Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, and watching a professional game in person is an experience worth adding to your trip. Even if you aren’t a huge baseball fan, I guarantee you’ll have so much fun watching baseball in Japan and interacting with the fans.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about watching professional baseball in Japan, including NPB teams and stadiums, when the season starts, how to find games and buy tickets, where to sit, what to eat, stadium etiquette, and what you can expect on game day. If you’re thinking about adding a baseball game to your Japan itinerary, here’s how to get started.
What Is Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is like Japan’s equivalent of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. The rules and structure of the game are similar, but the atmosphere inside Japanese stadiums can be quite different. NPB has 12 professional teams, divided equally between two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. Each league has six teams representing cities and regions across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka in the south.
At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each league advance to the Climax Series, Japan’s postseason playoff system. The winners of the Central and Pacific League playoffs then meet in the Japan Series, which determines the NPB champion. In 2025, the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks won the championship.
You don’t need to understand the league structure before attending a game. You can simply find a home game in a city you’re already visiting and buy a ticket to watch.
When Is Baseball Season in Japan
Japan’s professional baseball season generally runs from late February through October, giving travelers visiting during much of the year an opportunity to catch a game. The exact dates change each season, so it’s always worth checking the official NPB schedule when planning your trip.
Preseason Games
NPB preseason games usually begin in February and continue through March. These games can be a good option if you’re visiting Japan before the regular season starts. The atmosphere may not be quite as intense as a regular-season game, but you’ll still get to experience Japanese professional baseball in person. For example, the 2026 NPB preseason runs from February 21 to March 22.
Regular Season
The regular season typically begins in late March and continues into the fall. This is the best period for most tourists because games are played frequently throughout Japan. In 2026, both the Central League and Pacific League opened their regular seasons on March 27. If you’re traveling to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka during this period, there’s a good chance an NPB team will be playing nearby.
Interleague Play
Most of the season is played within the Central and Pacific Leagues, but there is also a special period of interleague play when teams from the two leagues face one another. In 2026, interleague games are scheduled from May 26 through June 14, with additional reserve dates afterward. This can be an especially interesting time to attend because you’ll have the chance to see matchups that aren’t part of the usual league schedule.
NPB All-Star Games
Around the middle of the season, NPB holds its annual All-Star Games, featuring leading players from the Central League against stars from the Pacific League. For 2026, the two All-Star Games are scheduled for July 28 at Tokyo Dome and July 29 in Toyama. Tickets can be more difficult to obtain than for an ordinary regular-season game, but the All-Star festivities can be a memorable experience if the dates happen to match your trip.
Climax Series
Once the regular season ends, the top three teams from each league advance to the Climax Series, NPB’s postseason playoffs. The second and third-place teams meet in the First Stage, with the winner advancing to face the league champion in the Final Stage. The Central and Pacific League winners then move on to the Japan Series. This 2026, the Climax Series is scheduled to begin on October 10, with the Final Stage beginning October 14.
Japan Series
The Japan Series, or the Nippon Series, is the championship series of Japanese professional baseball. The champions of the Central and Pacific Leagues play in a best-of-seven series. The 2026 Japan Series is scheduled to begin on October 24, with a possible Game 7 on November 1. Playoff and Japan Series tickets are more in demand than ordinary regular-season tickets, so you should plan ahead if you want to watch during this period. Here is the schedule for this season:
What Are the Best Months to Watch Baseball in Japan
For most international tourists, April through September is the easiest period to attend an NPB game. The regular season is in full swing, there are plenty of games to choose from, and you don’t have to rely on getting harder-to-find postseason tickets. Spring games in April and May can also be more comfortable if you’re attending an outdoor stadium, while summer games offer an energetic atmosphere but can come with Japan’s intense heat and humidity.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Japan anytime from spring through early autumn, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to fit a professional baseball game into your itinerary. Check the official NPB schedule before your trip, then look for home games in the cities you’ll already be visiting. I was in Tokyo last April, so I checked the schedule and watched the match between Tokyo Yakult Swallows and Hanshin Tigers at Meiji Jingu Stadium.
