Thursday, July 5, 2001

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Thursday, July 5, 2001

Take me out to the park: A guide to
finding and enjoying baseball in Asia

Stars and Stripes

Click to jump ahead to:
• Korean baseball directory
• More information, including Web sites

The best way to get to baseball stadiums in Japan and South Korea is to take the train or subway.

While you might save money by carpooling, parking facilities are very limited and expensive, especially in downtown areas.

Here’s a guide on going to baseball stadiums in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Fukuoka in Japan, and to Seoul, Suwon, Inchon, Taegu and Pusan in South Korea.

Japan

Rick Chernitzer/Stars and Stripes
A vendor carting a pony keg in a backpack makes a sale in Tokyo Dome.

To Tokyo Dome — home of Yomiuri Giants and Nippon Ham Fighters.

Camp Zama’s community activities center is offering bus transportation Sept. 16 for the annual Yankees Day festivities, preceding a game between the Chiba Lotte Marines and Nippon Ham Fighters. Tickets are free and bus seats for as many as 70 people may be available. Call 263-3621.

Korakuen Amusement Park, adjacent to the Tokyo Dome, is a good way to make a family day of it. Go to the amusement park in the afternoon then head to the ballpark, since most games are at night.

A free-ride ticket, which will get you into the park and on an unlimited number of rides, costs about $25 for adults, less than $20 for children.

From Camp Zama: Odakyu line from Sobudai-mae Station, transfer to Chiyoda Subway Line at Yoyogi-uehara, transfer to Namboku Subway Line at Kokkai-gijido-mae, exit at Korakuen station. Cost: 590 yen (about $5).

From Yokosuka Naval Base: Keihin-Kyuko line from Yokosuka-chuo or Shioiri Station, transfer to Yamanote or Keihin Tohoku Line at Shinagawa, transfer to Marunouchi Subway Line at Tokyo, exit at Korakuen Station. 940 yen ($8).

From Yokota Air Base: Ome line from Fussa Station, transfer to Chuo Line at Tachikawa, transfer to Sobu Line at Yotsuya, exit at Suidobashi Station. 690 yen ($6).

From Negishi Housing Area: JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Negishi Station, transfer to JR Sobu Line at Akihabara, exit at Suidobashi Station. 620 yen ($5).

From Atsugi Naval Air Facility: Sotetsu Line from Sagamino Station, transfer to JR Keihin Tohoku Line at Yokohama, transfer to JR Sobu Line at Akihabara, exit at Suidobashi Station. 710 yen ($6).

Ticket prices

Yomiuri Giants: S seat (behind home plate), 5,900 yen (about $50); A seat (lower level first and third base), 5,200 yen ($44); B seat (lower level outfield line), 3,700 yen ($32); C seat (upper level), 2,300 yen ($20); Outfield reserved, 2,000 yen ($17); Bleachers, adult, 1,200 yen ($10); Bleachers, child, 600 yen ($5).

Nippon Ham Fighters: S seat (behind home plate), 5,100 yen ($44); A seat (lower level first and third base), 4,100 yen ($35); B seat (lower level outfield line), 3,100 yen ($27).

C seat (upper level, second level outfield), 2,300 yen ($20); Apple seat (pair; price includes souvenir, food and soft drink), 5,100 yen ($44); Kanpai seat (price includes one beer), 1,800 yen ($15); Infield general admission, adult, 2,000 yen ($17); Infield general admission, child, 1,000 yen ($9); Bleachers, adult, 1,500 yen ($13); Bleachers, child, 500 yen ($4).

Amenities

Beer: 800 yen ($7); Coca-Cola: 230 yen ($2); Box meals: 1,000 yen ($9) to 2,000 yen ($17); Curry rice: 680 yen ($6); Bowl of soba (noodles): 500 yen ($4); Yakisoba (fried noodles): 550 yen ($5); Hot dog: 380 yen ($3); Plastic megaphone: 600 yen ($5); Team pennant: 600 yen.

