifications used at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A venue built for hockey
The stadium was opened in July 2000 and has since become one of Japan’s leading hockey venues. It can accommodate around 5,000 spectators, with the stands positioned close to the pitches. This gives fans a clear view of the action and creates a more energetic atmosphere during matches.
The pitches are designed for high-level international hockey. The blue, water-based turf allows players to move the ball quickly and smoothly, making it suitable for modern international competition.
The stadium regularly hosts domestic hockey tournaments, including school and university competitions. It also stages Japan Hockey League matches and international games involving Japan’s national teams. The Asian Games will now bring some of Asia’s best hockey teams to Kakamigahara.
Kakamigahara’s connection with hockey
Kakamigahara has developed a strong sporting identity, particularly around field hockey. The city is also known for its large green spaces and is often described as a ‘Park City’. Its sporting facilities are closely connected with these open spaces, making the area attractive to both athletes and residents.
The city’s history goes much further back. During the Edo period, the area developed around Unuma-juku, an important post station on the Nakasendo route between Edo, now Tokyo, and Kyoto.
Kakamigahara later became closely connected with aviation. In 1917, one of Japan’s earliest military airfields was established in the area, helping the city develop into an important centre for aviation and manufacturing. Today, this industrial background exists alongside its sporting culture.
Ready for the Asian Games
The stadium’s biggest upgrade came in December 2025, when both artificial turf pitches were rebuilt to meet the high standards used for the Paris Olympics.
The improvements were made to ensure that athletes competing at the Asian Games have a surface suitable for international-level hockey.
The venue’s location also allows spectators to experience the sport from close to the pitch. With the stands positioned near the playing area, fans can follow the speed and intensity of the game from a good viewpoint.
For Indian hockey fans, the venue will be particularly important as India’s men’s team will enter the competition as defending champions, while the women’s team secured bronze at the previous Asian Games.
More than a competition venue
Although the Asian Games will bring international attention to the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, the venue has an important role beyond the event.
It serves as a training and competition centre for hockey in central Japan and provides a platform for young players through school and university tournaments.
Its regular use by domestic teams and national-level competitions has helped establish Kakamigahara as an important hockey destination.
The Asian Games will add another major chapter to that story. The combination of international-standard pitches, close spectator stands and a strong local hockey culture makes the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium a natural choice for the Games.
How to reach the venue
Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium can be reached by train and bus. Public transport is recommended during the Asian Games due to road and parking restrictions around the venue.
By train: From Meitetsu-Gifu Station, take the Meitetsu Kakamigahara Line to Shin-Naka Station.
By bus: From Shin-Naka Station, take the Inaba West Line bus towards APITA/DCM Kakamigahara and get off at Kawasaki Juko Hockey Stadium.
Alternative: Take the Meitetsu Kakamigahara Line to Mikakino Station or the JR Takayama Main Line to Sohara Station, then take a taxi to the stadium.
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