I was seated in the home cheering area, which is dedicated to the fans of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Many fans were wearing their favorite players’ jerseys. This was the view at the outfield section, and I could see everything well.
NPB Teams and Where They Play
NPB has 12 teams divided between the Central League and Pacific League, with six teams in each. Several are based in or near Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, so it is easy to add watching a baseball game to your itinerary.
Central League
Yomiuri Giants — Tokyo
Home Stadium: Tokyo Dome
Nearest Major Tourist City: Tokyo
Nearest Train Stations:
- JR Suidobashi Station East/West exit
- Toei Subway Mita Line “Suidobashi Station” Exit A2
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Namboku Line “Korakuen Station” Exit 2
- Toei Oedo Line “Kasuga Station” Exit 6
The Yomiuri Giants are one of Japan’s best-known and most successful baseball teams. They play at the indoor Tokyo Dome in central Tokyo, making them one of the easiest NPB teams for international visitors to watch.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows — Tokyo
Home Stadium: Meiji Jingu Stadium
Nearest Major Tourist City: Tokyo
Nearest Train Stations:
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line(G03) Gaiemmae Station: 5 minutes walk from Exit 3
- Toei Subway Oedo Line(E25) Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station: 12 minutes walk from Exit A2
- JR Shinanomachi Station：12 minutes walk from Exit
- JR Sendagaya Station：15 minutes walk from Exit
The Swallows offer a different Tokyo baseball experience at historic, open-air Meiji Jingu Stadium. Their games are known for enthusiastic supporters and the team’s famous umbrella-cheering tradition.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars — Yokohama
Home Stadium: Yokohama Stadium
Nearest Major Tourist Cities: Yokohama and Tokyo
Nearest Train Stations:
- Kannai Station (JR Negishi / Keihin-Tohoku Line): 2-minute walk from the South Exit.
- Kannai Station (Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line): 3-minute walk from Exit 1.
- Nihon-Odori Station (Minatomirai Line): 3-minute walk from Exit 2.
- Ishikawacho Station (JR Negishi Line): 5-minute walk from the North Exit.
The BayStars play at Yokohama Stadium, located close to popular attractions around central Yokohama. The city is easily reached from Tokyo, so a game can also be included in a Yokohama day trip.
Hanshin Tigers — Nishinomiya
Home Stadium: Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Nearest Major Tourist Cities: Osaka and Kobe
Nearest Train Station: Koshien Station: 3-minute walk from the West Exit.
The Hanshin Tigers have one of Japan’s most passionate fan bases and play at historic Koshien Stadium between Osaka and Kobe. The stadium is also famous as the home of Japan’s national high school baseball tournaments.
Chunichi Dragons — Nagoya
Home Stadium: Vantelin Dome Nagoya (formerly Nagoya Dome)
Nearest Major Tourist City: Nagoya
Nearest Train Station: Nagoya Dome-mae Yada Station: 5-minute walk via the covered deck walkway.
The Chunichi Dragons represent Nagoya and the surrounding Chubu region. Their home games are played inside Vantelin Dome Nagoya, making them a convenient option for travelers spending time in the city.
Hiroshima Toyo Carp — Hiroshima
Home Stadium: MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima
Nearest Major Tourist City: Hiroshima
Nearest Train Station: JR Hiroshima Station: 10-minute walk from the South Exit.
The Carp have a strong connection with Hiroshima and an especially loyal local following. Their stadium is conveniently located near Hiroshima Station, making attending a game relatively easy for travelers.
Pacific League
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters — Hokkaido
Home Stadium: ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO
Nearest Major Tourist City: Sapporo
Nearest Train Station: Kitahiroshima Station: Ride the dedicated shuttle buses to arrive at the venue.
The Fighters play at the modern ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO in Kitahiroshima, outside Sapporo. The ballpark is part of the larger Hokkaido Ballpark F Village entertainment complex.
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles — Sendai
Home Stadium: Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi
Nearest Major Tourist City: Sendai
Nearest Train Station: Miyaginohara Station: 5-minute walk from the station.
The Golden Eagles represent Japan’s Tohoku region and are based in Sendai. Their outdoor stadium provides another good opportunity to experience Japanese baseball away from the larger tourist centers of Tokyo and Osaka.
