Chiba Lotte Marines vs Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
The Chiba Lotte Marines host the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Mihama Ward, Chiba on Sunday, June 28, 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 Chiba Lotte Marines. 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.
🎫 Chiba Lotte Marines 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 ZOZO Marine Stadium
ZOZO Marine Stadium, Mihama Ward, Chiba, Chiba, Japan 〒261-0022
About a 15-minute walk from Kaihimmakuhari Station (JR Keiyo Line).
🗺️ Open ZOZO Marine Stadium in Google Maps →
🏨 Find hotels near the stadium (Mihama Ward, Chiba) →
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
Chiba Lotte Marines (home)
Pacific League club at seaside ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba, famous for one of the loudest cheering sections in Japanese baseball.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (away)
Pacific League powerhouse based at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, Kyushu's biggest city.
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.
ZOZO Marine Stadium is an open-air ballpark, so the game can be postponed in bad weather. Check the club's official site on the day if rain is forecast.
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 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 28, 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?
ZOZO Marine Stadium is an open-air ballpark, so the game can be postponed in bad weather. Check the club's official site on the day if rain is forecast.
How do I get to ZOZO Marine Stadium?
About a 15-minute walk from Kaihimmakuhari Station (JR Keiyo Line).