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Professional baseball is a very popular sport in Japan. This time, we'll be watching a game featuring the Orix Buffaloes, who play at Kyocera Dome Osaka. We'll introduce you to some easy-to-understand tips on how to enjoy watching baseball, including stadium cuisine, history, and photo spots, all while enjoying a variety of entertainment. Even beginners will be satisfied.
The Japanese professional baseball season begins in late March every year, with each team playing up to 159 games per year, leading up to the Japan Series, which is held in October and November to determine the number one team in the country.
There are two leagues, the Central League (commonly known as the Central League) and the Pacific League (commonly known as the Pacific League), with six teams in each. A total of 12 teams compete in heated matches, aiming for the championship.
In 2025, a combined total of 27.04 million people are expected to attend both the Central and Pacific Leagues, breaking the record for the highest annual attendance since the start of professional baseball.* Baseball is so popular that it is called Japan's national sport.
*Based on research by Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Osaka is home to the Orix Buffaloes, a Japanese professional baseball team. Their home ground is the Kyocera Dome Osaka, and they have produced many players who have gone on to play in the major leagues, including Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese player to be inducted into the American Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Masataka Yoshida and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Apparently Japanese professional baseball is popular with foreign tourists too. This time, Enzo, who was born in Horie, went to a baseball game with Jason, who is in his first year in Japan! In addition to the game, there are plenty of things to see at the stadium. We'll introduce the appeal of watching baseball, including eating, touring, and cheering together.
Guide
A 24-year-old from Newcastle, England. After graduating from Cambridge University, he came to Japan in January 2025 due to his love for the Sengoku period. His favorite warlord is Uesugi Kenshin. This was his first time watching a baseball game.
Enjoy the largest indoor baseball stadium in Kansai, Kyocera Dome Osaka
A stadium with excellent access
Kyocera Dome Osaka, the home stadium of the Orix Buffaloes, has a baseball stadium capacity of 36,220 seats. It is the largest indoor stadium in the Kansai region, and is used not only for baseball games but also as a venue for concerts and other events.
The location is excellent for access as it is close to several stations, including Taisho Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line and Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, Dome-mae Station on the Hanshin Namba Line, and Dome-mae-Chiyozaki Station on the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.
There are mainly day games that start during the day and night games that start at 6pm, and this time the two are going to watch a night game. Since there is still a little time before the game starts, they decide to take a walk around the stadium.
Get dressed for baseball at the official merchandise shop!
The first place we visited was the team's official merchandise shop, "Bs SHOP," located on the second floor of the dome. There was a huge selection of interesting products, from standard items like uniforms and caps to items featuring favorite players.
Another popular item is the penlight, which was introduced in 2025. It changes color to 14 different colors to match the effects in the stadium, creating a sense of unity throughout the stands.
They even had caps with horns on them, and I was surprised at the sheer number of merchandise available. I bought a megaphone, towel, and uniform to keep as a memento. I'm getting excited for the game!
Enjoy stadium gourmet food that can only be eaten here!
30cm long! The stadium's famous extra-large hot dog
One of the attractions of watching a baseball game is the "stadium gourmet" that can be eaten at the stadium. At Kyocera Dome Osaka, you can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods such as hamburgers, ramen, and steaks.
Orix's signature dish is the "Ittemae Dog." This huge hot dog is over 30cm long and is incredibly filling! The stadium also has a limited-edition "Ori Lemon Sour," a refreshing lemon sour that's neither too sour nor too sweet.
Enjoy local Osaka flavors at the stadium!
In addition to the "Ittemae Dog," there are many other famous gourmet foods. "Ajikyu Rakubu" is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy local Osaka cuisine such as fried noodles, takoyaki, and kushikatsu cooked on an iron plate.
I came across the longest hot dog I've ever seen in my life (lol). There are all kinds of food stalls all around the concourse, so it's like a festival food stall and it's fun!
In addition to food and merchandise, there's plenty to see at the stadium!
You'll be lucky if you meet one! Take a commemorative photo with the mascot
The team mascots, Buffalo Bull and Buffalo Bell, appear in various locations before and during the game. The time and location of their appearances are random, so you're lucky if you meet them! Talk to them and ask to take a photo together!
A community area that brings the stadium closer to you
On the second floor is the community area "BsSQUARE," where you can experience the history of the Orix Buffaloes through uniforms of famous players from the past and autographed balls of current players. There is also a trick art photo spot!
The game finally begins. Head to the exciting spectator seats!
After exploring the stadium, it's time to head to the ground where the game will be played. The ceiling is about 60 meters high. Just stepping into this huge space will make you excited.
Before the game starts, the starting lineup is projected onto the screen. The cool images showcasing the individuality of the players are also appealing! Another characteristic of Japanese professional baseball is that the entire audience in the stands unites in excitement with clapping.
During the game, staff called "uriko" will be carrying beer and snacks on their backs and moving around the aisles selling them. If you want to order, just raise your hand!
The two cheer loudly as the heated game unfolds, and before they know it, they're cheering with enthusiasm. Cheering songs for each player and group cheering using trumpets and drums, known as "narimono," are a unique culture of Japanese professional baseball.
There's so much entertainment to watch in Japanese baseball, from the power of the cheering to the events that take place after each inning. I was so excited when I saw my first home run!
Enjoy the excitement of a stadium that is so typical of Osaka!
"To be honest, I didn't really know what the rules of baseball were, but watching a live professional baseball game was so exciting!" said Jason, who was watching a baseball game for the first time in his life.
The pitcher's fastball, the batter's powerful swing, and the brilliant defensive moves of professional baseball players - every moment of their movements is something you can't experience on TV - creates a sense of tension and excitement.
What's more, the stadium is filled with extraordinary experiences, from the joy of cheering together with a large crowd of fans, to the excitement of a home run or a great play. There are also gourmet foods and merchandise that can only be found here, so even people who aren't that knowledgeable about baseball, like Jason, are sure to enjoy themselves.
If you visit Osaka, why not come and watch a live baseball game at least once?
A sports bar for baseball fans
THE PUBLIC PLUM UMEDA
This gastropub and sports bar has an authentic British pub atmosphere. During sporting events, you can enjoy an exciting experience in a relaxed atmosphere while watching the 12 large screens installed inside the bar. The Japanese-style pub food made with domestic ingredients and original craft beer are also popular.
Shinsaibashi Sports Bar BASE
This sports bar is located on a main street in Shinsaibashi. Step inside and you'll find a calm, separate space that contrasts with the bustling cityscape. It's a great place to enjoy a night of exciting sports, or even just a drink or shisha by yourself, and it's also great for naturally interacting with foreign tourists. While compact, it offers counter seating, table seating, and terrace seating, making it a comfortable space for gatherings with friends or dates.
Photo: Hiroto Yorihuji
Edit: Akihiro Maede
Direction: Ningen Henshusha