Saitama Seibu Lions — Saitama
Home Stadium: Belluna Dome
Nearest Major Tourist City: Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: Seibukyujo-mae Station: About a 5-minute walk from the station.
The Seibu Lions play in Saitama, northwest of central Tokyo. Belluna Dome is reachable from Tokyo, making a Lions game an option for visitors who want to venture beyond the city’s two NPB teams.
Chiba Lotte Marines — Chiba
Home Stadium: ZOZO Marine Stadium
Nearest Major Tourist Cities: Tokyo and Chiba
Nearest Train Station: Kaihin-makuhari Station: About a 15-minute walk from the station.
The Marines play at ZOZO Marine Stadium near Tokyo Bay in Chiba. The team is particularly known for its energetic supporters and coordinated cheering.
Orix Buffaloes — Osaka
Home Stadium: Kyocera Dome Osaka
Nearest Major Tourist City: Osaka
Nearest Train Stations: Dome-mae Station and Dome-mae Chiyozaki Station: 3-minute walk from the station.
The Orix Buffaloes are one of two NPB teams that tourists can easily watch while staying around Osaka. They primarily play at the indoor Kyocera Dome Osaka, conveniently located within the city.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks — Fukuoka
Home Stadium: MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA
Nearest Major Tourist City: Fukuoka
Nearest Train Station: Tojinmachi Station: 15-minute walk from the station.
The SoftBank Hawks are based in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Their large indoor dome makes them a convenient NPB option for travelers exploring Fukuoka and western Japan.
If it is your first time visiting Japan and you want to watch baseball, Tokyo and Osaka offer the greatest variety. Tokyo gives you access to the Giants and Swallows. It is also relatively easy to see the BayStars, Marines, and Lions from Tokyo. Around Osaka, you can choose between the Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome and the Tigers at Koshien Stadium. If you are traveling to other cities, there’s still a chance that you can watch a baseball game.
How to Find NPB Baseball Games During Your Trip
Finding a professional baseball game that fits your Japan itinerary is fairly simple, especially if you’re visiting during the regular season. Instead of choosing a team first, it’s usually easier to start with your travel dates and the cities you’ll already be visiting.
1. Check Your Japan Travel Dates
Start with the dates you’ll be in Japan. The NPB regular season generally runs from late March until the first week of October, and there are games taking place throughout the week. If your trip falls during this period, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a game somewhere along your route.
2. Check the Official NPB Schedule
Once you know your dates, visit the official NPB schedule and look for games taking place during your trip. The schedule shows the teams playing, game dates, starting times, and stadiums.
3. Look at the Cities on Your Itinerary
Next, match your itinerary with nearby NPB teams. For example, if you are maily staying in Tokyo, you can look for games involving the Yomiuri Giants or Tokyo Yakult Swallows. If you can travel a bit further, you can check the scheduled games in Yokohama, Chiba, and Saitama. If you are in Osaka, you can check the schedules of the Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers.
4. Check Which Teams Are Playing at Home
Finding your preferred team on the schedule doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to watch them. Check whether they’re playing at home or away during your visit. If one Tokyo team is away, for example, the other may have a home series that fits your itinerary.
5. Double-Check the Stadium
Always look at the venue listed for the individual game before buying your ticket. Although NPB teams have primary home stadiums, they occasionally play home games at other stadiums around Japan. Don’t automatically assume that a Giants home game is at Tokyo Dome or that every Tigers home game is at Koshien Stadium. Checking the venue also helps you plan transportation and determine how much time you’ll need to reach the stadium.
6. Buy Your Tickets
Once you’ve found a game that fits your itinerary, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance whenever possible, especially for weekends, holidays, rivalry games, and popular teams.
You can start your search with the official NPB schedule, then visit each team’s ticketing website to check available seats and purchase tickets. I bought my tickets on the same day as the match, so I had to settle for what was available: the home outfield reserved seat. If you have a preferred seat, it is better to buy tickets early.
