Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The stadium was originally built with the participation of Babe Ruth during his 1934 tour of Japan.

2. 2

   It is one of only two stadiums in Tokyo where professional baseball is played, alongside the Tokyo Dome.

3. 3

   The site serves as the primary battleground for the Tokyo Big6 University Baseball League, a historic collegiate competition.

4. 4

   The stadium is part of the larger Meiji Jingu Gaien complex, which was originally dedicated to the Meiji Emperor.

5. 5

   Despite urban development, the stadium remains an open-air venue, making it susceptible to game cancellations due to heavy rain.

6. 6

   The field's original design was modeled after classic American ballparks from the early 20th century.

Overview

Meiji Jingu Stadium is one of the oldest professional baseball venues in Japan, serving as the home ground for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Constructed in 1926, the stadium maintains its historical significance despite its long tenure in the heart of Tokyo. It features an open-air design that provides views of the surrounding Shinjuku skyline and the greenery of Meiji Jingu Gaien. The facility hosts both professional NPB games and the high-profile Tokyo Big6 University Baseball League. Due to its historical status, it is one of the few remaining wooden-style stadiums in active use. The venue is slated for a major long-term redevelopment project involving the surrounding district. It has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators.

Insider tips

• Bring a small towel for the summer heat, as the seats lack shade and Tokyo summers are humid.

• Try the 'Jingu-style' stadium food, specifically the local sausage platters and yakisoba.

• If you want to experience authentic local fan culture, sit in the outer outfield sections where the organized cheering squads perform.