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In March 2023, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, introduced a brand-new, ballpark-and-bathing entertainment facility, Hokkaido Ball Park F Village. F Village is bursting with fun and fascinating features, true to its slogan, 'A ball park the world has never seen before'.
From watching the game from the comfort of a natural hot spring or a sauna, to sampling craft beers brewed in the park, visitors will enjoy an array of experiences exclusive to this ballpark. Here's an extensive overview of the many attractions of Hokkaido Ballpark F-Village.
A 'First-in-the-World' Experience! Hokkaido Ballpark F Village
The entertainment facility, Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, has conceptualized the theme of 'creating a space that can serve as a symbol of Hokkaido'. This ambitious undertaking, racking up a total construction cost of roughly 60 billion yen, had already become a hot topic in Japan well before its opening, not only from baseball fans, but from people all over the country. The 32-hectare site is home to ESCON Field HOKKAIDO, the new stadium of professional baseball team, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. It also offers accommodation facilities, glamping, children's play areas, agricultural learning facilities, condominiums, and more.
F Village also boasts many of Hokkaido's finest attractions. In other words, this destination alone brings visitors closer to the best that Hokkaido has to offer. F Village serves as a springboard for sightseeing in Hokkaido, providing visitors with a variety of encounters that will encourage them to explore other parts of the region and discover the distinctive local delights. It's a passionate endeavor that seeks to contribute even more to the development of Hokkaido!
Getting to F-Village
Via Public Transport from Sapporo: Ride JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for New Chitose Airport) or JR local train (bound for Chitose/Tomakomai) to JR Kitahiroshima Station, the nearest station to F Village.
From JR Sapporo Station to JR Kitahiroshima Station: Travel Time: JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for New Chitose Airport): approx. 17 mins JR Local Train (bound for Chitose/Tomakomai): approx. 25 mins
Fare: Adults:540 yen / Children: 270 yen (12 & under) *Prices for unreserved seats
From JR Shin Sapporo Station to JR Kitahiroshima Station: Travel Time: JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for New Chitose Airport): approx. 7 mins JR Local Train (bound for Chitose/Tomakomai): approx. 9 mins
Fare: Adults: 340 yen / Children: 170 yen for children (12 & under) *Prices for unreserved seats
Via Public Transportation from New Chitose Airport: Ride JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for Sapporo) or JR Local Train (bound for Sapporo) to JR Kitahiroshima Station, the nearest station to F Village.
From JR New Chitose Airport to JR Kitahiroshima: Travel time: JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for Sapporo): approx. 20 mins JR Local Train (bound for Sapporo): approx. 27 mins
Fare: Adults: 560 yen / Children (12 & under): 280 yen *Prices for unreserved seats
You can also reach the site from JR Kitahiroshima Station by shuttle bus, taxi, or even on foot. The shuttle bus stop is located at the west exit of the station. Passengers can pay their fares in cash (Junior high & up: 200 yen / Primary school & below: 100 yen) or with Visa touch.
If traveling to Hokkaido by JR, we also recommend the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, which allows 5-7 days of unlimited rides on local trains, buses, and the JR Hokkaido rapid and limited-express lines.
Via Shuttle Bus from Sapporo Area: Board from the bus stop at Shin-Sapporo Station (West Exit). Travel time is approximately 25 minutes. Fares are 400 yen for junior high students and up and 200 yen for primary schools and under. On game days, buses operate every two and a half hours prior to the start of the game until 30 minutes after the games begin. On non-game days, buses run every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Via Shuttle Bus from New Chitose Airport: Board from New Chitose Airport Domestic Bus Terminal (No. 7 and 23). Travel time is approx. 55 minutes. Fares are 600 yen for junior high school students and older and 300 yen for primary schools students and younger. Buses run six round trips a day between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., regardless of whether there is a game or not.
You can buy tickets for the shuttle from the ticket office near the boarding area or pay with Visa touch.
By Car from Sapporo Area: The recommended route is via National Highway 274 or 36, or via the motorway (toll). When using the motorway, it is quicker to get off at the Sapporo Minami IC or the Wattsu Smart IC (for ETC vehicles only), which is connected to the Wattsu PA.
