Hanshin Tigers vs Saitama Seibu Lions
Experience baseball at its most iconic at Koshien Stadium, where the Hanshin Tigers play in front of roaring crowds and tightly packed stands. From opening pitch to the final out, every game delivers a uniquely intense slice of Osaka’s sports culture.
The Hanshin Tigers return to Koshien Stadium on June 16 for a three-game interleague series against the Saitama Seibu Lions, a club that already enjoyed success on its last visit to Nishinomiya. Seibu won both completed games during the teams’ earlier meeting at Koshien before the final game of the series was washed out, giving the Tigers an opportunity to turn the tables as interleague play enters its final stretch. The series opens on June 16 at 18:00 at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.
While Hanshin remains firmly in the Central League race, the more immediate challenge is improving its interleague form against Pacific League opponents. The Tigers have continued to rely on strong pitching and defense to stay near the top of the standings, but Seibu has already shown it can win at Koshien. That gives this return matchup an added edge. For fans heading to the ballpark, the storyline is simple: can Hanshin protect its home turf against the one interleague opponent that left Koshien with the upper hand earlier this month?
The Hanshin Tigers capped off a spectacular 2025 season with a full-throttle return to dominance—clinching the Central League pennant in record time, blazing to the front of the pack under first-year manager Kyuji Fujikawa, and charging into the Japan Series as clear contenders once more. Powered by a lineup that led the league in runs scored, and anchored by a pitching staff that was among the stingiest on the mound, they proved themselves both potent and resilient throughout the campaign. While they ultimately fell short of the ultimate prize, the season reaffirmed the Tigers’ status among NPB’s elite and set a firm foundation for what promises to be an even more thrilling next chapter.
The home field of the Hanshin Tigers is Koshien, the heart of Japanese Ballball. For visitors, it is a straightforward trip from central Osaka — about 20–25 minutes on the Hanshin Main Line to Koshien Station. The walk to the stadium passes stalls selling fan gear, street food, and beer: the perfect prelude to one of Japan’s most iconic baseball experiences.
Few names in Japanese baseball inspire the same devotion as the Hanshin Tigers. For nearly a century, the Tigers have embodied Kansai spirit — fierce, colorful, emotional, and loyal to the end. Their home, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, isn’t just a ballpark; it’s a pilgrimage site. Built in 1924, Koshien is the oldest professional stadium in Japan, still alive with history, echoes of past championships, and the National High School Baseball Tournament, which crowns future stars. To many, Koshien is the Mecca of Japanese baseball.
Attending a game here is unlike any sporting experience in the world. Tigers fans fill the stands with organized chants, brass bands, balloons released in the 7th inning, and a passion that turns every game into an event. The Tigers were founded in 1935, played their first season in 1936 as the Osaka Tigers, and adopted the Hanshin name in 1961. As one of Japan’s oldest clubs, they have won Central League pennants in 1962, 1964, 1985, 2003, 2005, 2023, and 2025, and lifted the Japan Series title in 1985 and 2023.
Koshien Stadium (1924): the oldest pro ballpark in Japan and a sacred stage for both pro and high school baseball.
The Tigers’ fan culture is unrivaled: brass bands, singalongs, seventh‑inning balloon release, and nonstop chanting.
Historic honors: Central League pennants (’62, ’64, ’85, ’03, ’05, ’23, ’25); Japan Series champions (’85, ’23).
Easy access from Osaka (Hanshin Main Line to Koshien Station, ~20–25 minutes).
Rivalry nights (e.g., vs. Yomiuri Giants, DeNA BayStars) are electric and sell out fast.
Photos: Osaka Scene Staff, Official Website
Video: Official Team Website Video
Opening Hours
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Koshien Stadium
Address: 1-82 Koshiencho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, between Osaka and Kobe.
Hanshin Electric Railway → Koshien Station, a 3–5 minute walk from the stadium.
From Namba: Hanshin Namba Line → Koshien (direct, approximately 20 minutes).
From Umeda (Osaka Station area): Hanshin Main Line → Koshien (approximately 15 minutes).
From Shin-Osaka: JR to Osaka → transfer to Hanshin Umeda → Koshien (approximately 30–35 minutes total).
On game days, large crowds move from Koshien Station directly to the stadium, making navigation straightforward.
SCHEDULE
Upcoming Hanshin Tigers Home Games
June 2026
June 16, 2026 (Tue) — vs Saitama Seibu Lions — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 17, 2026 (Wed) — vs Saitama Seibu Lions — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 18, 2026 (Thu) — vs Saitama Seibu Lions — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 23, 2026 (Tue) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 24, 2026 (Wed) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 25, 2026 (Thu) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
June 30, 2026 (Tue) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 2026
July 1, 2026 (Wed) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 2, 2026 (Thu) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 3, 2026 (Fri) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 4, 2026 (Sat) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 5, 2026 (Sun) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 10, 2026 (Fri) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 11, 2026 (Sat) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 12, 2026 (Sun) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 26, 2026 (Sun) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 27, 2026 (Mon) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
July 28, 2026 (Tue) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
August 2026
August 7, 2026 (Fri) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 8, 2026 (Sat) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 9, 2026 (Sun) — vs Chunichi Dragons — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 18, 2026 (Tue) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 19, 2026 (Wed) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 20, 2026 (Thu) — vs Tokyo Yakult Swallows — 18:00 first pitch — Kyocera Dome Osaka
August 28, 2026 (Fri) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
August 29, 2026 (Sat) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
August 30, 2026 (Sun) — vs Yomiuri Giants — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
September 2026
September 5, 2026 (Sat) — vs Yokohama DeNA BayStars — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
September 6, 2026 (Sun) — vs Yokohama DeNA BayStars — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
September 8, 2026 (Tue) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
September 9, 2026 (Wed) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
September 10, 2026 (Thu) — vs Hiroshima Toyo Carp — 18:00 first pitch — Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Venue Note
Most Hanshin Tigers home games are played at Hanshin Koshien Stadium. During the National High School Baseball Championship (Summer Koshien) in August, selected Tigers home games are relocated to Kyocera Dome Osaka. Be sure to check the venue listed for your game before traveling.
Gates typically open approximately 90 minutes before first pitch.
Games are played to completion unless weather conditions cause suspension or postponement.
TICKETS
Tickets are sold through the official Hanshin Tigers ticket system and authorized ticket platforms.
Official Hanshin Tigers ticket site: https://www.hanshintigers.jp/ticket/
Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/
Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/sports/baseball/
e+: https://eplus.jp/sf/sports/baseball
Tickets are also available at convenience stores via in-store terminals:
Lawson (Loppi), 7-Eleven (Multi Copy), FamilyMart (FamiPort).
Ticket availability varies by game, with marque games expected to have limited availability, especially for infield reserved seating and rivalry matchups.
All seats are reserved unless specifically listed as general admission in outfield sections.
INFO
Koshien Stadium is an outdoor stadium. Games proceed in light rain and may be delayed or postponed in severe weather. It can be quite hot in the summer.
No re-entry is permitted after exiting the stadium.
Bag checks may be conducted at entry gates.
Cash and IC card payments are accepted at most concession stands, though availability varies by vendor.
Beer vendors circulate throughout seating areas during the game.
Cheering sections are located in the outfield areas; infield seating provides a more neutral viewing environment.
Photography for personal use is permitted; tripods and large equipment are restricted.
Contacts
Hanshin Tigers Official Website: https://www.hanshintigers.jp/
Koshien Stadium Official Website: https://koshien.hanshin.co.jp/
