Researched guide · Checked on Nov 3, 2026
Japanese baseball is one of the best nights out in Tokyo: cheering sections with drums and songs, food and beer brought to your seat, and very friendly crowds. Tokyo has two professional teams. Here is how to choose a game and get tickets as a visitor.
Quick answer
Yomiuri Giants play at Tokyo Dome, which has a roof. Tokyo Yakult Swallows play at Meiji Jingu Stadium, an open-air park.
Buy tickets on each team’s official sites. Avoid unofficial resale sites.
| Yomiuri Giants | Tokyo Yakult Swallows | |
|---|---|---|
| Stadium | Tokyo Dome (indoor) | Meiji Jingu Stadium (open air) |
| Atmosphere | Big, popular team. Games often sell well | Relaxed and fun, close to the field |
| Weather | Rain does not stop the game | Games can be affected by rain |
| Official tickets | Giants Online Ticket, Yomiuri Travel Service, eplus, Quick Pia | Swallows Ticket (English site, pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay), plus other official sellers |
| Ticket type | Smartphone, barcode or paper tickets depending on the seller | Electronic tickets shown on your phone |
When is the season?
The regular season runs from spring to early autumn, followed by the playoffs (the Climax Series and the Japan Series). Check each team’s schedule for your dates.
Giants at Tokyo Dome
- Tickets are sold through several official platforms, and the remaining seats can differ between them.
- Some sellers let you pick up paper tickets at a Seven-Eleven in Japan. Yomiuri Travel Service tickets are collected at its counter at Tokyo Dome, next to Gate 20.
- The Giants warn against unofficial resale sites. Buy only from the official sellers listed on their website.
Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium
- The Swallows run an English ticket site, “Swallows Ticket”, for reserved seats.
- You pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and the ticket is shown on your phone. No convenience store pickup is needed.
- The team describes Jingu as one of the closest stadiums to a station in Japan. Gaiemmae Station on the Ginza Line is nearby.
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Tips for your first game
- Choose seats by team: home fans sit on one side, visiting fans on the other, especially in the outfield cheering sections.
- Food and drinks are sold in the stands. Check the stadium’s rules on bringing your own.
- Games last about three hours. Plan your last train home. See Tokyo at night.
FAQ
How do I buy Japanese baseball tickets as a tourist?
Use each team’s official ticket sites. The Swallows have an English ticket site paid with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and the Giants sell through several official platforms listed on their website.
Which is better: Tokyo Dome or Jingu Stadium?
Tokyo Dome is indoor and weatherproof with a big-league feel. Jingu is open-air and relaxed, which is lovely on a warm evening.
When is baseball season in Tokyo?
From spring to early autumn, followed by the playoffs. Check the team schedules for exact dates.
Can I buy tickets at the stadium?
Sometimes, but popular games sell out. It is safer to buy in advance from official sellers.
Keep reading
Sources
Ticket information in this guide comes from the official team websites (checked November 3, 2026). Sales methods change, so please check before you buy.
