Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs Chiba Lotte Marines
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters host the Chiba Lotte Marines at Es Con Field Hokkaido in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Catching an NPB baseball game is a classic Japan travel experience — organized cheering sections, beer vendors roaming the stands, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes first-timers. This page covers everything a visitor needs: buying tickets, getting to the stadium by train, and what game day is like.
Tickets — how to buy as a visitor
Buy in advance on the home club's official ticket site — for this game that is the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Several NPB clubs offer English ticket pages and accept international credit cards; tickets are delivered as QR codes or picked up at convenience stores in Japan.
🎫 Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters official website (tickets) →
Tickets normally go on sale one to two months before the game. Weekend games and popular match-ups can sell out, so book early. Outfield cheering sections are the most atmospheric; infield reserved seats are easiest for first-timers.
Ticket availability, prices and sale dates vary by game and are set by the clubs — always confirm on the official site before purchasing.
Getting to Es Con Field Hokkaido
Es Con Field Hokkaido, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan 〒061-1116
About a 20-minute walk from Kitahiroshima Station (JR Chitose Line); shuttle buses run on game days.
🗺️ Open Es Con Field Hokkaido in Google Maps →
🏨 Find hotels near the stadium (Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido) →
Trains in Japan are punctual but crowded right after the final whistle — if you have a flight or a long transfer the same evening, consider leaving a few minutes early or waiting out the first rush at the stadium.
The teams
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (home)
Pacific League club playing at Es Con Field Hokkaido, a striking modern ballpark-village outside Sapporo.
Chiba Lotte Marines (away)
Pacific League club at seaside ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba, famous for one of the loudest cheering sections in Japanese baseball.
Game day — what to expect
Gates usually open about two hours before the start — arriving early is worth it for stadium food and the pre-game atmosphere. An NPB game typically lasts around three hours.
Es Con Field Hokkaido is a domed (roofed) stadium, so the game will not be cancelled because of rain.
Stadiums accept cashless payment in most areas, but a little cash is still handy for some food stalls. Re-entry rules vary by stadium, so check before you leave the gate.
FAQ
What time does the game start?
Scheduled first pitch/kick-off is 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Gates usually open about two hours before the start.
How do I buy tickets as a foreign visitor?
Buy in advance through the home club's official ticket site (some clubs offer English pages and accept international cards). Tickets for popular teams and weekend games can sell out, so book as early as you can.
Will the game be cancelled if it rains?
Es Con Field Hokkaido is a domed (roofed) stadium, so the game will not be cancelled because of rain.
How do I get to Es Con Field Hokkaido?
About a 20-minute walk from Kitahiroshima Station (JR Chitose Line); shuttle buses run on game days.