The league began on March 10 and ended on November 24.
At the end of the season, the second stage winner Kashima Antlers won the Suntory Championship against Júbilo Iwata who won the first stage.
The following sixteen clubs participated in J.League Division 1 during 2001 season.
Of these clubs, Consadole Sapporo and Urawa Red Diamonds were promoted from Division 2.
Results Kashima Antlers won 3–2 on aggregate.