The team that produced Ohtani
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are famous for developing Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and other MLB stars. In 2023, they moved to ES CON Field HOKKAIDO, instantly creating one of the world's most impressive sports facilities.
ES CON Field: beyond baseball
ES CON Field isn't just a stadium — it's an entire entertainment village. The complex includes a hotel overlooking the field, a natural hot spring with stadium views, glamping sites, a kids' adventure park (F VILLAGE), restaurants, and shops. You could spend an entire day here without watching a single pitch.
Getting there
JR Kita-Hiroshima Station is about 20 minutes' walk, with shuttle buses on game days. From Sapporo Station: about 25 minutes by JR. New Chitose Airport is also nearby, making it accessible for tourists arriving from other parts of Japan.
The hot spring experience
Yes, you can literally soak in a hot spring while watching a baseball game. The Tower 11 facility has an onsen with views of the field. Book well in advance — this is one of the most unique sports experiences on Earth.
Hokkaido food
The food at ES CON Field rivals Sapporo's best restaurants. Fresh seafood bowls, soup curry, miso ramen, Genghis Khan lamb BBQ, and soft-serve ice cream made from Hokkaido milk. The quality is genuinely restaurant-level.
Summary
ES CON Field is a must-visit even if you have zero interest in baseball. The combination of hot springs, world-class food, and innovative design makes it one of Japan's best tourist attractions.