Meiji Jingu Stadium

The basics

Meiji Jingu Stadium now serves as the home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows professional baseball team, and also hosts college baseball matchups. If you have time to take in a game while in Tokyo, this is a great place to do it. Nearly every seat is close to the field and provides great views, and the Shinjuku skyline provides an atmospheric backdrop. Unlike in the US, a baseball game in Japan is a very colorful interactive occasion for fans, with organized chants, dancing, and cheerleaders.

Things to know before you go

• Meiji Jingu Stadium is a must-visit for sports fans and families.

• The baseball stadium is wheelchair accessible.

• There are multiple food vendors in the stadium, as well as a roving staff serving beer.

How to get there

You can reach the stadium via subway or train. If you're taking the subway, Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line is a 5-minute walk away, while Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line is a 12-minute walk. You can also take the train and get off at JR Shinanomachi or JR Sendagaya stations—it’s a 15-minute walk from either station.

When to get there

To catch a baseball game, check the schedule online and book tickets at the gate or in advance. If you want to be sure of getting your tickets in advance, you can purchase them at most convenience stores, though if you don’t read Japanese, you might have to ask for help using the ticket vending machines.

Cheer along

The traditional way fans cheer for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows is to open their umbrellas and sing "Tokyo Ondo," a traditional festival song, when their team scores a run. So be sure to come prepared with an umbrella to wave along and cheer with the rest of the fans.

Ways to explore

If you have time to watch a game while in Tokyo, this is a great place to do it. Nearly every seat is close to the field and provides great views, and the Shinjuku skyline provides an atmospheric backdrop. Plus, it’s easy to get to as it’s in the center of the city. Unlike in the US, a baseball game in Japan is a very colorful, interactive occasion for fans, with organized chants, dancing, and cheerleaders. You can buy tickets on the stadium’s website, where season schedules are posted.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, umbrella—it’s tradition to open them up and do a dance when a team makes a home run

What to wear

Team shirt or hat, to get into the spirit of a game

Not allowed

Large bags, items that could be used as weapons

Amenities

Merchandise store, food vendors, roving drink sellers

Address

Meiji Jingu Stadium is in central Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, just south of Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen) and east of Meiji Jingu shrine. It’s easy to reach by train or on foot from the surrounding areas.

Driving

Driving in central Tokyo isn’t recommended due to traffic and the cost of parking—plus it’s not necessary. If you must drive, there are paid parking lots nearby.

Public transportation

Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line is a 5-minute walk away, while Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line is a 12-minute walk. You can also take the above-ground train to JR Shinanomachi or JR Sendagaya—the stadium is a 15-minute walk from either station.

Best times to visit

Baseball games are typically played in the mid-afternoon and early evening. Gates open 1.5 hours before the game starts.

Best days to visit

In season, baseball games are played most days of the week except Mondays, though Meiji Jingu Stadium will have its own schedule. Check the dates on the stadium’s website.

Best months to visit

Japan’s baseball season runs from March through October.

Special events

The Meiji Jingu Stadium Fireworks Festival takes place every year in mid-August, with seating available either in this stadium or the nearby Prince Chichubu Memorial Rugby Stadium.