To Jingu Stadium (Yakult Swallows)

From Zama: Odakyu Line from Sobudai-mae Station, transfer to Chiyoda Subway Line at Yoyogi-uehara, transfer to Ginza Subway Line at Omote-sando, exit at Gaienmae Station. Cost: 560 yen ($5).

From Yokosuka: Keihin-Kyuko Line from Yokosuka-chuo or Shioiri Station, transfer to JR Yamanote Line at Shinagawa, transfer to Ginza Subway Line at Shibuya, exit at Gaienmae Station. 940 yen ($8).

From Yokota: JR Ome Line from Fussa Station, transfer to JR Chuo Line at Tachikawa, transfer to JR Yamanote Line at Shinjuku, transfer to Ginza Subway Line at Shibuya, exit at Gaienmae Station. 850 yen ($7).

From Negishi: JR Negishi or Keihin Tohoku Line from Negishi Station, transfer to Tokyu Toyoko Line at Yokohama, transfer to Ginza Subway Line at Shibuya, exit at Gaienmae Station. 580 yen ($5).

From Atsugi: Sotetsu Line from Sagamino Station, transfer to Tokyu Toyoko Line at Yokohama, transfer to Ginza Subway Line at Shibuya, exit at Gaienmae Station. 690 yen ($6).

Ticket prices

Reserved seat A (behind home plate), 3,900 yen ($33); Reserved seat B (lower level baselines, upper level), 3,100 ($27); Outfield reserved, 1,900 yen ($16); Bleachers, adult, 1,500 yen ($13); Bleachers, child, 500 yen ($4).

Amenities

Beer: 700 yen ($6); Coca-Cola: 210 yen ($2); Box meal: 600 yen ($5) to 1,500 yen ($13); Curry rice: 600 yen ($5) to 800 yen ($7); Bowl of udon (hot noodles): 420 yen ($4) to 580 yen ($5); Hot dog: 370 yen ($3); Plastic megaphone: 700 yen ($6); Team pennant: 600 yen ($5).

To Yokohama Stadium (Yokohama BayStars)

From Zama: Odakyu Line from Sobudai-mae Station, transfer to Sotetsu Line at Ebina, transfer to JR Negishi Line at Yokohama, two stops to Kannai Station. 580 yen ($5).

From Negishi: JR Negishi or Keihin Tohoku Line from Negishi Station, three stops to Kannai Station. 150 yen ($1).

From Yokosuka: Keihin-Kyuko Line from Yokosuka-chuo or Shioiri Station, transfer to JR Negishi Line at Yokohama, two stops to Kannai Station. 480 yen ($4).

From Atsugi: Sotetsu Line from Sagamino Station, transfer to JR Negishi Line at Yokohama, two stops to Kannai Station. 400 yen ($4).

From Yokota: JR Hachiko Line from Fussa Station, transfer to JR Nambu Line at Tachikawa, transfer to Tokyu Toyoko Line at Musashi Kosugi, transfer to JR Negishi Line at Yokohama, two stops to Kannai Station. 960 yen ($8).

Ticket prices

Reserved seat S (behind home plate), 5,500 yen ($47); Reserved seat A (inner baselines), 4,000 yen ($34); Reserved seat B (outer baselines), 3,500 yen ($30); Outfield reserved, 2,200 yen ($19); x-Infield non-reserved, adult, 2,500 yen ($21); x-Infield non-reserved, child, 800 yen ($7); Bleachers, adult, 1,800 yen ($15); Bleachers, child, 500 yen ($4)

(x-not available for games against Yomiuri Giants.)

Amenities

Beer: 480 yen ($4); Coca-Cola: 180 yen ($2); Box meal: 600 yen ($5) to 1,000 yen ($9); Curry rice: 500 yen ($4) to 600 yen ($5); Bowl of udon: 500 yen ($4) to 600 yen ($5); Hot dog: 350 yen ($3); Plastic megaphone: 460 yen ($4) to 710 yen ($6); Team pennant: 610 yen ($5).