By Car from New Chitose Airport If using the open road, take National Highway 337 or 36, which are easy to navigate. For the motorway (toll), we recommend taking the route from New Chitose Airport Interchange to Wattsu Smart Interchange (for ETC vehicles only).
The F Village parking lot accommodates approximately 4,000 vehicles. Parking fees range from 1,500 to 3,000 yen (tax included) which vary depending on whether it is a game day or not. Advance reservations are required on game days; for details on reservations and rates, please visit the official F Village website.
Must-See Attractions in F Village
ES CON Field HOKKAIDO: Catch the Game from a Hot Spring or Hotel! The open-air facility, ES CON Field HOKKAIDO, is an innovative architectural structure featuring a number of ingenious designs, including a retractable roof and a southern wall made entirely of glass to encourage the growth of the natural turf. Games are enhanced by some of the world's largest high-definition screens above the first and third base stands, and state-of-the-art light and sound technology.
Seating is generous and comfortable, with ample space between seats and aisles, allowing visitors to move effortlessly from one place to another during the game. There is also a special seating area that offers an up-close view of the action, as well as a VIP room with high-quality services.
Looming above the left side of the stadium is the five-story building, TOWER 11. The building was named in honor of baseball players Yu Darvish and Shohei Otani, bearing their number '11' from back in their days with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The area is open year-round and also features a hotel, hot springs, saunas, and a museum.
Hot Springs and Saunas
For the first time in the history of the world, visitors can now enjoy watching the game from the comfort of a hot spring bath or sauna! You can also take a break between baths on the terrace (reserved area, swimwear required) where you can enjoy light refreshments and craft beer brewed in the stadium (swimwear required).
Hotel
This is the first hotel in Asia that offers a panoramic view of the field from within the stadium. If you book a stay on a game day, you can also watch the game from your room (a total of four mountain view rooms allow guests to watch the game from the hotel's rooftop terrace).
All 12 rooms are concept rooms with sporty interior designs and artwork inspired by baseball and the stadium.
Museum and Horse-Riding Simulator
The museum is designed as a place full of imaginative ways to experience life, Earth, and the future itself through art. Riding Club Ginza HOKKAIDO also features a state-of-the-art horse riding simulator, which offers visitors the chance to try out trekking, saddling, and a variety of equestrian arts, all linked to a CG monitor (available for ages 2 and up).
Multilingual services (ES CON Field HOKKAIDO) Signage: Japanese, English Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services (ES CON Field HOKKAIDO) Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Smoking and non-smoking areas available / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rental available) / Nursery room available
ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO Address: F village, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido 〒061-1116 TEL: N/A (contact via online enquiry form) Open: 24/7/365 Admission: Game Days: Free and paid admission hours vary depending on game time. Non-game Days: Free Closed: Open daily
A Taste of Hokkaido from 3 Recommended Restaurants! F Village is stuffed with restaurants and eateries! There are about 50 shops (including permanent establishments, food carts, and pop-up shops) concentrated within ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO alone. Here are three food and beverage spots we particularly recommend.
Soratoshiba by Yona Yona Ale
This beer-brewing restaurant is the first of its kind in the world to appear in a stadium, specializing in unique craft beers. The brewery is located inside the middle of the back screen. Tours are also available by reservation. On the restaurant's second-floor terrace, visitors can sip original craft beers brewed on-site while enjoying the game. The brewery is also open on non-game days, offering a nice place to relax with a beer and a scenic outlook of the field.
For more information on open days and hours, check the official ES CON Field HOKKAIDO website!
Multilingual services Menus: Japanese, English Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rentals available)
Nanatsu-sei Yokocho
The lantern-lit Nanatsu-sei Yokocho is a dining area, available for use both before and after the game. Designed as a place where "people can gather and get to know each other through food", the Yokocho is lined with 10 select popular shops from all over Japan, offering a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Popular Hokkaido spots include an authentic yakiniku restaurant from Sapporo, and a long-established specialty sushi shop from Asahikawa.
For business hours, please see the official ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO website.
Multilingual services Signs/Menus: Japanese, English Staff: Varies by shop
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rentals available) / Accommodations for food restrictions (such as allergies and religious reasons) may be available (select restaurants only)
Tower Eleven Food Hall
On the ground floor of TOWER 11 is a food hall consisting of three restaurants. At HOTDOG FUN, you'll enjoy all kinds of different dogs through tasty dishes like 'Meatful', which uses domestic and international brand meats (beef, pork, chicken and lamb), with a focus on Hokkaido ingredients; and 'Taberu Soup', which includes a hearty soup and sweets. Visitors can dine while watching the game on the big screen in the atrium space.