How to Buy Baseball Tickets Online
Buying tickets is probably one of the things that foreign tourists worry about due to various challenges. Aside from the fact that most websites are in Japanese, you need to create accounts to buy tickets. Luckily, for baseball tickets, there is no single ticketing system, and there are various ways to buy tickets.
Buy From the Team’s Official Website
Each NPB team manages its own ticket sales and normally provides an online seating chart, prices, available games, and ticket options. Some teams provide English-language information or purchasing options that are relatively straightforward for international visitors. Others have ticketing systems primarily designed for customers in Japan, so the amount of English support varies considerably.
For example, you’re in Tokyo and want to watch a baseball game. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have an English-language website where you can buy tickets for upcoming home games. Here’s a screenshot of their home games. Their last regular-season game is on October 2, 2026. As long as the tickets are not sold out, you can buy one in advance.
You can then choose your preferred seat on the next page. If you want to witness the Swallows’ traditional cheering umbrella, choose the home seats, which are in the right field and home outfield area. I was seated in the Home Outfield Reserved Seat, so I was able to join the cheering umbrella when one of the players scored a run.
However, you can only pay for the tickets using Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you have these payment methods, then you can buy tickets here. These are electronic tickets, so you don’t need to exchange them for physical tickets.
Buy From Japanese Ticketing Websites
Another option is one of Japan’s major ticketing services. Common platforms include Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and eplus. These services sell tickets for many different events in Japan, including professional baseball games. Depending on the game, you may be able to select your seating category and then receive a digital ticket or collect a physical ticket in Japan.
For many tourists, using Japanese ticketing websites can be a nightmare. Most of the time, you are not allowed to create an account without a Japanese phone number. These websites aren’t always the easiest choice for overseas visitors. Parts of the purchasing process may only be available in Japanese.
However, it is still possible to buy tickets on these websites, especially Lawson Ticket. This is where I bought my ticket for the match between Tokyo Yakult Swallows and Hanshin Tigers. Lawson allows foreigners to buy tickets on their website. Here are some of the games that still have tickets available:
Once you click the game you want to watch, you will see this on the next page:
For example, you want to watch Tokyo Yakult Swallows against Hanshin Tigers. They play at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium for three consecutive days, so you can choose which day you are available. After choosing the day you want to watch, you can now choose your seat by clicking the dropdown button. Ticket prices vary by seat, but all tickets are reserved seating.
As you can see, some seats are already sold out. If you do not have a preferred seat, you can just choose whatever is available. Also, decide which team you want to cheer on, so you can get the appropriate seat. There are dedicated sections for the home team and visitors. It is rude to be in the home team’s section but cheer for the visiting team, and the staff will stop you from cheering for the other team.
Click your chosen seat, and on the next page, you have to choose the number of tickets you will purchase. If you are watching with a child, make sure to choose the tickets for children, which is half the price of the adult ticket. Then, click “proceed to application.”
On the next page, you will be asked to log in. Scroll down until you see the one for first-time users. Then, click “Reservation without member registration.”
Then, you will be asked to provide your email address and phone number. Make sure that the email address is active, and you can just put your phone number or ten zeroes. After that, click “to the next.” On the next page, you have to choose the collection method and payment method. You won’t be able to change the collection method because you have to claim the ticket at Lawson convenience stores. Choose your payment method. Paying using your credit card is the best option here since after paying, you just have to claim your ticket at Lawson.
Next, provide a four-digit password that you will use to log in and provide your details in the “Applicant Information” section. This is easy to do.
Just follow the instructions for the postal code and city. Since you are a foreigner, enter “0000000” for the postal code and your country instead of the city. The details here are not for verification purposes, so you can just put a different name if you don’t want to put your real name. You also do not have to provide your address. Just tick the small box after the address section. After filling in your details, click “to the next.”
Tick the box “Agree and purchase” and click “to the next.”
Again, click “to the next.” On the next page is the confirmation of your purchase. You will receive an email containing your order details. In your email, you will receive a confirmation and instructions on how to pick up your ticket at Lawson.
To pick up your ticket at Lawson convenience stores, you need to log in to your account to get the QR code that you will show to the staff at the counter. Scroll down and go to the “Those who used without registering as a member” section and click “confirmation.”