To Seibu Dome (Seibu Lions)

Dave Ornauer / Stars and Stripes
Yuki Okamura, right, a concessionaire at the Seibu Dome, hawks souvenirs of pro baseball teams, both in Japan and the States. Okamura says the most popular items for sale in his shop are of Japanese baseball star Ichiro Suzuki and the Seattle Mariners.

The Yujo Community Center at Yokota offers occasional tours to games, but none are planned at this time. To find out about upcoming tours, call 225-7713.

Seibu Yuenchi, an amusement park, is near the Seibu Dome, and is a good way to make a family day of it, since most games are played at night.

A one-day free pass for entrance and all rides costs 3,500 yen for adults ($30) and 2,500 for children ($21). Or purchase a pass for the Seibu-en swimming pool as well, total cost 4,000 yen for adults ($34) and 2,600 for children ($22). Admission to just the swimming pool costs 1,850 for adults ($16) and 800 for children ($7).

From Yokota: JR Ome Line from Fussa Station, transfer to Seibu Haijima Line at Haijima, transfer to Seibu Tamako Line at Hagiyama, transfer to Seibu Yamaguchi Line at Seibu Yuenchi, exit at Seibu Kyujo-mae. 420 yen ($4).

From Camp Zama: Odakyu Line from Sobudai-mae Station, transfer to JR Nambu Line at Noborito, transfer to JR Musashino Line at Fuchu-Honmachi, transfer to JR Chuo line at Nishi-Kokubunji, transfer to Seibu Tamako Line at Kokubunji, transfer to Seibu Yamaguchi Line at Seibu Yuenchi, exit at Seibu Kyujo-mae. 880 yen ($8).

From Atsugi: Sotetsu Line from Sagamino Station, transfer to Odakyu Line at Ebina, transfer to JR Nambu Line at Noborito, transfer to JR Musashino Line at Fuchu-Honmachi, transfer to JR Chuo Line at Nishi-Kokubunji, transfer to Seibu Tamako Line at Kokubunji, transfer to Seibu Yamaguchi line at Seibu Yuenchi, exit at Seibu Kyujo-mae. 1,080 yen ($9).

From Yokosuka: Keihin Kyuko Line from Yokosuka-chuo or Shiori Station, transfer to JR Yamanote Line at Shinagawa, transfer to Seibu Ikebukuro Line at Ikebukuro, transfer to Seibu Sayama Line at Nishi Tokorozawa, exit at Seibu Kyujo-mae. 1,230 yen ($11).

From Negishi: JR Negishi or Keihin Tohoku Line from Negishi Station, transfer to JR Yamanote Line at Shinagawa, transfer to Seibu Ikebukuro Line at Ikebukuro, transfer to Seibu Sayama Line at Nishi Tokorozawa, exit at Seibu Kyujo-mae. 1,050 yen ($9).

Ticket prices

Infield reserved A, game day 3,500 yen ($30), advance 3,200 yen ($27); Infield reserved B, game day 3,200 yen ($27), advance 2,900 yen ($25); Infield reserved C, game day 2,900 yen ($25), advance 2,800 yen ($24); General admission, adult, game day 2,800 yen ($24), advance 2,600 yen ($22); General admission, child, game day 1,000 yen ($9), advance 800 yen ($7); Outfield seat, adult, 1,600 yen ($14); Outfield seat, child, 500 yen ($4).

Amenities

Beer: 520 yen ($5); Coca-Cola: 200 yen ($2); Box meals: 800 yen ($7) to 1,500 yen ($13); Curry rice: 900 yen ($8) to 1,000 yen ($9); Bowl of udon: 500 yen ($4) to 600 yen ($5); Hot dog: 300 yen ($3); Plastic megaphone: 420 yen ($4) to 840 yen ($7); Team pennants: 530 yen ($5) to 630 yen ($5).

