Game day inside the Sapporo Dome. Photo by Jim Spavins.

Sapporo Dome Stadium Guide

Located on the south side of Sapporo, the Sapporo Dome is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums ever built.  The Sapporo Dome serves as home to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Pacific League but is also home to the Consadole Sapporo soccer team of the J League - Japan's professional soccer league.  The soccer field is a natural grass surface that is stored outside when the baseball team is in town (and playing on artifical turf) and then is moved into the stadium using air power.  The stands in centerfield all fold up and the outfield wall also slides away to move the field in and out.  Check out the animation on the Sapporo Dome website.

What to See at the Ballpark 

As is common in the Major Leagues, the Sapporo Dome offers tours of the stadium.  The tours last approximately one hour and are done in Japanese.  You have the opportunity to walk around the stadium, see the bullpens, sit in the dugout, and walk on the field.  On game days, take a walk around the first floor to see the team's memorabilia display and MVP Memorial Plaques.  the main concessions are also located on this level.

Getting to the Game

Sapporo is a fairly small city compared to the rest of the locations of NPB teams.  When arriving in town at the JR Sapporo Station, find your way to the Toho (Blue) Subway line.  Take this to the end of the line at Fukuzumi Station and follow the signs out of the station to the Sapporo Dome.  The stadium is a 5-10 minute walk south from the train station.

  Want more? Japanese Baseball Road Trip Guide »  

Related Links

Official Sapporo Dome Site (English)

Nippon-Ham Fighters Website (Japanese)

Wikipedia Info (English)