If you want to watch a baseball game in Japan, buying tickets is easier than you might think. You can buy tickets either online through team websites or directly at the stadium on game day.
The simplest way for many visitors is to buy tickets online and print them at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which is very convenient for tourists.
Japanese baseball games offer a unique experience with enthusiastic fans and a lively atmosphere. It's worth planning ahead for popular teams or big matches.
Some stadiums, like Tokyo Dome, rarely sell out. Places like Yokohama Stadium may require early booking.
How to Buy Tickets for Baseball in Japan
Understanding Japanese Baseball
Japanese professional baseball has a complex but well-organized system. It features two main leagues, several historic teams, and a unique season structure.
Knowing this helps when buying tickets and choosing games to attend.
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Structure
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is the highest level of baseball in Japan. It began in the early 20th century and remains deeply connected to Japanese culture.
The baseball season runs from April to October. NPB is organized into two separate leagues.
Each league has six teams, and they compete within their league during the regular season. At the end of the season, the top teams advance to playoffs, culminating in the Japan Series.
This championship series decides the overall winner of Japanese baseball for the year.
Central and Pacific Leagues
The NPB is divided into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. The Central League is often more traditional, with teams like the Yomiuri Giants (also called Tokyo Giants) and Hanshin Tigers among its ranks.
The Pacific League includes teams like the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Orix Buffaloes. Both leagues play roughly the same number of games and have similar structures.
They differ in some rules, such as the use of the designated hitter, which only exists in the Pacific League.
Major Teams and Their Home Stadiums
Several teams are especially popular and worth knowing.
- Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Giants): Based at Tokyo Dome, the Giants have 22 championships, making them Japan’s most successful team.
- Hanshin Tigers: Play at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Kobe, known for its historic value and passionate fan base.
- Tokyo Yakult Swallows: Their home is Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo. They offer a lively atmosphere and are easier to get tickets for than some giants.
- Yokohama DeNA BayStars: Play at Yokohama Stadium and draw fans interested in a good experience near Tokyo.
Knowing these teams and where they play helps you when choosing specific games to attend. Each stadium offers a unique vibe and ticket options.
Best Ways to Buy Baseball Tickets in Japan
I received mail from Japan!! Baseball ticket arrived complete with protective sleeve!! pic.twitter.com/cULNnGy9Bb
— Paul (@GDClearedToLand) April 8, 2018
Getting baseball tickets in Japan can be done through several routes, each with its own benefits and challenges. Some methods work better for advance planning, while others suit last-minute buyers.
Official Team Websites
Buying tickets directly from the team’s website is often the safest way to get guaranteed seats. Most professional teams have their own ticket portals, but only a few offer English pages.
For example, Tokyo Giants and Tokyo Yakult Swallows have better English support compared to others. You might need a Japanese address or account registration to complete a purchase.
Fees vary, and some sites charge extra for online booking. Popular games, like those at Hanshin Koshien Stadium for the Hanshin Tigers, sell out fast.
Buying early is best if you rely on this option.
Major Japanese Ticketing Platforms
Ticket platforms like Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and 7-Eleven’s Loppi machines are widely used across Japan. You can buy tickets in advance through their websites or in convenience stores nationwide.
These services cover nearly all baseball games. However, services and machines are usually in Japanese.
You might need help navigating or translating the site or to ask store staff to assist. These platforms charge convenience fees but offer multiple pick-up locations.
They’re a solid choice if you can manage the language barrier.
International Reseller and Tour Sites
If official methods are too complex or tickets are sold out, international resellers like Viagogo and StubHub can be a fallback. Prices are often higher, and there is a risk of fake tickets or difficult refunds.
Tourism sites such as Klook also sell baseball tickets, especially for teams like the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Klook provides English-language support and easy payment options.
It is convenient but may add service costs.
Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores
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— Mr Parlay (@MrParlay99) September 20, 2024
Convenience stores in Japan are one of the easiest places to buy baseball tickets. Major chains like Lawson, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart offer ticket machines with English menus.
These machines let you quickly search for games and complete the ticket purchase without needing much local knowledge.
How to Use Ticket Machines
At Lawson, you’ll use a machine called Loppi. It has a touchscreen with English options.
Start by selecting “Ticket” and then “Sports” or “Baseball.” From there, choose the team, game date, and seating area.
The screen gives clear instructions to guide you step-by-step. At 7-Eleven, the machine process is similar but uses a system linked to Ticket Pia or other ticket services.
Once you pick your event, the machine prints a reservation slip with a code.
Payment and Pick-Up Process
After using the machine, take the reservation slip to the store cashier. Payment can be made in cash or with a debit/credit card depending on the location.
Once paid, the cashier hands you the physical tickets. This method means you don't need a Japanese address, and you can pay right away.
It offers a smooth experience with no extra waiting or shipping fees.
