Watching professional baseball in the vibrant city of Tokyo is a great way to experience Japanese sports culture. Watching a game at Tokyo Dome is an especially great way to immerse yourself in Japan’s baseball culture. The stadium offers not only exciting games that make the most of its large dome structure, but also a variety of gourmet food and pre-game events, making it a must-see attraction.
Even if you’re not familiar with baseball rules, you’ll have a fun time cheering along with the crowd. In this article, we’ll introduce tips to help you make the most of your baseball-watching experience at Tokyo Dome.
1.What is Tokyo Dome?
Tokyo Dome is a massive dome-shaped stadium located in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. It opened in 1988 and is famous as Japan’s first covered baseball stadium. Below is a detailed introduction to Tokyo Dome.
1-1. Features of Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a large indoor stadium in Tokyo. It hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including professional baseball games, concerts, martial arts events, and exhibitions.
It is the home stadium of Japan’s professional baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants, and attracts many fans who enjoy watching their games in person. It is also host to concerts by world-famous artists.
Around the Tokyo Dome area, you’ll find an amusement park, hotels, and shopping malls, making it a place you can enjoy all day long.
1-2.Access to Tokyo Dome
Getting to Tokyo Dome is convenient with many public transportation options from major stations and airports. Here are the best routes from each location:
| From Tokyo Station to Tokyo Dome |
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| From Shinagawa Station to Tokyo Dome |
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| From Narita Airport to Tokyo Dome |
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| From Haneda Airport to Tokyo Dome |
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1-3.Best seasons to enjoy baseball at Tokyo Dome
The Japanese professional baseball season runs as follows:
| Month | Period | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| February-March | Spring Training | Teams hold camps to prepare for the new season, engaging in practice games. |
| Late March | Pre-season Games | Practice games held before the regular season start, testing tactics and rosters. |
| Late March-October | Regular Season | Teams compete in around 140 games to win the league title. |
| June | Interleague Games | Exciting matchups between teams from different leagues. |
| Mid-July | All-Star Games | A showcase of the top players from each league. |
| October | Climax Series | Post-season playoffs, with teams vying for a spot in the Japan Series. |
| Late October-Early November | Japan Series | Championship series between the winning teams from both leagues. |
As you can see, Japan’s professional baseball season runs from late March to early November, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the games.
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2.How to watch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome
For your first time enjoying a baseball game at Tokyo Dome, familiarizing yourself with the ticket purchase and entry process in advance will enhance your experience. Below, we explain the steps to enjoy a game at Tokyo Dome.
2-1.Check the game schedule
There are three main ways to check the game schedule for Tokyo Dome:
| Tokyo Dome Official Website |
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| The official Tokyo Dome website lists the schedule for all events held at the stadium, including baseball games, concerts, and exhibitions. |
| Official Pro Baseball Websites |
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| On your favorite team’s official website, you can find detailed schedules for their games, including both home and away games. It’s a convenient choice if you’re specifically following one team. |
| Ticket Sales Websites |
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| Ticket vendors like Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket also list game schedules and allow you to purchase tickets, making it a convenient one-stop service. |
2-2.Buy tickets
There are a variety of seating options available for Yomiuri Giants games at Tokyo Dome. Listed below is an introduction to the main types of seats. Ticket prices vary by seat, so purchase in advance based on your budget and preferred viewing style.
| Infield Seats |
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These seats are close to the field, offering an up-close view of the action. Some of the main infield seat options include:
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| Outfield Seats |
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Outfield seats allow you to cheer along with the cheering squad. One fun feature is the standing cheering area. Main options include:
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Additionally, premium seating options like Diamond Box, Champion Seat, and DAZN Excite Seat are available as seasonal seat packages.
2-3.Find your reserved seat
Once you arrive at Tokyo Dome, check your ticket for your seat number and block. It’s a good idea to also confirm the block name in advance.
If you’re unsure about how to get to your seat, feel free to ask a nearby staff member, who will be happy to assist you.
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3.Tips for enjoying baseball at Tokyo Dome
Watching a game at Tokyo Dome isn’t only about enjoying baseball; there are many other ways to enhance your experience. Since you’re already in Japan, why not make your time at Tokyo Dome even more memorable by following the tips below?
3-1.Check out special events
Tokyo Dome occasionally hosts special events during specific games, such as:
Uniform Giveaways
For some games, all attendees or those who meet certain conditions receive original team uniforms as a gift.
Free Ice Cream
During summer games, free ice cream is sometimes handed out to fans.
Half-Priced Beer
Certain games feature special discounts like half-priced beer during the game.
Fan Meet-and-Greets
Before or after certain games, there may be opportunities to high-five players or attend autograph sessions.
Be sure to check which events will take place before purchasing your tickets!
3-2.Enjoy the food
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One of the highlights of watching a game at Tokyo Dome is the food. The stadium offers a wide variety of gourmet options that are delicious and visually appealing.
Classic Stadium Foods
Hot dogs, french fries, yakisoba (fried noodles), and fried chicken are just some of the crowd favorites.
Collaboration Gourmet
There are special lunch boxes and meals produced by players and coaches, offering fans a unique and memorable experience. Additionally, collaboration menus with popular characters or anime are sometimes featured.
You can also enjoy beer and other drinks like bubble tea, which is especially popular with the younger crowd. Enjoying great food while watching the game will make the experience even more memorable.
3-3. Purchase some merchandise
Tokyo Dome offers a wide range of merchandise, from team-support items to everyday goods. Popular items include jackets, outdoor gear, acrylic stands, toys, plush dolls, casual caps, keychains, and smartphone accessories, in addition to traditional towels and cheering goods.
One of the must-have items is the team uniform. Wearing a jersey with your favorite player’s name and number will make for a lasting memory.
There are also many collaborations with the Yomiuri Giants. Collaborations with fashion brands like Nike and New Era feature stylish designs that can be worn daily.
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Conclusion
Tokyo Dome is easy to make a part of your sightseeing journey, as it is located conveniently in central Tokyo. Baseball is a beloved sport in Japan, and watching a game allows you to experience a part of Japanese culture. Japan also boasts a high level of baseball, as evidenced by its victories in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Inside the stadium, you can enjoy various gourmet foods, including Japanese soul food. Popular games tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance.
*This article is based on information available as of October 2024.
