Baseball in Japan

History of Baseball in Japan
Mr. Hiroshi Hiraoka, an engineering student who played baseball during his studies in the United States, introduced the game to his co-workers at Japan’s national railways in 1878. He and his co-workers created the first baseball team, the Shimbashi Athletic Club. Waseda University was one of the first university teams to visit America to improve their skills. Since then, teams from both countries frequently play against each other. In 1936 the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo became the first Japanese professional team. Now there are 2 leagues across Japan; Pacific and Central leagues.

Atmosphere in Japanese Stadium
One of the attractions in a Japanese baseball game is the atmosphere. Everyone is enjoying the game and singing. You will find cheerleaders (mostly middle aged men), people eating curry rice or takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings), and drinking beer. Even if you are not a baseball fan you will enjoy going to a game. There are baseball teams all over Japan but Tokyo and Osaka are the best places to see a game.

High School Baseball
High school baseball is famous in Japan for two annual tournaments played by high schools nationwide culminating at a final showdown at Hanshin Kōshien Stadium (home of the Hanshin Tigers) in Nishinomiya near Kobe and Osaka. The most popular tournament is played in August and all games are televised nationally. It is such an honor for the players to join this tournament that many of them are in tears after being eliminated from the tournament.

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Baseball in Japan In Pictures

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

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Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard

Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

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Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You

Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you

Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour

Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements

Japan Experts

Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese

They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss

Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy

Finest Guides

Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour

We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience

Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds

With Confidence

Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you

Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000

You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away

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