Getting Tickets for Specific Teams and Venues
【日めくり野球チケット~第798日目~】
— 野球チケット博物館 (@baseball_ticket) February 28, 2025
今から12年前の今日(2013年3月1日)
福岡Yahoo!JapanドームにてWBC強化試合
巨人対中国,ソフトバンク対キューバ戦開催。
ホークスは本拠地なので出場するのは分かるが
巨人は…上手ですね😅
ちなみに東浜投手が本拠地初登板
6安打4失点と悔しい結果となった。 pic.twitter.com/crO9hJGCXO
Buying tickets in Japan varies by team and stadium, so it helps to know the best ways to get them for popular teams. Some stadiums sell out quickly, while others have tickets available on the day of the game.
Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome
The Yomiuri Giants are one of Japan’s most popular teams, and their home games at Tokyo Dome are generally easy to access. Tokyo Dome has about 55,000 seats and is a large, covered stadium, so weather is never a problem.
You can buy Tokyo Giants baseball tickets online via their official website, which offers an English version for foreign visitors. Tickets often remain available even close to game day except during peak times, like season openers or big rival matches.
At the stadium, tickets are sold starting two hours before the game, but if you want a specific seat, buying online is safer. You can pick up your ticket at 7-Eleven stores across Japan using a special code sent after purchase.
Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium
Hanshin Tigers tickets are harder to get, especially during popular games. Koshien Stadium, located near Osaka, is famous for its electric atmosphere but regularly sells out, especially for weekend games and rival matches.
Most tickets require advance purchase. The Hanshin Tigers official website mainly operates in Japanese, so using ticket services that handle English or local convenience stores for pick-up is recommended.
You will need a Japanese address to register on some sites, but your hotel address usually works. If tickets are sold out on official sites, secondhand platforms like Viagogo can be an option, though prices may be higher.
Arriving early at the stadium on game day might sometimes allow you to buy resold tickets, but this is less reliable.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars at Yokohama Stadium
Yokohama Stadium is known for a lively crowd and has moderate ticket demand. The Yokohama DeNA BayStars’ official site offers tickets in English, which makes buying online straightforward.
Tickets sell out more quickly for weekend games and matches against popular teams. Visiting the stadium box office works for weekday games with lower attendance.
Online buyers receive a ticket code to print at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Because the stadium is smaller than Tokyo Dome, buying tickets in advance is best for better seats or a guaranteed spot on busy days.
Tips for Securing Baseball Tickets
Getting baseball tickets in Japan takes some planning. You need to know the best time to buy, especially for popular games, and understand the types of seats available.
When to Buy for Popular Games
For popular games, like those at Tokyo Dome or Hanshin Koshien Stadium, buy tickets well in advance. These games sell out fast, especially on weekends or when top teams face each other.
Buying tickets as soon as the season schedule is released in spring gives you more seat options. If you wait until game day, you risk tickets being sold out, especially at famous stadiums like the Tokyo Dome.
Some less busy stadiums still have walk-up tickets available on game day, but this is rare for popular matches. Use the team’s official website or authorized sellers to buy early.
Understanding Seating Options
Japanese baseball stadiums separate home and away fans into different areas. Sitting in the cheering sections, often behind right field or near the third-base dugout, puts you with the most energetic fans.
Ticket prices depend on seat location. Standing room tickets start around 1,500 yen, suitable if you don’t mind less comfort.
Mid-range seats near the field cost about 3,500 to 4,500 yen. Premium seats, including box seats, can go up to 15,000 yen, but they offer better views and more space.
If noise or crowds bother you, avoid cheering sections. Otherwise, sitting close to them gives a more authentic and fun experience.
For games in Tokyo Dome, choosing seats near the home fans is best to enjoy the full atmosphere.
Game Day Information for Fans
$10,000 for a baseball ticket? Ohtani fever hits resale prices
— The Tradesman (@The_Tradesman1) March 16, 2025
Fans clamoring to see Shohei Ohtani and other Japan-born baseball stars are driving up the resale prices of tickets to games being held in Tokyo to as much as 1.5 million yen (around $10,100). pic.twitter.com/9MNf6Dl6oc
To enjoy Japanese baseball games, it’s important to know what to bring and what to expect at the stadium. You also need to understand the rules and etiquette that are unique to baseball culture in Japan.
What to Bring and Expect
Bring your printed ticket or the ticket code on your phone to the stadium. Most tickets can be picked up or scanned at the entrance.
It’s good to carry cash too because some food stalls don’t accept cards. Expect to find a variety of snacks like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), beer, and other drinks.
The game usually lasts about three hours, with lots of cheering and songs from the fans. You might want to bring a small towel or handkerchief since it can get warm or rainy depending on the season.
Some stadiums are open-air, while places like Tokyo Dome are covered.
Stadium Rules and Cultural Etiquette
Japanese baseball stadiums have strict rules to keep the game safe and enjoyable. For example, smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
It’s important to never throw trash on the ground. Trash bins are placed around the stadium for sorting recyclables and waste.
During the game, fans cheer in organized groups. They often sing specific chants for each player.
Punctuality is important. Arriving just before the start is common.
Loud personal conversations during key moments are frowned upon. Being polite and following these customs shows respect for the fans and the sport.
