Buying baseball ticket for forigen tourist

Visiting a Japanese professional baseball (NPB) game is an unforgettable experience for foreign tourists.
The atmosphere is unique, with passionate fans, organized cheering, and a variety of food and drinks.

While buying tickets can sometimes be tricky if you don't read Japanese, there are several reliable ways for foreign tourists to purchase them.

Here's a guide on how to buy Japanese baseball tickets:

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1. Online Through Official Team Websites (Best Option for Advance Purchase)

 

Many teams, especially those in major cities, offer English versions of their ticketing websites or provide clear English instructions. This is generally the most straightforward way to secure tickets in advance.

• Teams with good English support:

  • Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo): Often have English ticketing options and accept international credit cards.

  • Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Tokyo): Known for good English accessibility and sometimes support mobile wallet payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) for QR code tickets.

  • Hanshin Tigers (Osaka/Koshien): Their website might be in Japanese but often provides detailed English instructions on how to navigate the purchasing process.

  • Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama): Their English site often provides guidance on purchasing tickets.

  • Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Sapporo): May offer direct QR code ticket purchases without requiring a Japanese address.

• General Tips for Team Websites:

  • Use a browser with translation: Even if there isn't a full English site, using Google Chrome's built-in translation feature can help you navigate.

  • Japanese Address/Phone Number: Some sites may ask for a Japanese address or phone number for registration. You can often use your hotel's address and phone number for this. Just be sure not to select "delivery" if you use this option, and instead choose "pickup at convenience store" or "QR/e-ticket."

  • Name Input: If asked for a full-width character (kanji) name or half-width katakana name, you can often use English characters, but some sites might convert them. For katakana, Google Translate can help with phonetic conversion.

  • Payment: Credit cards are generally accepted online.

• How to find a team's ticketing website: Go to the official website of the team you want to watch (e.g., search "Yomiuri Giants official website") and look for a "Tickets" or "チケット" section.

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2. Through Major Japanese Ticketing Websites (with some English support)

 

These are general ticketing platforms that sell tickets for various events, including baseball.

• Ticket Pia (チケットぴあ): One of Japan's largest ticketing agencies. They offer a vast selection of tickets. While their main site is in Japanese, some specific events or partnerships might offer English interfaces.

  • URL: https://t.pia.jp/

• Lawson Ticket (ローソンチケット): Operated by Lawson convenience stores. Their online platform sometimes supports English, Chinese, and Korean for certain events. You can often pay with a credit card and pick up tickets at a Lawson or Ministop convenience store terminal (Loppi machine).

  • URL: https://l-tike.com/

• e+ (ePlus): Another major ticketing service. Similar to Pia and Lawson Ticket, their primary interface is Japanese, but some events might have English options. Tickets can often be printed at FamilyMart or 7-Eleven.

  • URL: https://eplus.jp/

• Seven Ticket (セブンチケット): Operated by 7-Eleven. You can often purchase and pick up tickets directly at 7-Eleven Multi-Copy machines.

  • URL: https://7ticket.jp/

• Tips for these sites: You might need to register an account, which can sometimes require a Japanese phone number or address. If you can get through the purchase process online, picking up tickets at a convenience store (see next section) is a common method for physical tickets.

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3. Convenience Stores (Loppi, FamiPort, Multi-Copy Machines) - Once You're in Japan

 

This is a very popular method for locals and often feasible for tourists if they are comfortable using automated machines and have the necessary game codes.

• How it works:

  1. Find the game code: Look up the "L-code" (for Lawson), "P-code" (for FamilyMart), or "7-code" (for 7-Eleven) for your desired game on the team's official website or the respective ticketing website.

  2. Go to a convenience store: Visit a Lawson, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven.

  3. Use the terminal: Locate the multi-purpose terminal (Loppi at Lawson, FamiPort at FamilyMart, Multi-Copy Machine at 7-Eleven).

  4. Input the code: Follow the on-screen instructions (some machines might have limited English options) to input the game code.

  5. Print a voucher: The machine will print a voucher.

  6. Pay at the counter: Take the voucher to the cashier and pay for your tickets. You'll receive your actual game tickets there.

• Why it's good for tourists: Widely available, convenient locations, and you get a physical ticket immediately.

• Challenges: The machine interfaces are primarily in Japanese. You might need to ask a store clerk for help, but English assistance might be limited. Having the exact game code ready is crucial.

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4. At the Stadium Box Office (Same-Day or Advance)

 

• Overview: You can often buy tickets directly at the stadium's ticket office, either on game day or for future games.

• Why it's good for tourists: Simple and straightforward if tickets are available. No online hurdles.

• Challenges:

  • Availability: Popular games (especially weekend games, rivalry matches like Giants vs. Tigers, or opening/closing games) can sell out well in advance. Arrive early (2-3 hours before game time) if trying to buy on the day.

  • Language Barrier: Staff might have limited English, but showing the game date, teams, and desired number of tickets written down can often suffice.

  • Payment: Credit cards are usually accepted, but cash is always safe.

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5. Third-Party Resale Sites / Tour Agencies (Use with Caution)

 

• Overview: If all else fails, or for very popular/sold-out games, you might consider third-party sites or specialized services.

• Examples:

  • Viagogo / StubHub: International ticket resale platforms.

  • Japan Ball Tickets / Tokyo Event Tickets: Services specializing in helping foreigners get tickets to Japanese events.

• Why it's good for tourists: Can secure tickets for hard-to-get games.

• Challenges:

  • Price: Prices are often higher than face value due to reselling fees and markups.

  • Reliability: While many are legitimate, there's always a small risk of issues with unauthorized resellers. Be cautious and check reviews. NPB clubs have sent out warnings about Viagogo in the past, so exercise discretion.

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Key Tips for Tourists:

 

• Plan Ahead: For popular teams (Giants, Tigers, Carp) or weekend games, buy tickets as far in advance as possible (tickets typically go on sale 1-2 months before the game).

• Team Schedule: Check the official NPB website or team websites for the full season schedule.

• Stadium Location: Know which stadium your chosen team plays at.

• Enjoy the Experience! Japanese baseball games are lively and unique, even if you're not a huge baseball fan. Enjoy the food, drinks, and especially the passionate cheering section!