To Hiroshima Civic Stadium (Hiroshima Carp)

From Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station: JR line from Iwakuni Station, 50 minutes to Hiroshma Station. 740 yen ($6) Street car from Hiroshima Station, 15 minutes to Genbaku Dome Mae. 150 yen ($1).

Ticket prices

Reserved Seat A, 3,200 yen ($27); Reserved Seat B, 2,500 yen ($21); Infield unreserved, adult, 2,000 yen ($17); Infield unreserved, child, 800 yen ($7); Outfield reserved, 2,000 yen ($17); Bleachers, adult, 1,500 yen ($13); Bleachers, child, 700 yen ($6).

Amenities

Beer: 450 yen ($4); Coca-Cola: 200 yen ($2); Box meals: 600 yen ($5) to 1,100 yen ($10); Curry rice: 500 yen ($4); Udon: 400 yen ($4); Yakisoba: 500 yen ($4); Hot dog: 300 yen ($3); Plastic megaphone: Range from 400 yen ($4) to 600 yen ($5); Team pennant: Range from 500 yen ($4) to 600 yen ($5).

To Fukuoka Dome (Fukuoka Daiei Hawks)

From Sasebo Naval Base: JR Sasebo Line, Midori express to Hakata, transfer to Kuko Subway Line at Hakata, exit at Tojinmachi. 10- to 15-minute walk from station to Fukuoka Dome. 2,320 yen ($20).

Saihi express bus leaves Sasebo JR Station every 20 to 30 minutes. Get off at Tenjin. Then take a local commuting bus to the dome. It takes about two hours. One-way fare is 2,200 yen ($18) for adults. It is preferable to make reservations. Call (0956) 25-8900.

Ticket prices

Special reserved seat, 5,300 yen ($45); Reserved seat A, 4,200 yen ($36); Reserved seat B, 3,500 yen ($30); Home run box seat, 2,100 yen ($18); Infield non-reserved seat, adult, 2,500 yen ($21); Infield non-reserved seat, child, 1,200 yen ($10); Bleachers, adult, 1,000 yen ($9); Bleachers, child, 500 yen ($4).

Amenities

Beer: 700 yen ($6); Coca-Cola: 250 yen ($2); Box meals: 800 yen ($7); Curry rice: 500 yen ($4); Hot dog: 250 yen ($2); Plastic megaphone: 700 yen ($6); T-shirt: 2,900 yen ($25).

South Korea

Ticket prices (same at each ballpark)

Regular season: Reserved seats: 8,000 won ($6); General admission: 5,000 won ($4); Soldiers, senior citizens, high school students: 3,000 won ($2); Children: 1,000 won (79 cents).

Postseason: Reserved seats: 20,000 won ($16); General admission: 12,000 won ($10); Soldiers, senior citizens, high school students: 5,000 won ($4); Children: 2,000 won ($2).

Amenities

Beer: Ranges from 2,000 won to 2,500 won ($2) outside stadium; Soju: Korean liquor, 2,000 won ($2) for drink boxes outside stadium; Coca-Cola: 800 won (64 cents); Box meals: Range from 1,500 won ($1) to 4,000 won ($3); Megaphones and pennants: 2,000 won ($2); Dried squid jerky: 2,000 won ($2); Cheer-stix: 1,000 won (79 cents) per set.

Taking trains or subways to each of the stadiums, even going the 30 miles from Seoul to Inchon, can cost as little as $1 or less each way.

To Chamshil Baseball Stadium, Seoul (LG Twins, Doosan Bears)

From Yongsan Garrison: Subway blue line from Samgakji, Ichon or Shin Yongsan stations, transfer to green line at Sadang, exit at Sports Complex Station, stop No. 18.

From Suwon: Train from Suwon Station into Seoul. Transfer to blue line at Yongsan Station, transfer to green line at Sadang, exit at Sports Complex Station, stop No. 18.

