Baseball isn’t just a sport in Japan — it’s a national passion. Since its introduction in the 1870s, baseball has evolved into Japan’s most beloved spectator sport, with games regularly drawing massive crowds and television viewership. Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast or a curious traveler, watching a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) game offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s lively fan traditions, iconic stadiums and thrilling gameplay. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watching baseball in Japan: from buying tickets and choosing the best stadiums, to understanding the fan rituals and local customs that make Japanese baseball truly unforgettable.
Introduction to Baseball in Japan
Popularity and Basics of NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball)
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is Japan’s equivalent of Major League Baseball (MLB), consisting of 12 professional teams divided into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. While the basic rules are similar to American baseball, there are key differences — games can end in ties after 12 innings, the ball is slightly smaller and the strike zone is interpreted differently by umpires.
The level of play is considered by many to be comparable to Triple-A or even MLB quality, with many Japanese players eventually moving to the American major leagues and vice versa. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish and Ichiro Suzuki all got their start in NPB.
Brief Overview of Teams and Leagues
The Central League features the following teams:
- Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo)
- Hanshin Tigers (Osaka and Kobe)
- Hiroshima Toyo Carp (Hiroshima)
- Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama)
- Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Tokyo)
- Chunichi Dragons (Nagoya)
The Pacific League includes:
- Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Fukuoka)
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (Sendai)
- Saitama Seibu Lions (Tokorozawa)
- Chiba Lotte Marines (Chiba)
- Orix Buffaloes (Osaka)
- Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Sapporo)
For those in Tokyo, the most accessible teams are the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. The stadiums of the Chiba Lotte Marines, the Saitama Seibu Lions and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars are just a short train ride away.
The Japanese Baseball Season
Regular Season Schedule and Timing
The NPB season runs from late March to October, slightly longer than MLB’s schedule. Each team plays 143 regular season games, with most games starting at either 2 p.m. (weekends and holidays) or 6 p.m. (weekdays).
The season is divided into two half-seasons, with an All-Star break in mid-July. Teams typically play six-game series, with Monday often serving as the league-wide day off (though this varies). During summer vacation in August, daytime games become more common to accommodate families and children.
Playoffs and the Japan Series
After the regular season, the top three teams from each league advance to the Climax Series (playoffs). The first stage features the second and third-place teams in a best-of-three series. The winner advances to face the league champion in a best-of-six series (the league champion starts with a one-win advantage).
The champions of both leagues then face off in the Japan Series, a best-of-seven championship similar to the World Series in MLB. The Japan Series typically takes place in late October and is the most prestigious event in Japanese baseball.
Special Events and All-Star Games
The NPB All-Star Series typically features two or three games in mid-July at different stadiums around the country. Unlike MLB’s single All-Star Game, the NPB version is a series where the best players from the Pacific League compete against the best from the Central League.
Other special events include interleague play in May and June, and occasional season opener games held in unique locations or even overseas.
Getting Tickets to Japanese Baseball Games
Online Ticket Purchasing Options
The most convenient way for foreign visitors to buy tickets is through online services. Each team has its official website for ticket sales, though these are primarily in Japanese. Fortunately, several English-language options exist:
- Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket offer English interfaces for some games
- Voyagin and Klook serve as third-party sellers with English support
- Japan Ball specializes in helping foreigners get baseball tickets
- StubHub sometimes lists Japanese baseball games
Most tickets become available roughly one month before games. For popular matchups (especially Giants games or weekend rivalry games), purchasing well in advance is recommended.
Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores
Convenience stores such as Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven sell baseball tickets through in-store terminals. While these machines are primarily in Japanese, many stores in Tokyo have English-speaking staff who can assist. Each chain has its own ticket service:
- Lawson: Loppi terminals (L-code required)
- Family Mart: Famiport terminals (P-code required)
- 7-Eleven: Multicopy machines (7-code required)
You’ll typically need to find the code for your desired game on the team’s website, enter it at the terminal and pay at the counter. The machine will print a receipt that you exchange for actual tickets.
Same-Day Tickets and Stadium Box Offices
Most stadiums sell same-day tickets at box office windows, opening approximately 2-3 hours before game time. While this is a viable option for weekday games, popular weekend games and matchups between rival teams often sell out in advance.
Each stadium typically reserves a certain number of same-day tickets, which are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For high-demand games, lines can form hours before the box office opens.
Price Ranges and Seating Options
Ticket prices are generally more affordable than MLB games, ranging from ¥1,500-2,000 for outfield bleacher seats to ¥6,000-8,000 for premium infield seats. Special “performance seats” with extra amenities can cost ¥10,000-15,000.
Major seating categories include:
- Infield reserved seats: Often divided into S, A, and B classes by proximity to the field
- Outfield unreserved seating: Typically divided by team cheering sections
- Field-level premium boxes: Higher-priced seats closest to the action
- Upper deck seats: More affordable options with a bird’s-eye view
Many stadiums also offer special sections like beer gardens, family areas, or party decks with unique experiences.
