The 2024 World Series may be a distant memory, but for baseball enthusiasts, the pursuit of the ultimate ballpark experience continues. This year, however, the game is just one part of an unparalleled offering: Es Con Field Hokkaido, a state-of-the-art stadium in Japan, has opened its doors to a truly unique hotel, allowing fans to literally sleep inside a baseball stadium, watching games from the comfort of their rooms and indulging in a luxurious, baseball-themed onsen experience. This innovative combination of sport, hospitality, and Japanese culture is attracting fans worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
- Sleep inside a baseball stadium: Es Con Field Hokkaido’s Tower Eleven Hotel offers eight themed rooms with breathtaking field views, including a Clubhouse Room featuring original lockers from the Sapporo Dome.
- Onsen with a view: Experience the unique blend of Japanese culture and baseball by enjoying a game from an onsen (hot spring) overlooking the field – a world’s first!
- More than just a hotel: Explore a vast entertainment complex, including a craft brewery, ramen terrace, and various attractions, all within the Hokkaido Ballpark F Village.
- Ohtani’s legacy: Stay where Shohei Ohtani once played, experiencing the rich history of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
- Affordable options available: Despite the luxury options, attending a game with standard tickets remains surprisingly accessible, starting at just $7.
Experience the Ultimate Ballpark Stay: Inside Es Con Field Hokkaido
Es Con Field Hokkaido, located on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, is not your average baseball stadium. This cutting-edge facility, opened in March 2023, boasts a retractable roof designed to ensure optimal playing conditions while also providing a striking architectural presence. With a capacity of 35,000 spectators the stadium is home to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a team notably known for having once housed Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. But what truly sets this stadium apart is its unique integration with the Tower Eleven Hotel, offering an unparalleled fan experience.
Themed Rooms with Unforgettable Views
The Tower Eleven Hotel within the stadium features eight uniquely themed rooms, each providing unobstructed views of the playing field. The most coveted room, the "Clubhouse Room," goes above and beyond, replicating the atmosphere of the Fighters’ locker room using genuine lockers from the team’s former home, Sapporo Dome. Imagine potentially storing your pajamas in the same locker once used by Shohei Ohtani—a dream come true for many baseball fans.
The hotel’s unique location eliminates the need for game tickets for its guests, as they can enjoy the action live from the comfort of their own private rooms. This creates an intimacy and accessibility never before seen in sports hospitality, promising memorable moments for every guest.
Pricing and Availability
While the allure of such a unique experience is undeniable, it comes at a price. The Clubhouse Room, capable of accommodating five people, starts at $719 per night on game days, which translates to approximately $144 per person—a manageable cost given the exclusivity and experience offered. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, as most rooms are booked several months in advance.
Beyond the Game: Onsen, Culture and Entertainment
Es Con Field Hokkaido’s innovation extends beyond the hotel. The facility prides itself on being the world’s first baseball stadium with a natural onsen (hot spring) overlooking the field. This addition seamlessly blends Japanese culture with the excitement of baseball. The onsen water source, discovered 4,265 feet beneath ground level, boasts therapeutic properties further enhancing the unique experience.
A Baseball-Themed Onsen Experience
To create a truly immersive environment, numerous baseball-themed details permeate the onsen area. Guests can hang their towels from sawed-off bats previously used by Hokkaido Fighters players, and the sauna rails are crafted from similarly repurposed equipment. The check-in counter itself showcases numerous game-used baseballs, and the entire area incorporates diamond-shaped tables as a subtle nod to the sport. While traditional onsens are typically enjoyed without clothing, bathing suits are mandatory in this setting – partly to avoid any unexpected appearances on Jumbotron. Non-hotel guests can also book an onsen session for $26, provided availability permits. Even the simple act of purchasing a bathing suit is made convenient through an onsite vending machine.
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters: A Rich History
Es Con Field Hokkaido is home to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a team with a rich history spanning 78 years. They compete in the Pacific League of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and are renowned for their distinctive playing style and cultural traditions. The team is deeply ingrained in Japanese baseball culture, and watching a game is a fascinating insight into this world, filled with unique rituals such as the bows exchanged by teams and batters. The stadium’s location and history add to its attraction, fostering a deep sense of connection to local heritage.
Ohtani’s Time with the Fighters
The team’s history further underscores their charm; it was this team that drafted an 18-year-old Shohei Ohtani in 2012. He spent five productive seasons with the Fighters before his memorable transfer to the Los Angeles Angels in 2017. Having earned three Japan Series titles, the most recent in 2016, the Fighters bring both legacy and excitement to each and every game. This historical significance adds another layer to the experience for visitors.
Extra Innings: Beyond the Diamond
The Es Con Field Hokkaido experience extends far beyond the hotel and the games themselves. Situated within the 80-acre Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, the stadium forms part of a larger entertainment complex, featuring a wide array of activities both for baseball fans and those seeking more general entertainment.
Hokkaido Ballpark F Village: Amenities and Activities
The village itself presents a unique offering. A dedicated craft brewery, experimenting with unique beers aged in reclaimed broken bats (often repurposed into chopsticks in Japan), adds to the locale’s charm. The ramen terrace, encompassing five famous Japanese ramen shops, satisfies every craving, alongside frequent special food events like fried dumpling festivals. Even seating has a unique approach with the "Coca-Cola Seats," painted in the iconic red and offering unlimited Coca-Cola soft drinks. An Adventure Park, children’s play area, simulators for golf, baseball, and horseback riding, further enhance the entertainment options, with the grounds transforming into a snow park and ice rink in winter, promising year-round fun. Additional accommodation includes luxury villas near the stadium with ash wood interiors and private saunas, and glamping options where guests can enjoy bonfires and barbeques while overlooking the stadium. This makes the entire complex a destination in itself regardless of your preference for baseball.
In short, Es Con Field Hokkaido transcends the typical sports venue. It is a masterclass in fan engagement, blending luxury accommodations, unique cultural experiences, and cutting-edge entertainment into a seamless and unforgettable experience. It’s a place where the love of baseball meets the heart of Japanese tradition, offering something for every kind of traveler, from the most dedicated fan to the casual visitor.