Then, put your email address, phone number (or 0000000000), and password (4 digits).
Once you’re logged in, you can see the tickets you purchased under “application name.” Click the baseball game you chose and it will show the details like this:
This was my ticket confirmation last time, so this might look different if you haven’t claimed your ticket. In the ticketing status, you will see a QR code there. You have to show it to the staff at Lawson. The staff will scan it and then print your ticket. And that’s it. You have your ticket and can enjoy watching the game. Here’s the ticket I claimed at Lawson:
What I like about the Lawson website is that I can also buy other event tickets. This is useful if you plan to watch other events and activities. Though this is still limited to general sale tickets, so some shows or events you want to attend might not be available.
Buy NPB Tickets at Convenience Stores
Japan’s convenience stores are also commonly used to purchase and collect event tickets. You can buy tickets at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart. Depending on the service, you may use an in-store ticket machine or complete part of the reservation online, then pay for or collect the ticket at the convenience store. This can be useful once you’re already in Japan, particularly if online payment isn’t working for you. However, the machines and instructions may have limited English support, and the process can be confusing if you don’t read Japanese.
Buy Tickets at the Stadium
If you haven’t purchased a ticket beforehand, you may be able to buy one directly from the stadium’s ticket office on game day. However, don’t depend on same-day ticket availability for a game you really want to see. Weekend games, holidays, rivalry matchups, special events, and games involving particularly popular teams can sell out or have only limited seating left. Waiting until you arrive at the stadium could also mean that your preferred seating section is no longer available.
Japanese Baseball Cheering Culture
One of the biggest differences between watching baseball in Japan and attending an MLB game is the cheering culture. Supporters often cheer throughout a player’s entire at-bat, creating a steady rhythm that can make the game feel almost like a live concert.
Many players have their own individual cheer song or chant, and fans sing it while the player is batting. Organized supporter groups help lead the crowd, often using trumpets, drums, flags, and coordinated chants to keep everyone together. You’ll also see fans waving team towels, wearing jerseys and other merchandise, and joining special team traditions.
The most energetic atmosphere is usually found in the designated cheering sections, often located in the outfield. I was fortunate enough to experience cheering for the players at bat along with the fans. Also, that umbrella dance tradition done when a Swallows player scored a run was fun to watch. The local fans were friendly and didn’t make me feel left out. When the player scored, they would give me a high-five or let me borrow their mini umbrella, so I could join the umbrella dance.
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, don’t worry about memorizing any of the songs or chants. Tourists aren’t expected to know them. Simply watch the supporters around you, follow their movements, clap along, and join in whenever you feel comfortable.
Food and Drinks at Japanese Baseball Stadiums
Food is a big part of the experience of watching professional baseball in Japan. Instead of eating before you arrive, you can walk around the stadium and buy something you can eat while watching the game.
You’ll find everything from familiar stadium snacks to Japanese favorites. Popular options can include bento boxes, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), takoyaki, French fries, and ice cream. Whenever I watch a baseball game, I always buy yakisoba and eat it in my seat before the game starts. You can also bring outside food and drinks if you want.
Also, one of the most recognizable sights at Japanese baseball games is the beer seller, often called uriko in Japanese. You do not have to leave your seat to get another drink; you’ll see vendors walking up and down the aisles, carrying beer dispensers on their backs. You can signal to one as they pass, order a beer, and have it poured for you right at your seat. You can pay for it using cash or card.
Why You Should Watch Baseball in Japan
Visiting temples, exploring historic neighborhoods, trying local food, and seeing Japan’s famous landmarks may already be part of your itinerary, but watching a professional baseball game gives you a chance to experience a different side of the country.
A baseball game puts you right in the middle of modern Japanese sports culture. You’ll see passionate supporters singing for their favorite players, hear trumpets and drums echoing around the stadium, try Japanese ballpark food, and experience traditions that make baseball in Japan feel different from watching a game anywhere else.
If you weren’t able to watch Summer Koshien, watching professional baseball is another option. It is worth it, and you can experience and do many fun things while watching a baseball game.
