Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Hanshin Koshien Stadium stands in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, as Japan's oldest professional baseball stadium and one of the most revered sports venues in the country. Built in 1924, the stadium was originally constructed to host the National High School Baseball Championship and has since become synonymous with Japanese baseball culture. The name "Koshien" comes from the Chinese zodiac year of its completion, combining "Ko" (甲) for the year and "shien" (子園) meaning "child's garden."

The stadium holds profound cultural significance as the home ground of the Hanshin Tigers, one of Nippon Professional Baseball's most passionately supported teams. However, its greatest fame comes from hosting the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament each spring and the National High School Baseball Championship each summer. These tournaments, particularly the summer championship known as "Natsu no Koshien," represent the pinnacle of high school sports in Japan and draw millions of television viewers nationwide. For high school players, reaching Koshien is considered the ultimate achievement, often surpassing even professional baseball in emotional significance for participants and fans alike.

Visitors to Koshien Stadium experience an atmosphere unlike any other baseball venue in Japan. The stadium's distinctive features include its natural grass playing field and the iconic ivy-covered outfield walls, which have become a symbol of the venue. The stadium underwent major renovations between 2007 and 2010 while preserving its historical character, now accommodating approximately 47,000 spectators. During Tigers games, fans engage in spirited cheering traditions, including the release of thousands of balloons during the seventh-inning stretch. The Koshien History Museum, located within the stadium complex, offers exhibits on the venue's history and allows visitors to walk through the players' tunnel and touch the sacred infield dirt that players famously collect after tournament elimination.

The stadium is accessible via the Koshien Station on the Hanshin Electric Railway, just a five-minute walk from the venue. From Osaka's Umeda district, the journey takes approximately 15 minutes, while travelers from Kobe's Sannomiya Station can reach it in about 20 minutes. Admission prices vary depending on the event, with professional Tigers games typically ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥5,000 depending on seat location, while high school tournament games are considerably more affordable, usually around ¥500 to ¥1,000 for general admission. Tickets for popular Tigers games should be purchased in advance through official channels, though high school tournament games generally allow same-day entry.