Exploring Japan's Baseball Wonders: A Tour of Nippon Professional Baseball's Iconic Stadiums - From New to Old

Welcome to the heart of baseball in Japan! Today, we're embarking on an exciting journey through the iconic stadiums of Nippon Professional Baseball, from the newest marvels to the historic grounds that have witnessed countless memorable moments.

Escon Field Hokkaido (Hokkaido)

First up, Escon Field Hokkaido, opened in 2023. This state-of-the-art stadium in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido. It serves as the home field for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The stadium is notable for its state-of-the-art design and facilities, including a retractable roof, making it a modern and versatile venue for various sports and events.

MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Moving to Hiroshima, we visit the MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium, also known simply as Mazda Stadium, is a modern baseball stadium located in Hiroshima, Japan. Since 2009, it has serves as the home field for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The stadium is renowned for its fan-friendly design, which includes an open concourse, natural grass field, and views of the surrounding city, making it one of the more scenic and enjoyable ballparks in Japan.

Vantelin Dome Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)

In Nagoya, the Vantelin Dome Nagoya, formerly the Nagoya Dome, is a significant baseball stadium located in Nagoya, Aichi. Since 1997, it has served as the home field for the Chunichi Dragons, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The dome is known for its large, air-supported structure, providing an all-weather venue for baseball games and other events. It stands out for its modern design and amenities, enhancing the experience for both players and spectators.

Kyocera Dome Osaka (Osaka)

Kyocera Dome Osaka, a multi-purpose venue known for its distinctive architecture, has been a part of the Osaka skyline since 1997. Since 2005, it has been the home field of the Orix Buffaloes, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, and occasionally hosts games for the Hanshin Tigers. The dome is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes a retractable roof and a large seating capacity, making it a popular venue for not only sports but also concerts and various large-scale events.

Fukuoka PayPay Dome (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Fukuoka PayPay Dome in Fukuoka City is next, a prime example of Japan's architectural innovation. Since 1993, it has been the home stadium of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, a successful team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The dome features a retractable roof, making it suitable for all-weather events. It is popular for its advanced facilities and vibrant atmosphere during baseball games and other large-scale events, including concerts and exhibitions.

ZOZO Marine Stadium (Chiba Prefecture)

In Chiba City, the ZOZO Marine Stadium, previously known as Chiba Marine Stadium, is a professional baseball stadium primarily used for baseball games. Since 1992, it has been the home field of the Chiba Lotte Marines, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The stadium is known for its seaside location, offering unique ocean views. It features a fan-friendly design with an open concourse and a variety of seating options.

Tokyo Dome (Tokyo)

Tokyo Dome, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is one of the most iconic and well-known baseball stadiums in Japan. Since 1988, it has served as the home field for the Yomiuri Giants, a historic and popular team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Known as "The Big Egg" due to its distinctive shape, Tokyo Dome is Japan's first domed stadium. It features a flexible space that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sports games, and exhibitions.

Belluna Dome (Saitama Prefecture)

Saitama’s Belluna Dome, once known as Seibu Dome, features a unique semi-open, retractable roof, is a domed baseball stadium located in Tokorozawa, Saitama. It has served as the home field for the Saitama Seibu Lions, a professional baseball team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, since 1979. The stadium is unique for its semi-open, retractable roof, which allows games to be played in both open-air and covered settings. It is known for its lively atmosphere and distinctive architectural design.

Yokohama Stadium (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Yokohama Stadium, situated in Yokohama, Kanagawa, is a prominent baseball stadium known for its urban location and modern facilities. Since 1978, it has been the home field of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. The stadium is celebrated for its fan-friendly environment, featuring a unique seating arrangement that brings spectators close to the action. Its location in the heart of Yokohama adds to the vibrant atmosphere during games.

Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi (Miyagi Prefecture)

Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, built in 1950, is a baseball stadium located in Sendai, Miyagi. It has been the home field of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league since 2005. The stadium is known for its enthusiastic fan base and features a unique combination of grass and artificial turf. This combination provides a distinctive playing experience for both players and spectators.

Meiji Jingu Stadium (Tokyo)

Stepping back in time, we visit the Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo, a place steeped in history and tradition since 1926 and a cornerstone of Japanese baseball. It serves as the home field for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league since 1964. The stadium is also used for college baseball and other events. Known for its traditional open-air design and intimate atmosphere, the stadium holds a special place in Japanese baseball history. It is renowned for its scenic backdrop, including views of the nearby Meiji Shrine's greenery.

Hanshin koshien Stadium (Hyogo Prefecture)

Finally, we arrive at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, and built in 1924, is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in Japan. Since 1936, it has been the home field of the Hanshin Tigers, a team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. It is also famous for hosting the National High School Baseball Championships. Koshien is revered for its rich history and tradition, including its all-dirt infield, and is known for its passionate fan base and the unique atmosphere they create during games.

From cutting-edge facilities to hallowed grounds, these stadiums are more than just sports venues; they're the beating heart of baseball in Japan. Join us as we celebrate the game and its glorious homes across the country.