The food hall is open on non-game days. For more information, please see the official ES CON Field HOKKAIDO website!
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rental available)
Souvenirs & Shopping: Two Recommended Shops
F Village's Tower Eleven also has shops that children and adults alike can enjoy. Here are two that we at LIVE JAPAN especially recommend.
FIGHTERS FLAGSHIP STORE
This Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters merchandise shop is located inside ESCON Field HOKKAIDO. The first floor is packed with all kinds of goods, including game-day merch to cheer on your favorite teams, as well as snacks! You'll also find plush toys of popular characters like 'Shakemaru', as well as the necessary cat-ears headband for fans of the 'Kitsune Dance'.
On the second floor, you can customize your fan goods, such as replica caps and uniforms, by visiting the badge corner and having a badge pressed onto them for free.
There are also a number of new items, including summer goods, scheduled to arrive in the near future! For more information, please see the official ES CON Field HOKKAIDO website!
Multilingual services Signage: Japanese, English (Partial) Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rentals available)
HUB HOKKAIDO SELECT SHOP
HUB HOKKAIDO SELECT SHOP is located in the commercial space in THE LODGE near the Sawa area. It's purpose it to connect tourists with local attractions, and offers a range of Hokkaido specialities and souvenirs that you can only find in Kitahiroshima City.
The highlight of this shop is the tasting corner, where visitors can sample and compare six varieties of Hokkaido's best sake (fees apply). It's rather popular for a hole-in-the-wall drinking spot, with a number of customers stopping by for a drink between games.
Open from 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m.; also open on non-game days. For more information, please see the official F Village website.
Multilingual services Signage: Japanese, English (Partial) Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rentals available)
Indoor & Outdoor Kids' Areas for Playtime All Year Round
This kids' space, directly managed by Japan's super-popular toy shop, BørneLund, features an indoor-and-outdoor playground spanning nearly 1,900 square meters. It's the perfect place for kids to play, regardless of season, weather, or temperature.
Indoors, there are a total of four play areas, including one with a special section for babies, as well as a BørneLund shop and a café.
The outside also offers a variety of child-friendly recreational activities that'll stimulate your child's body and mind, including a 6-six-meter net playground called the 'Giant Dome', and a large sandpit. The play area is open on both game days and non-game days.
For more information including business hours and prices, please see the official F-Village website.
Multilingual services Signage: Japanese, English Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rental available) / Nursery rooms available
Glamping Areas for a Casual Outdoor Experience
BALLPARK TAKIBI TERRACE ALLPAR
Last but not least is BALLPARK TAKIBI TERRACE ALLPAR, a glamping facility located east of F Village. Its appeal is that it allows visitors to experience the great outdoors without the need for tents or equipment.
There are a total of eight private areas, each of which can accommodate up to six guests. Rooms are equipped with a kitchen, living room, bed, toilet, shower room and air-conditioning/heating. There are three types of accommodations: overnight stay with no meal, and stays that include breakfast or dinner. Some plans also include barbecue ingredients and drinks.
You can also visit ALLPAR for a day trip! In front of the reception area, TAKIBI BASE, there's a spacious bonfire area where you can take a break and relax with your family and friends. Feel free to drop by when coming for a game, or just to check out F Village.
For more information, including reservations, please visit the official F Village website.
Multilingual services Signage: English Staff: Japanese, English
Facility services Free Wi-Fi / Credit card payment accepted (including UnionPay card) / Contactless payments accepted / Wheelchairs and baby carriages are available (rentalz available)
With new developments springing up one after another, you can't afford to look away!
There are so many fascinating things to see and do in F Village, it would be impossible to introduce them all here. And there are many more on the way, scheduled to open in the upcoming months, including a variety of projects related to food, baseball, and overall health.
F Village is a must-see attraction for anyone planning a trip to Hokkaido. Why not jot it down in your travel to-do list?
*Information in the article as of April 2023. Please see official website for the latest updates and information. Text by: Minna no Kotobaisha English translation by: Krys Suzuki
Via Live Japan
