Enjoying "Escon Field" | Nearby Tourism and Gourmet Spots
Mar 04,2025 Update
Tickets for games at this Stadium & Team will go on sale in late March.
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is the home stadium of the "Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters," a professional baseball team in "Japan." It is known as a new landmark of the "northern land" that combines "Japanese" baseball culture with cutting-edge stadium experiences.
For visitors from overseas, watching baseball in "Japan," enjoying stadium cuisine, and experiencing the latest technology-enhanced viewing will surely become unforgettable memories.
This article introduces information to maximize your enjoyment of Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, as well as tourism and dining information around the stadium.
Contents
1. Basic Information about Es Con Field
1-1. Access to Es Con Field
1-2. How to Enjoy Es Con Field
2. Dining Information around Es Con Field
2-1. "Apuka no Mori"
2-2. "Kaiten-zushi Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place Branch"
2-3. "Nama Lamb Charcoal-Grilled Jingisukan Ramu no Ie"
3. Tourist Attractions around Es Con Field
3-1. "Odori Park"
3-2. "Shiroi Koibito Park"
3-3. "Sapporo Nijo Market"
Summary
1. Basic Information about Es Con Field
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is a state-of-the-art baseball stadium located in "F Village" in "Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido." In 2023, the "Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters" relocated their home base from "Sapporo Dome," which they had been using, and this stadium was born as a symbol of the "Fighters'" new era.
The most distinctive feature of Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is that it is "Japan's" first natural grass field with a retractable roof. The south side is entirely glass-walled, designed to maximize sunlight to promote the growth of natural grass.
The seating area extends from the sunken field to the fourth floor above ground, designed so that the entire field is visible from any seat. The seating capacity is approximately 35,000.
Additionally, one of the world's largest LED vision screens is installed, providing powerful visuals and immersive productions for an unprecedented viewing experience.
1-1. Access to Es Con Field
The nearest station to Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is "Kitahiroshima Station" on the "JR" line. From "Kitahiroshima Station" to Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, you can use walking, shuttle bus, or taxi.
Access to "Kitahiroshima Station" is as follows:
From "Sapporo Station"
Take the "JR" Rapid "Airport" (bound for "New Chitose Airport") and arrive at "Kitahiroshima Station" in about 17 minutes, or take the "JR" local train (bound for "Chitose"/"Tomakomai") and arrive in about 25 minutes.
From "Hakodate Station"
Take the "JR Hakodate Main Line" "Limited Express 'Hokuto'" (bound for "Sapporo") and transfer at "Minami-Chitose Station." From "Minami-Chitose Station," take the "JR Chitose Line" "Rapid 'Airport'" (bound for "Sapporo") to "Kitahiroshima Station." Another option is to travel by plane from "Hakodate Airport" to "New Chitose Airport," then use bus or train from there.
From "New Chitose Airport"
The most convenient way is to take the airport bus bound for "F Village." If using the train, take the "JR" Rapid "Airport" (bound for "Sapporo") and arrive in about 18 minutes.
1-2. How to Enjoy Es Con Field
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO offers many attractive facilities that can be enjoyed even on days when there are no baseball games.
Among these, particularly noteworthy is the world's first "hot spring" & "sauna" inside a stadium. You can refresh yourself while watching the game or after the game. The time spent warming up in the "sauna" and then relaxing in the "hot spring" will be a special moment for anyone.
Additionally, there are athletic facilities that both children and adults can enjoy, as well as a hotel on the premises.
2. Dining Information around Es Con Field
It's also recommended to enjoy authentic "venison," "lamb dishes," and sushi before or after watching games at Es Con Field HOKKAIDO.
Below are three dining recommendations around Es Con Field HOKKAIDO.
2-1. "Apuka no Mori"
★Map: Apuka no Mori
"Apuka no Mori" is a restaurant where you can taste carefully aged "Ezo deer meat" from their own factory, offering "game meat" dishes that are rarely available elsewhere.
The distinctive feature of "Apuka no Mori" is that they use "Ezo deer meat" processed in their HACCP-certified factory. Under thorough quality control, each deer is carefully aged to reduce the distinctive gamey smell of "Ezo deer meat," making it accessible even for those new to "game meat."
Their popular menu items include the "Chef's Selection of 3 Types of Steak Set" where you can taste various cuts in small portions. They also offer a lineup of options to suit your preferences, such as loin steak with a perfect balance of lean and fat, and tenderloin steak known for its tender texture.
