Entertainment

Belluna Dome Information | Nearby Tourist Attractions & Gourmet Spots

Belluna Dome Information | Nearby Tourist Attractions & Gourmet Spots

Belluna Dome is located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, and is not only the home stadium of the professional baseball team Saitama Seibu Lions, but also is a well-known multipurpose venue that hosts a variety of events and concerts.

In this article, we provide detailed information about Belluna Dome, including access methods, and introduce gourmet spots and sightseeing attractions in the vicinity. To help visitors make the most of their trip, we have compiled highlights and recommended points of interest. Belluna Dome and its surrounding area offer something for everyone, from families to groups of friends, so be sure to check out the many attractions waiting for you!

1.Belluna Dome Information | Basic Overview

Belluna Dome, located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, serves as the home stadium of the professional baseball team, the Saitama Seibu Lions. While it is commonly referred to as “Seibu Dome” in its role as the Lions’ home field, it was previously known as “MetLife Dome” until a naming rights agreement in 2022 led to its current name.

Belluna Dome is a multipurpose facility that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, live performances, and more. Many visitors come to Belluna Dome to enjoy these artist-driven events. The venue also serves as the site for sports and stadium events, and depending on the season, visitors can even enjoy fireworks displays and traditional summer festivals such as Bon Odori. The facility also features areas designed for children, making it an ideal destination for families.

Here, we provide information on how to access Belluna Dome and tips for making the most of your visit.

1-1.Belluna Dome Information | Access

Belluna Dome is located about a 5-minute walk from Seibu Kyūjō-mae Station on the Seibu Sayama Line. It takes about 30 minutes from the Tokorozawa Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway or about 20 minutes from the Iruma Interchange on the Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway if traveling by car.

There are three parking lots near Belluna Dome: Blue Parking, Red Parking, and Green Parking. Their capacities are 120, 520, and 110 vehicles, respectively. It is important to note, however, that restrictions apply to large or high-profile vehicles.

Source:Saitama Seibu Lions “Belluna Dome Parking”

On days when large events such as professional baseball games or concerts are held, traffic congestion around the area is expected.For those attending events at the Dome, it is highly recommended to use public transportation instead of driving.

1-2.Belluna Dome Information | How to Enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a multitude of events at Belluna Dome,, including professional baseball games and concerts. The facility also features restaurants where you can savor stadium-themed gourmet cuisine, allowing you to relish delicious meals while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the venue.

The premium lounge within the Dome offers a selection of gourmet dishes and desserts, as well as alcoholic beverages such as whiskey and beer. For families, the outdoor “Kids Field” provides a space where children can play and have fun to their hearts’ content.

Exploring nearby attractions such as Totoro Forest, Seibuen Amusement Park, or shopping malls is another great way to enhance your visit to Belluna Dome.

2.Belluna Dome Information | Nearby Gourmet Spots

There are numerous gourmet spots around Belluna Dome, some of which are frequented by players and team staff. Exploring these spots alongside your visit to Belluna Dome can enhance your experience.

Below, we introduce three recommended gourmet spots near Belluna Dome.

2-1.Sayama Shokudo

Sayama Shokudo is a dining spot located about a 6-minute walk from Seibu Kyūjō-mae Station. As the restaurant is adorned with memorabilia such as players’ autographs, bats, and uniforms, the unique and lively atmosphere attracts fans of the Saitama Seibu Lions and baseball enthusiasts in general.

The signature dish at Sayama Shokudo is Nagasaki Champon, but the menu boasts over 60 options, including ramen, katsu curry, and set meals. With such a wide variety, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Guests typically enjoy their meals at L-shaped counter seating, making it an excellent place for those who appreciate the cozy and authentic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese eatery.

2-2. Lions-yaki (Sayama Tea Shop Arai-en Main Store)

Lions-yaki is a specialty offered by Sayama Tea Shop Arai-en Main Store and can be purchased inside Belluna Dome.

This treat is uniquely shaped like Leo, the mascot of the Saitama Seibu Lions. The batter is infused with Sayama tea, and the filling—either sweet red bean paste or cream—creates a delightful harmony of flavors.

Lions-yaki has been voted the most popular item among the more than 1,000 gourmet offerings available at Belluna Dome. Its handheld design makes it perfect for enjoying while walking around the venue.

2-3.Dining Kitchen Don

Dining Kitchen Don is a dining bar located just a 1-minute walk from Seibu Kyūjō-mae Station. Being situated on the second floor of the Family Mart Seibu Kyūjō-mae Station store makes it incredibly convenient, and it is a popular stop for visitors heading home after baseball games or concerts at the venue.

During the day, Dining Kitchen Don serves lunch, while in the evening, it offers a range of izakaya-style dishes. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to experience the casual and lively atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya. The restaurant is also family-friendly, welcoming children, making it an ideal choice for families searching for a place to dine together.

3.Belluna Dome Information | Nearby Tourist Attractions

Around Belluna Dome, you’ll find not only gourmet spots but also places where you can enjoy activities and leisurely strolls. Below, we introduce detailed information about three sightseeing attractions near Belluna Dome. Don’t miss them!

3-1.Totoro Forest

Totoro Forest is said to have inspired the setting of Studio Ghibli’s animated film My Neighbor Totoro. Scattered across the Sayama Hills and its surrounding areas, the individual sections of Totoro Forest are relatively small but offer a chance to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of satoyama, Japan’s traditional countryside, and its diverse wildlife.

Thanks to efforts to prevent urbanization, the forest has remained lush and undeveloped. Citizens have donated funds to purchase and protect the land. The first acquired plot was named “Totoro Forest No. 1,” and by April 2024, the initiative expanded to include 64 locations.

Source: Totoro Furusato Fund “Introduction to Trust Acquired Lands”

Although Totoro Forest is a popular sightseeing destination, it primarily serves as a habitat for wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated walking paths and enjoy the scenery without venturing directly into the forest.

3-2.Seibuen Amusement Park

Seibuen Amusement Park, a historic theme park that first opened in 1950, underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2021. The park now features a nostalgic townscape that beautifully recreates the charm of Japan’s Showa era.

Source:Seibu Railway “Vol. 10: Recreating the ‘Good Old Days’! Seibuen Amusement Park Renewal”

Visitors can enjoy retro Japanese cuisine and a variety of attractions, which include a merry-go-round and a Viking ship ride, ensuring fun for both adults and children. One of the park’s central features, the “Sunset Hill Shopping Street,” is covered, allowing guests to explore the area without worrying about the weather or rain forecasts.

3-3.Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park (Aviation Park)

Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park is a vast regional park spanning approximately 50 hectares.

Known as the birthplace of aviation in Japan, the park features the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum, where visitors can learn about the mechanics of flight. The park also includes sports facilities such as an artificial turf field, an outdoor stage, and a traditional Japanese garden, making it a hub for sports and cultural exchange in western Saitama Prefecture.

The park is rich in natural beauty, offering cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors may also have the chance to participate in special experiences such as tethered hot-air balloon rides, depending on the season that they visit.

Conclusion

Belluna Dome is a beloved multipurpose facility where visitors can enjoy professional baseball games, concerts, and more. It is surrounded by numerous local gourmet spots and tourist attractions, providing the perfect setting for a fulfilling day out.

Destinations like Totoro Forest and Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park also offer opportunities to experience nature and history, making them well worth a visit. Use this article as your guide to fully enjoy Belluna Dome and its surroundings. You’re sure to find inspiration for creating unforgettable moments.

*This article is based on information available as of December 2024.