Koshien is different
Built in 1924, Koshien is Japan's oldest active baseball stadium. The rules reflect a century of tradition, intense fandom, and a 47,000-seat open-air venue. Here's what you need to know.
What you can bring
PET bottles (500ml, with cap). Food (bento, onigiri, snacks). Portable chargers. Cameras (no flash). Megaphones and towels. Jet balloons (the famous 7th-inning tradition — buy them at stalls outside the stadium for ¥300-500).
What you can't bring
Cans and glass bottles. Large umbrellas. Tripods and selfie sticks. Anything that could be thrown onto the field.
The jet balloon tradition
Before the bottom of the 7th inning, Tigers fans inflate long balloons and release them into the sky all at once. Hundreds of balloons floating above the stadium under the lights is Koshien's most iconic moment. You can buy balloons from vendors outside the gates. Don't forget to inflate them before the 7th.
Seating rules
The outfield cheering section is for organized cheering — singing, chanting, standing. If you want to sit quietly, choose infield seats. Don't wear the visiting team's gear in the Tigers sections. This rule is taken seriously.
Weather
Koshien is open-air. The "hamakaze" sea breeze blows from right field to left field. Night games in spring and autumn are colder than you'd expect. Bring layers.
How to buy tickets
Hanshin Tigers official site or Ticket Pia. Giants games and weekend day games sell out weeks in advance. Weeknight games against mid-table teams are your best chance.