2-2. "Kaiten-zushi Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place Branch"
★Map: Nemuro Hanamaru at Sapporo Station
If you venture a bit further from Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, you can enjoy fresh seafood unique to "Hokkaido" at "Kaiten-zushi Nemuro Hanamaru" located on the 6th floor of "JR Tower Stellar Place," directly connected to "Sapporo Station." With roots in the fishing town of "Nemuro," "Hanamaru" offers carefully selected seafood from "Nemuro" and other parts of "Hokkaido" under the motto "freshness is everything."
At "Hanamaru," in addition to the freshness of seafood, they strive to create an atmosphere where you can experience freshness with all five senses, including the lively ambiance and energetic calls from the staff. The charm lies in enjoying delicious sushi in an atmosphere that feels like being at a fishing port.
The menu offers a wide variety, from standard nigiri to rare local specialties. You can enjoy seasonal delicacies that change throughout the year, such as "tokishirazu" (king salmon) in spring, "sanma" (Pacific saury) in autumn, and "madachi" (young salmon) in winter.
2-3. "Nama Lamb Charcoal-Grilled Jingisukan Ramu no Ie"
★Map: Nama Lamb Charcoal-Grilled Jingisukan Ramu no Ie
At "Nama Lamb Charcoal-Grilled Jingisukan Ramu no Ie," you can enjoy authentic "Jingisukan" (Genghis Khan-style grilled lamb). This restaurant is renowned for offering tender "lamb meat" with minimal gamey odor, making it recommendable even to those who typically dislike lamb.
"Ramu no Ie" uses fresh raw "lamb meat." In addition to standard menu items like shoulder loin and "lamb sausage," they also offer rare cuts that are hard to find elsewhere, such as "lamb tongue" and "lamb bacon." The limited quantity bone-in "French rack" is recommended to be eaten as is without sauce, as it is thickly cut and pre-seasoned.
They also pay special attention to the cooking method, serving the meat charcoal-grilled using "binchotan" charcoal. Grilling over charcoal enhances the savory aroma of the "lamb meat," stimulating your appetite.
3. Tourist Attractions around Es Con Field
Along with watching baseball at Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, enjoy sightseeing in "Sapporo." Since "Hokkaido" is vast, it's recommended to plan your sightseeing considering transportation methods and required travel time.
Below are three representative tourist attractions in "Sapporo."
3-1. "Odori Park"
★Map: Odori Park
"Odori Park" is a lush green park that cuts across the center of "Sapporo" from east to west. With the "TV Tower" as its symbol, the park features various flowers blooming throughout the seasons. Its charm lies in the various events held throughout the year, such as the "Lilac Festival" in spring, "Beer Garden" in summer, and "Sapporo Snow Festival" in winter.
Although it's a bit distant from ◆Es Con Field HOKKAIDO◆, access is easy by train. Being within walking distance from "Sapporo Station," it's easy to visit along with other tourist spots. The park also has benches and playground equipment, making it suitable for taking a break or playing with children.
3-2. "Shiroi Koibito Park"
★Map: Shiroi Koibito Park
"Shiroi Koibito Park" is a theme park where you can observe the manufacturing process of "Shiroi Koibito," a famous "Hokkaido" confectionery. It's packed with elements enjoyable for both children and adults, including factory tours, confectionery-making experiences, exhibits on the history of "chocolate," and gardens. The fairy-tale-like buildings and gardens are also photogenic, making them ideal for commemorative photos.
Although it's a bit far from Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, you can access it by taking the subway and then a bus. It's also an ideal place for selecting "Hokkaido" souvenirs.
3-3. "Sapporo Nijo Market"
★Map: Nijo Market
"Sapporo Nijo Market" is a marketplace where "Hokkaido" delicacies, primarily fresh seafood, are gathered. There are many restaurants serving "seafood bowls" with "crab," "sea urchin," "salmon roe," and dishes using fresh seafood, making it enjoyable for food hopping. The lively market atmosphere is also attractive, and you can enjoy interacting with locals.
Although it's a bit distant from Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, it's close to "Odori Park" and accessible by foot or subway. Some shops open early in the morning, so it's also recommended for breakfast. Purchasing seafood as souvenirs is also a good idea.
Summary
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is a facility packed with various entertainment elements, not just as a baseball stadium, including the world's first in-stadium "hot spring" and "sauna." It offers experiences unique to "Hokkaido," so foreign tourists can thoroughly enjoy it.
There are also various restaurants inside the stadium where you can taste dishes made with fresh "Hokkaido" ingredients, such as "seafood bowls," "Jingisukan," and "ramen." With easy access from "New Chitose Airport" and "Sapporo Station," be sure to visit Es Con Field HOKKAIDO when traveling to "Hokkaido."
※This article is based on information as of January 2025