Visiting Japan during the baseball season? There’s no better place to take in a game than at Koshien Stadium, the home of the Hanshin Tigers. Located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, this iconic stadium is just around 15 minutes from both Umeda (Osaka) and Sannomiya (Kobe) and hosts games from March through October.
Why Watch a Game at Koshien Stadium?
Koshien Stadium isn’t just any baseball venue; it’s the holy ground of Japanese baseball. The fervor of the Hanshin Tigers fans creates an electric atmosphere that will leave you buzzing with excitement long after the final pitch. From joining in with the crowd to sing the club theme song “Rokko Oroshi”, to releasing one of the 10,000 balloons at the bottom of the 7th innings, to chatting with fans nearby – the experience is sure to be a highlight of your time in Japan.
Beyond the Game: Exploring Koshien Stadium
While watching a Hanshin Tigers game is an adventure in itself, Koshien Stadium offers even more for baseball enthusiasts. The Museum of Hanshin Koshien Stadium, opened in 1924, lets you delve into the 100-year-long history of the stadium and its resident team. Here, you’ll find exhibits on the Hanshin Tigers’ championship years, famous players, and much more. And for a truly immersive experience, don’t miss the interactive “Touch the Baseball” area, where you can experience a mock Japanese professional baseball draft meeting and enjoy a 360° video of the stadium.
The museum also honors the stadium’s role in Japanese high school baseball, displaying memorabilia from notable high school teams and players that have made their mark at Koshien. You can even view the ball used in the opening game of the first National High School Baseball Championship of Japan.
Entry to the museum costs ¥900 for adults. Find out more here.
Experience Baseball Virtually at Koshien Stadium
If you want to get a feel for what it’s like to play baseball at Koshien, you can try your hand at batting and pitching against a CG recreation of the stadium at BE-STADIUM KOSHIEN. This facility, located on the second floor of Koshien Plus, offers four levels of ball speed and defence, making it fun for beginners and experienced players alike. Find out more here.
Grab Baseball Gear and Hanshin Tigers Goods
Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by STAND IN KOSHIEN on the first floor of Koshien Plus, where you can find a wide range of baseball gear, Hanshin Tigers merchandise, and MLB items. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit.
How to Buy Tickets
Ready to join in the excitement? You can purchase tickets to Hanshin Tigers games at Koshien Stadium through the official English guide. And to stay up-to-date with the latest schedule, visit the official Hanshin Tigers schedule page.
This post aims to give you a comprehensive guide to watching a Hanshin Tigers game and exploring Koshien Stadium. Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for a unique Japanese experience, a visit to Koshien Stadium is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.