Japan has a rich history with professional sports and it’s evident all across the islands. From baseball and basketball, to more traditional sports like sumo, halls and arenas are dedicated to celebrating these physical feats. So sports junkies, write these down in your itineraries for your next visit in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Tokyo Dome, Tokyo
Most of the famous sports venues in Japan can be found in their capital of Tokyo. And when you think of the grandest stage for events such as sports finals, the world-famous Tokyo Dome comes to mind. Major league sporting events all throughout Japan hold the most prestigious games here, from baseball to football, and even professional wrestling. It wouldn’t be a surprise to find your favorite team play here, so bet on them at bet365 bonus code to wear your colors proudly!
It can house at least 45,000 to 50,000 people for shows which makes it one of the biggest sporting venues in the islands. Aside from sports, Tokyo Dome is also no stranger to major concerts. It has been the stage to some of the most famous artists in the world, with names such as The Rolling Stones and Madonna attached to its history.
If you’re a certified sports junkie and you’re on your way to Japan, then Tokyo Dome should be unmissable for you!
Nippon Budokan, Tokyo
The Japanese capital city has more than Tokyo Dome as a sports venue. Another historic sporting hall which should be visited by sports fans is the Nippon Budokan, or just simply Budokan. Primarily used as a martial arts arena, its storied halls were once the site for the 1964 Summer Olympics, 2020 Summer Olympics, and the 2020 Summer Paralympics.
Budokan’s popularity rose immensely because of professional wrestling events. Major promotions in Japan such as New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH regularly hold their events here. Professional wrestling fans should not dare to miss a chance to visit its halls. Who knows, you might run into a fiery matchup!
Finally, to add even more decorations to Budokan, it is the first concert venue graced by none other than The Beatles during their first time in Japan. It has since been an esteemed destination for music fans all over the world.
Ryōgoku Sumo Hall, Tokyo
When sumo wrestling is the subject, the name Ryōgoku Sumo Hall cannot be far behind. It might even be a staple! Only the mightiest make their way to Ryōgoku, and for most sumo wrestlers, it is the grandest stage to showcase their dedication to the sport.
Sumo tournaments especially bring life around this sumo hall’s vicinity. Flags of different colors adorn the building to celebrate dojos and wrestlers that made it this far. Expect the most intense moments of grappling when these hulking competitors square off in the ring!
Osaka-jō Hall, Osaka
Let’s move away from Tokyo for a moment to visit the old capital of Osaka for another respected venue in the islands. Osaka-jō Hall is a widely commemorated arena used for concerts, exhibitions, and of course, sports. It can house over 16,000 spectators for performances and competition. Most sporting events held here are tennis, volleyball, and even figure skating!
Yanmar Stadium, Osaka
Home to Cerezo Osaka J. League team, Yanmar Stadium is always an exciting venue to visit for sports fans. Some of Japan’s major football and baseball leagues have regular games inside this stadium and will always buzz with fans. Yanmar Stadium originally held a capacity of 23,000 spectators, but has since expanded to accommodate as much as 50,000 fans! Notable for its history, this Osaka football stadium held three matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Fukuoka PayPay Dome, Fukuoka
One of the best venues to catch exciting sports is in the Fukuoka PayPay Dome. The high-capacity arena can accommodate as much as 40,000 people for its events. But the best part about watching inside Fukuoka PayPay Dome are its sightlines. No matter where your seat ends up, you’ll always get a clear view of the action and excitement.
Excitement will always be in the air should you visit any of these sports venues in Japan. There are still many more sports stadiums and arenas in Japan, however. So if you frequent the Land of the Rising Sun, it is an exceptional destination for sports fans!
