Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is the home stadium of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team in Japan. It is celebrated as a new landmark in northern Japan, blending the country’s baseball culture with a state-of-the-art stadium experience.
For visitors traveling to Japan from overseas, watching a baseball game, enjoying unique stadium gourmet offerings, and experiencing the latest technology-enhanced viewing options will undoubtedly become unforgettable memories.
This article provides essential information on how to make the most of your visit to Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, as well as recommendations for sightseeing and gourmet spots in the surrounding area.
1.Basic Information About Es Con Field
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is the home stadium of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team in Japan. It is a new landmark in northern Japan that combines the country’s baseball culture with cutting-edge stadium experiences.
For visitors from overseas, watching a baseball game, savoring the stadium’s gourmet offerings, and experiencing state-of-the-art viewing technologies will surely leave unforgettable memories.
This article provides information to help you fully enjoy Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, along with recommendations for sightseeing and gourmet spots nearby.
1-1.Access to Es Con Field
The nearest station to Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is JR Kitahiroshima Station. From there, you can reach the stadium by foot, shuttle bus, or taxi.
Access to JR Kitahiroshima Station:
From Sapporo Station:
Take the JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for New Chitose Airport) for about 17 minutes, or the local train (bound for Chitose or Tomakomai) for about 25 minutes.
From Hakodate Station:
Take the JR Hakodate Line Limited Express Hokuto (bound for Sapporo) and transfer at Minami-Chitose Station to the JR Rapid Airport Line. Alternatively, fly from Hakodate Airport to New Chitose Airport, then take a bus or train to Kitahiroshima Station.
From New Chitose Airport:
Take the direct airport bus to F Village for convenience. Alternatively, take the JR Rapid Airport Line (bound for Sapporo) and arrive at Kitahiroshima Station in about 18 minutes.
1-2.Ways to Enjoy Es Con Field
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is packed with attractions that can be enjoyed even on non-game days.
One highlight is the on-site hot spring and sauna – a world’s first for a stadium. You can relax and refresh yourself while watching the game or unwind after. Soaking in a hot spring after warming up in the sauna offers a special experience.
The stadium also features athletic facilities and an on-site hotel, making it a destination for people of all ages.
2.Gourmet Spots Around Es Con Field
Hokkaido is famous for its delicious cuisine, and the area around Es Con Field HOKKAIDO offers an array of dining options. Here are three gourmet spots you won’t want to miss:
2-1.Apuka no Mori
At Apuka no Mori, you can savor expertly aged Ezo deer meat (venison) prepared at their in-house facility. This restaurant makes it easy to enjoy gourmet game dishes that you can’t find elsewhere.
Apuka no Mori’s signature is its use of HACCP-certified venison processed in-house. The strict quality control and aging process eliminate the gamey smell, making it beginner-friendly for those new to venison.
The popular “Three-Cut Steak Set” lets you sample various cuts of venison. Other menu highlights include the balanced, flavorful loin steak and the tender, delicate fillet steak.
2-2.Nemuro Hanamaru (JR Tower Stellar Place, Sapporo Station)
A short trip from Es Con Field HOKKAIDO will take you to Nemuro Hanamaru,a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant on the 6th floor of JR Tower Stellar Place at Sapporo Station. Here, you can enjoy the freshest seafood that Hokkaido has to offer.
Rooted in the fishing town of Nemuro, Hanamaru is dedicated to offering the best seafood sourced from all over Hokkaido.
The restaurant provides a lively and energetic atmosphere, complete with enthusiastic staff and a welcoming environment. Seasonal specialties include spring Tokishirazu salmon, autumn Pacific saury, and winter cod milt, giving visitors a taste of Hokkaido’s changing seasons.
2-3.Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Genghis Khan at Ramunoya
At Ramunoya, you can enjoy authentic Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) dishes. This spot is highly recommended, even for those who typically dislike lamb, thanks to its tender, odor-free meat.
Ramunoya serves fresh lamb, offering classic cuts like shoulder loin and lamb sausage, as well as unique options such as lamb tongue and lamb bacon. The bone-in French rack, available in limited quantities, is a must-try, with its flavorful seasoning allowing you to enjoy it without sauce.
The restaurant uses Binchotan charcoal for grilling, enhancing the lamb’s aroma and adding to the dining experience.
3.Sightseeing Spots Near Es Con Field
Pair your baseball experience at Es Con Field HOKKAIDO with a visit to some of Sapporo’s top attractions. Here are three sightseeing spots to include in your itinerary:
3-1.Odori Park
Odori Park is a lush green park stretching east to west through the heart of Sapporo. The park’s symbol is the TV Tower, and it is beautifully adorned with a variety of seasonal flowers throughout the year. Hosting events such as the Lilac Festival in spring, the Beer Garden in summer, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter, the park is a popular attraction year-round.
Although it is a bit far from Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, the park is easily accessible by train. Located within walking distance of Sapporo Station, it is convenient to visit alongside other tourist spots. With benches and playground equipment, the park is also an excellent place to relax or enjoy time with children.
3-2.Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park where you can tour the factory that makes Hokkaido’s famous Shiroi Koibito cookies. In addition to the factory tour, visitors can enjoy hands-on workshops, exhibits about chocolate history, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The whimsical architecture and photo-worthy surroundings make this park a great spot for capturing memories. It’s also an ideal place to pick up unique Hokkaido souvenirs.
3-3.Sapporo Nijo Market
Nijo Market is a bustling marketplace brimming with fresh seafood and other Hokkaido delicacies. From crab and sea urchin to salmon roe, the market offers a variety of seafood dishes, including vibrant kaisen-don (seafood bowls).
The lively market atmosphere and interaction with local vendors make it a unique cultural experience. Located near Odori Park, Nijo Market is easily accessible and an excellent option for breakfast or lunch.
Conclusion
Es Con Field HOKKAIDO isn’t just a baseball stadium—it’s a hub of entertainment that includes the world’s first hot spring and sauna in a stadium. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences and Hokkaido-exclusive dishes like seafood bowls, Genghis Khan, and ramen.
With its convenient access from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station, Es Con Field HOKKAIDO is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hokkaido. Don’t miss the chance to explore this remarkable facility and the surrounding attractions!
*This article is based on information available as of January 2025.