From other outlying bases: Take your base or camp shuttle bus to Yongsan Garrison bus terminal, then walk 15 minutes or take short taxi ride to subway blue line at Samgakji, just west of the base. Transfer to green line at Sadang, exit at Sports Complex Station, stop No. 18.

To Sajik Baseball Stadium, Pusan (Lotte Giants)

From Camp Hialeah: Subway from So Myon, No. 1 line, near the Lotte Hotel, about a 15-minute walk from Hialeah. Exit at Dongrae Station and follow signs to baseball stadium. Or take a taxi from Camp Hialeah to Sajik Stadium, about 2,500 won ($2). Tell the driver: "Sajik yagoo jang ka choo say yo."

From Chinhae Naval Base: Take base shuttle to Camp Hialeah. Subway from So Myon, No. 1 line, near the Lotte Hotel, about a 15-minute walk from Hialeah. Exit at Dongrae Station and follow signs to baseball stadium. Or take a taxi from Camp Hialeah to Sajik Stadium, about 2,500 won ($2).

To Suwon Baseball Stadium (Hyundai Unicorns)

From Yongsan Garrison: Red line from Namyong Station. Catch a train that says Suwon in front, about 50 minutes, exit at Suwon Station. A short taxi ride to the stadium should follow. Tell the driver, "Suwon yagoo jong ka choo say yo."

From Osan Air Base: Take a Korean bus from Songtan bus terminal (off base) to Suwon bus terminal. A short taxi ride to the stadium should follow.

Locally: Best way is to go by taxi.

To Inchon Baseball Stadium (SK Wyverns)

From Yongsan Garrison: Red line from Namyong Station. Catch a train that says Inchon in front, about 50 minutes from Yongsan Garrison, exit at third from last stop, Towon Station. Follow signs to baseball stadium.

From Suwon: Train from Suwon Station into Seoul. Transfer to red line at Namyong Station. Catch train that says Inchon in front, about 50 minutes from Yongsan Garrision, exit at third from last stop, Towon Station. Follow signs to baseball stadium.

From other outlying bases: Take your base or camp shuttle bus to Yongsan Garrison bus terminal, then walk 15 minutes or take short taxi ride to Namyong Station. Catch a Red line train that says Inchon in front, about 50 minutes from Yongsan Garrison, exit at the third from last stop, Towon Station. Follow signs to baseball stadium.

To Taegu Citizens Stadium (Samsung Lions)

From Camps George, Henry and Walker: Take a taxi, which should cost between 3,500 and 4,000 won (about $3). Tell the driver: "Taegu yagoo jong ka choo say yo." Or take the bus, costing 600 won (about 48 cents). From Camp Walker, catch bus No. 730 in front of the Garden Hotel, about 25-30 minutes to the stadium. From Camp Henry, go to Gate 1 (near Pass & ID) and catch the same bus, No. 730, about 15 minutes to the stadium. Taking the subway is not advised, since there’s no station close to the stadium.

More information

English-language guidebooks are available for those wanting more information on Japanese and Korean baseball. They contain information on players, game schedule, ticket prices and instructions on getting to games in Japan and Korea.

The 2001 Korean Pro Baseball Guide Book can be purchased by sending $5 and your mailing address to: KBO Book, KPO Box 1914, Chongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, 110-110.

The 25th anniversary Japan Pro Baseball Fan Handbook and Media Guide is distributed throughout Japan wherever English-language books are sold. Price is 900 yen ($8). Or e-mail the author, Wayne Graczyk, at wayne@weekender.co.jp or phone (03) 5689-2471.

Links to Japanese baseball Web sites in English:

ww1.baywell.ne.jp/fpweb/drlatham/index.htm

www.inter.co.jp/Baseball

Links to Japanese baseball team Web sites, some with English capability:

giants.yomiuri.co.jp

www.dragons.co.jp

www.baystars.co.jp

www.yakult-swallows.co.jp

www.carp.co.jp

www.hanshin.co.jp/tigers

www.hawkstown.com

www.seibu-group.co.jp/lions