Major Baseball Stadiums in Japan
Tokyo Stadiums
Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants) – The “Big Egg” is Japan’s most famous baseball venue, seating 45,000 fans in a covered dome. Located near Suidobashi Station, it offers climate-controlled baseball year-round with excellent facilities. The surrounding Tokyo Dome City complex features restaurants, shopping and even an amusement park.
Jingu Stadium (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) – This historic outdoor stadium near Gaienmae Station offers a more traditional baseball experience. With a capacity of 31,000, Jingu provides an intimate setting with reasonable ticket prices. The open-air environment means weather can be a factor, but the authentic atmosphere makes it a favorite among baseball purists.
Transportation and Access Information
Most baseball stadiums in Japan are conveniently located near train or subway stations. For Tokyo-area stadiums:
- Tokyo Dome: 5-minute walk from Suidobashi Station (JR and subway lines)
- Jingu Stadium: 5-minute walk from Gaienmae Station or a 10-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station
It’s advisable to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before game time, as security checks and entry can take time, especially for popular games. Most stadiums open their gates 2-3 hours before first pitch.
Stadium Amenities and Facilities
Japanese baseball stadiums are typically well-equipped with modern facilities. You’ll find:
- Multiple food and beverage options (both Japanese and Western)
- Clean restrooms throughout the venue
- Team shops selling official merchandise
- Information desks, often with some English-speaking staff
- Coin lockers for storing belongings
Some stadiums restrict the size of bags that can be brought in, and all will conduct security checks. While policies vary, most stadiums allow outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles.
The Game Day Experience
What to Expect at Japanese Baseball Games
Japanese baseball games offer a unique spectator experience that differs significantly from American games. The atmosphere is more akin to a soccer match, with organized cheering, band music and synchronized fan routines. Games typically last around 3-3.5 hours.
Each team has designated cheering sections (usually in the outfield) where the most passionate fans gather. These sections maintain constant energy throughout the game with coordinated chants, songs and rhythmic noise-makers.
One distinctive feature is the “Lucky 7” tradition — during the 7th inning stretch, fans release colorful balloons that whistle as they deflate and fly around the stadium.
Fan Culture and Cheering Sections
The heart of Japanese baseball culture lies in its highly organized cheering sections. Each team has an official ouendan (cheering squad) that leads fans in team-specific songs and chants. These groups typically include:
- Cheerleaders and performance teams
- Brass bands playing team songs
- Cheer leaders with megaphones directing the crowds
- Fans with trumpets, drums and thundersticks
Every player has a personalized chant that fans sing during their at-bats. While visiting fans are welcome to join these sections, it’s better to observe first or sit elsewhere if you’re unfamiliar with the routines.
Stadium Food and Souvenirs
Japanese baseball stadiums offer an impressive array of food options that go well beyond the typical hot dogs and hamburgers found in American ballparks. You’ll find:
- Traditional Japanese fare like bento boxes, ramen and curry.
- Team-themed specialty items unique to each stadium.
- High-quality beer served by beer girls who roam the stands with kegs strapped to their backs.
- Regional specialties reflecting the local cuisine.
Souvenir shops sell a wide range of team merchandise, from standard caps and jerseys to quirky team mascot items and limited-edition collectibles. Many fans purchase small noise-makers, team towels or jerseys to participate in cheering.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
For the best first-time experience at a Japanese baseball game:
- Consider sitting in the reserved infield seats rather than the cheering sections for your first game.
- Arrive early to explore the stadium and watch pre-game warmups.
- Bring cash, as some smaller vendors don’t accept credit cards.
- Try to learn a few basic cheers for the home team if possible.
- Stay until the end of the game — unlike American fans, Japanese spectators rarely leave early.
- Be aware that some stadiums prohibit certain types of cameras or selfie sticks.
- Remember that while you can bring your own food and drinks, outside alcohol is not permitted.
Baseball Vocabulary and Useful Japanese Phrases
Basic Baseball Terms in Japanese
- Baseball: 野球 (yakyu)
- Game: 試合 (shiai)
- Stadium: 球場 (kyujo)
- Home run: ホームラン (homuran)
- Strike: ストライク (sutoraiku)
- Ball: ボール (boru)
- Out: アウト (auto)
- Pitcher: ピッチャー (pitcha)
- Batter: バッター (batta)
- Ticket: チケット (chiketto)
Useful Phrases for Buying Tickets and Navigating Stadiums
- “I would like a ticket, please”: チケットをお願いします (Chiketto o onegaishimasu)
- “Where is the entrance?”: 入口はどこですか (Iriguchi wa doko desu ka?)
- “Where is my seat?”: 私の席はどこですか (Watashi no seki wa doko desu ka?)
- “How much is a ticket?”: チケットはいくらですか (Chiketto wa ikura desu ka?)
- “Where is the restroom?”: トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka?)
- “One beer, please”: ビール一つお願いします (Bīru hitotsu onegaishimasu)
Attending a baseball game in Japan offers a perfect blend of familiar sport and unique cultural experience. With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to navigate the Japanese baseball scene and create unforgettable memories at the ballpark. Whether you’re a dedicated baseball fan or simply looking for an authentic Japanese experience, the energetic atmosphere of an NPB game shouldn’t be missed during your time in Japan.
