How to buy tickets for Tokyo Yakult Swallows home games

When you think of Tokyo and professional baseball, the first name that probably comes to mind is the Yomiuri Giants. It makes sense — after all, international events like the WBC, Premier 12, and even the recent MLB Tokyo Series (Dodgers vs. Cubs!) are usually held at their home stadium: the iconic Tokyo Dome. For many fans, “Tokyo” equals “Tokyo Dome,” and “Tokyo Dome” means the Giants.

But here’s the twist: just a 15-minute ride from the Tokyo Dome, whether by train or car, sits Meiji Jingu Stadium — the home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Yep, Tokyo has two pro baseball teams.

If you’re into MLB, you might know former Swallows like Kazuhisa Ishii, who played for the Dodgers (2002–2004), or Norichika Aoki, who had stints with the Brewers (2012–13) and Royals (2014). The Swallows have also had a solid decade — they won the Central League three times in the last 10 years (2015, 2021, and 2022), and even clinched the Japan Series title in 2021, ending a 20-year drought.

Wait… That’s All the English Info!?

Yeah. That’s pretty much it.
The “English Website” for the Swallows? It’s literally just that one page.
Welcome to NPB.

That said — the vibe at a Swallows game is pure Tokyo (Edo style!). Their cheer anthem is called Tokyo Ondo, a traditional festival song, and instead of kung-fu bat slapping or waving towels, fans dance with tiny umbrellas. It’s quirky, catchy, and just the right kind of fun.

The stadium itself — Meiji Jingu Stadium — feels cozy and intimate, with stands close to the field. It’s located right in the heart of Tokyo, nestled within the Meiji Jingu Gaien complex. From here, you can get to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, or Akasaka in under 10 minutes. You’re basically watching baseball in Tokyo’s trendiest, most stylish neighborhood — Omotesando/Aoyama.

And this isn’t just any stadium. Built in 1926, Jingu is one of Japan’s most historic ballparks. If Koshien is the sacred ground of high school baseball, Jingu is the spiritual home of university baseball. (Oh, and if you’re curious — the “sacred site” for corporate league baseball is the Tokyo Dome.)

For buying Swallows tickets, the official ticket site run by the team is hands-down the easiest to use.

👉>>Swallows Ticket (English Page)

Here’s something to keep in mind:
The Swallows use a “sort of” dynamic pricing system — ticket prices change daily depending on demand.

Usually, prices are lowest when ticket sales first open, and then gradually increase as seats start to sell out.
So if you already know which game you want to attend, it’s best to book early and lock in the cheapest price!

Yep, as the name suggests — cheering for Hanshin is strictly off-limits here.
And yes, Meiji Jingu Stadium is sometimes called “Koshien of the East” because so many Tigers fans show up — it honestly feels like 70% of the crowd is cheering for Hanshin.

(Quick fun fact: Tickets for the Hanshin side — left field & 3rd base — sell out almost instantly.
Meanwhile, the Swallows’ own side often has tickets left until the last minute.
What’s going on!? Hanshin fans, you’re truly wild.)

👉 Also, if you’re sitting in the infield, as long as it’s not labeled “Swallows-fan-only reserved seat,”
you’re totally welcome to cheer for Hanshin there too! 🐯💛

By the way, Lili’s personal favorite seats?

✨ Panorama Roof Reserved Seat A
✨ Panorama Roof Reserved Seat B

From up here, you get a full view of the stadium — especially the outfield cheering sections right in front of you.
If it’s your first time at an NPB game, and you want to soak in the whole atmosphere, this is the place to be!

Just a heads-up: these are second-level seats, so there are a few stairs to climb…
But hey — think of it as warming up with the players before the game! 🎀💪

Even though the seating chart doesn’t say so, if you’re on the right field side (1st base), it’s Swallows fans only — Hanshin cheering is a no-go.

So what about left field?
Great news — left field (3rd base side) is considered the visitor cheering section, and yes, Hanshin cheering is totally OK! 🎉
In fact, unlike Koshien where standing to cheer is usually discouraged (though fans “accidentally” do it anyway… oops), standing & singing your heart out is encouraged in Jingu’s left field seats.

That’s why hardcore Hanshin fans from all over Japan flock to these games.
And that’s why Jingu’s left field is often called “Koshien of the East.”
…Which also means it’s another Game 7-level ticket war. You’ve been warned!

⚠️ Extra Notes for Outfield Seating

For Hanshin Tigers games, the entire left field section becomes the visitor cheering section — you’ll see a sea of yellow, black, and tiger stripes.
But for games against other teams, only about one-third to one-half of the left field seats (closer to center field) are designated for Swallows cheering.
In those cases, the visitor cheering section is located closer to the left field foul pole.

During ticket sales, you’ll see clearly labeled sections like this:

—– Home Side —–
HOME Reserved Seat A (Outfield)
HOME Outfield Reserved Seat B
HOME Outfield Reserved Seat C1–C3

—–🐯 Visitor Side🐯 —–
VISITOR Reserved Seat A (Outfield)
VISITOR Outfield Reserved Seat B
VISITOR Outfield Reserved Seat C1–C3

So as long as you’re choosing a ticket labeled “VISITOR”, you should be fine! 🎫

⚠️HOME = Swallows side, NOT Tigers!

Not all outfield seats allow fans to stand up and cheer, so pay attention when buying tickets!

Standing cheer is allowed in:

• HOME Reserved Seat A (Outfield)
• HOME Outfield Reserved Seat B
• VISITOR Reserved Seat A (Outfield)🐯
• VISITOR Outfield Reserved Seat B🐯

Standing is not allowed in:

• HOME Outfield Reserved Seat C1–C3
• VISITOR Outfield Reserved Seat C1–C3🐯

(Also, just for fun: There’s an oddly specific section in the HOME Reserved Seat A area called “Seated-only Seat (Outfield)” where standing is banned… but let’s be real, Hanshin fans don’t care because it’s nowhere near their section. 😄)

Each seat type comes with a sample view of the field when purchasing tickets — pretty user-friendly if you’re new to the stadium!

Even though Jingu feels like Koshien of the East, it’s not actually Hanshin’s home turf.
So make sure you buy tickets on the VISITOR side, and cheer with fellow Tigers fans!

…Don’t accidentally end up on the HOME side and become a Swallows fan, okay? 🐯 lol