Yokohama Stadium

Yokohama Stadium, affectionately known as "Hamasta," opened its doors on April 4, 1978, built on the site of a former cricket ground. It was pioneering as Japan's first multi-purpose stadium with movable seats and its second artificial turf stadium. Interestingly, legendary American baseball players Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig even played at this location in 1934 when it was known as Yokohama Park Stadium. The stadium has undergone significant renovations, including between 2018 and 2020, and served as a primary venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics baseball and softball events.

Yokohama Stadium boasts excellent public transport accessibility. It's just a two-minute walk from the south exit of Kannai Station on the JR Negishi Line, and a three-minute walk from Exit 1 of Yokohama Municipal Subway Kannai Station. Other nearby options include a five-minute walk from the north exit of Ishikawacho Station (JR Negishi Line) and a three-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nihon Odori Station (Minatomirai Line).

Yokohama Stadium is well-equipped to host large crowds, with a seating capacity of 34,046 people. This makes it a significant venue for both sports and entertainment events in the region.

Yes, Yokohama Stadium has several unique features. Its design includes dirt around the bases and pitcher's mound, a characteristic not commonly found in other Japanese stadiums, though the infield and base paths are dirt-colored turf. The stadium also features iconic Y-shaped lighting towers. As of 2026, it became the fourth stadium in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to adopt a cashless system, offering a modern visitor experience.

Beyond Yokohama Park itself, the stadium's central location places it near several family-friendly outdoor spots. You can easily walk to Yamashita Park, which offers open green spaces and waterfront views, or explore the bustling streets of Yokohama Chinatown, which provides a vibrant cultural experience. The Minato Mirai area, with its modern architecture and waterfront promenade, is also within easy reach for a pleasant stroll.

Yes, the area around Yokohama Stadium is generally flat and well-suited for wheelchair users. Yokohama Park, where the stadium is located, offers paved paths for easy navigation. The nearby waterfront promenade and much of the Minato Mirai district are also designed with accessibility in mind, providing smooth surfaces for outdoor exploration.

An easy urban walk focusing on the stadium's exterior and Yokohama Park might take 30-60 minutes. If you extend your stroll to include nearby attractions like Yokohama Chinatown or the waterfront promenade, you could easily spend 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how much you explore each area. Many visitors combine a stadium visit with a longer urban exploration.

For views of the stadium itself, the surrounding Yokohama Park offers various angles, especially during non-event days. For broader scenic views of Yokohama's skyline and waterfront, consider walking towards the Minato Mirai area or Yamashita Park, where you can see the bay, the iconic Ferris wheel, and other landmarks.

Given its central urban location, there are several cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of Yokohama Stadium, particularly as you head towards Kannai Station, Yokohama Chinatown, or the Minato Mirai district. Many of these establishments offer outdoor seating options, perfect for enjoying a coffee or meal while observing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

While the stadium itself is in an urban setting, the surrounding area offers pleasant outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy urban walks through Yokohama Park or along the waterfront promenade. For those driving, public parking garages are available in the broader Naka-ku area, though they can fill up quickly, especially during events. It's advisable to check specific parking availability and rates if planning to drive for outdoor exploration.