I will be in Tokyo with 2 friends from 8/9 - 8/15; we would really like to see a baseball game while we are there. Unfortunately, the only game available is Giants vs. Tigers on 8/9 @ the Tokyo Dome, which starts at 6pm.
If our plane is scheduled to arive NRT at 2pm, what are the chances that we would be able to get to the stadium on-time AFTER checking into our hotel (Strings/Shinawaga). We are carrying on all luggage, so that should shave off some airport time. If we make it to the stadium, would "general admission" tickets even be available? We're not looking for anything fancy....just want the experience.
Thank you in advance!
incognito13169
1
wee_willy
You basically will have two problems -
1. getting from NRT to the Tokyo Dome
2. getting tickets, as Tigers v. Giants is one of the biggest rivalries in Japanese baseball
If you really want to see a game, just for the experience, there are other teams local to the greater Tokyo area, some which are playing during your visit. Check out the Yokohama Baystars, Chiba Lotte Marines, Tokyo Yakult Swallows, or the Seibu Lions. I would recommend going to a game on a different day when you have some time. Usually the gates will open at 4 for games that start at 6. Get there a bit early, 5 or so. Buy your bento box, beer, and souvenirs. Enjoy the game.
2
richardinsf
With a 2pm arrival at NRT, your chances of getting first to your hotel in Shinagawa and then reaching the Tokyo Dome by 6pm are small.
The wait at Narita is for immigration, not for customs or baggage claim. You are arriving at close to peak time. Most likely you will not exit the customs hall until close to 3pm (if you are lucky and your flight is on time). This means you could maybe catch the 3:13pm train, which only goes to Tokyo station (4:16). There you change to the Yamanote line and get to Shinagawa station about 4:40.
If you were VERY disciplined, and everything worked perfectly, you might be able to reach the stadium not too much after 6pm. And then, as the above poster points out, there is the issue of getting tickets!
Really best to try for another game, but if that's your only option, bring scalper money and go for it. Incidentally, bus or (hugely expensive) taxi are less reliable options than the train.
3
shefgab
I went to see the Hiroshima Carps vs Tokyo Giants last Saturday at the TOkyo Doma. The game started at six, but lasts for a few hours, and people are always coming and going, so its not a problem if you miss the beginning. Your profile says your American, so I probably don't need to/shouldn't say this but I though it was the most boring sports match I've ever seen - i left after the first 3 innings (during which nobody got any points) - waste of Y2300.
4
incognito13169
Thank you to all who replied! We have decided that it will be best not to chance it & go to Yokohama on the 10th instead.
5
muzzman
Is Japanese BASEBALL boring? - IMHO yes.
HOWEVER, I would say the reason for going is the EXPERIENCE NOT the baseball.
6
osakagaijin
Too bad because there's nothing better than a Tigers vs. Giants game. It is actually better to see the game at the Hanshin's home because fans are a lot more loose than the stiff Giant fans. If you have to see a team during your visit to Tokyo, go see Yakult Swallows or Chiba Lotte Marines. Yakult fans have this crazy umbrella dance that they do. Chiba Lotte is a good team the past few years and also have crazy fans. I am a big fan of their coach Bobby Valentine because of course he played for the Angels and Dodgers but he is trying to make a difference in the Nippon Baseball League and trying to change the rules to give all teams and players oppurtunities.
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