Baseball aficionados often find themselves searching for fresh ways to immerse themselves in the sport they love, especially after the exhilaration of the World Series subsides. An innovative destination for such fans is Es Con Field Hokkaido, a stadium located in Japan’s picturesque Hokkaido. Not only does this venue boast state-of-the-art design features, but it also offers an extraordinary opportunity for fans to sleep within its walls and enjoy a game without stepping out of their rooms.
Es Con Field Hokkaido opened its doors in March 2023 and quickly captured the hearts of baseball fans with its remarkable concept of incorporating a hotel within the stadium itself. This multi-functional space can accommodate up to 35,000 fans with its modern grass field and retractable roof. Yet, it is the Tower Eleven Hotel that sets the venue apart from other baseball stadiums around the world. Twelve rooms, each decorated with baseball themes and views that overlook the field, provide guests with an unparalleled experience. One of the highlights is the Clubhouse Room, designed to replicate the ambiance of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters’ locker room, complete with authentic lockers used by the team in their previous stadium. Picture this: you could be resting your belongings in the very same locker that baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani once occupied.
The experience of staying at Es Con Field Hokkaido reaches new heights with access to a unique on-site onsen, or hot spring, thought to be the world’s first in a baseball stadium. Guests can enjoy the serene experience of soaking in these natural springs while watching a live game unfold below. The developers dug deep to source the water, reaching a depth of 4,265 feet. The onsen not only provides relaxation but also features amenities such as a cold plunge pool and a bar serving craft beer and edamame—truly a fan’s paradise. It is noteworthy that traditional onsen culture in Japan typically involves bathing nude, yet for the stadium’s outdoor onsens, bathing suits are a requisite, as the area is visible to spectators.
Beyond the luxurious accommodations and relaxing onsens, Es Con Field Hokkaido is brimming with exciting elements that enhance the overall experience for attendees. The stadium has integrated baseball culture into various features, including towel holders fashioned from bats and a check-in desk that showcases game-used baseball memorabilia. Guests can buy forgotten swimwear from a vending machine while also having the option to book onsen access if they are not staying at the hotel. This inclusive approach means that anyone equitably enjoys the unique features the stadium has to offer, with pricing that starts at a reasonable $26 for non-hotel guests.
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters carry a storied history within Japanese baseball, having won three Japan Series titles since their inception in 1946. Attending a game is not merely about the sport; it’s an incredible window into Japanese culture. Fans relay their passion through ceremonial bowing before the game, a rare sight in professional sports, that signifies respect for opponents, supporters, and the venue. Moreover, the stadium encourages fans to arrive early, offering delightful pre-game festivities such as craft beer tastings and ramen from well-regarded culinary shops.
Fans will also appreciate the emphasis on novelty, as seen with unique offerings such as the “Coca-Cola Seats”. These seats provide unlimited soft drinks to attendees, making them a hot commodity. Additionally, the expansive 80-acre Hokkaido Ballpark F Village features attractions beyond the baseball diamond, including an adventure park, simulators, and even a winter transformation into an ice rink.
While staying at the Tower Eleven Hotel might come at a premium, with rooms averaging $719 on game days, enthusiastic fans on a budget can still experience the thrill of Hokkaido’s baseball scene. Regular game tickets are available starting as low as $7, allowing many to partake in this unique blend of entertainment and immersiveness without overstretching their finances.
Es Con Field Hokkaido is not just a stadium but a comprehensive experience that captivates both baseball fans and casual visitors alike. It stands as a testament to how baseball culture can be intertwined with hospitality and natural relaxation, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enhance their love for the game or simply enjoy a unique vacation spot in Japan.