After graduating from high school, he joined Japan Soccer League club Hitachi (later Kashiwa Reysol) in 1990.
In May 2001, Shimotaira transferred to FC Tokyo and by September had been appointed captain of the team.
[5] In 2019, Shimotaira signed with J2 League club, Yokohama FC and became a head coach under manager Edson Tavares.
[8] In December 2021 it was agreed that Shimotaira would become manager of newly relegated J2 League club, Oita Trinita for the 2022 season.
[9] Oita Trinita finished 5th in his first season at the club, only missing out on promotion after a 2–2 draw with Roasso Kumamoto in the play-offs.