| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Teams | 82 |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Gamba Osaka (2nd title) |
| Runner-up | Kashiwa Reysol |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 81 |
The 88th Emperor's Cup began on September 13, 2008 and ended on January 1, 2009 with the final at National Stadium in Tokyo. As the champion, Gamba Osaka participated in 2009 AFC Champions League.