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Visitor Guide: Kyocera Dome Osaka – Location and Dining Options

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Visitor Guide: Kyocera Dome Osaka – Location and Dining Options

Kyocera Dome Osaka is a prime attraction in Osaka, being famous as the home stadium of the Orix Buffaloes, a professional Japanese baseball team once graced by MLB star Ichiro. Not limited to only baseball, the dome also hosts various events, including concerts by notable musicians like Paul McCartney.

Here, we outline the best routes to Kyocera Dome Osaka, nearby accommodations, ticket purchasing methods, and dining options within the dome. Travelers to Japan are encouraged to refer to this guide.

Contents

1.Basic Information about Kyocera Dome Osaka

Kyocera Dome Osaka, also known as Osaka Dome, is a multi-purpose, covered dome stadium that opened in March 1997. It has nine floors above ground and one underground, with a maximum capacity of 55,000 people. The maximum number of seats available during professional baseball games is 36,220.

The second floor features a “Stadium Mall” where you can enjoy shopping and dining, including professional baseball merchandise shops. Visitors will be captivated by the dome’s unique features, including see-through elevators and a 100-meter long escalator.

Baseball season in Japan begins in late March, hosting numerous official league games. The dome is also used for concerts, exhibitions, and other sports events, with past performances by Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones.

1-1.Japanese Baseball Team Associated with Kyocera Dome Osaka

Kyocera Dome Osaka is well-known as the home stadium of the Orix Buffaloes, a team in Japan’s Pacific League and the former team of MLB star Ichiro. Visitors can watch the players warm up and practice from the stands, and tours are available that include the bullpen and other inner areas of the dome. During the National High School Baseball Championships, games for the Hanshin Tigers are also held here instead of at their home of Koshien Stadium, as it is being used for the tournament.

2.Location of Kyocera Dome Osaka

Kyocera Dome Osaka’s location is convenient, with several nearby train stations, making it easily accessible regardless of your starting point in Osaka. As a major landmark, it is also well-connected to the airport and the surrounding area.

Here, we introduce the methods of access by train and from the airport, as well as the local vicinity.

2-1.Traveling from Central Osaka by Train

Near Kyocera Dome Osaka, there are four main stations:

– Hanshin Namba Line, “Dome-mae” Station: About a 2-minute walk

– Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, “Dome-mae Chiyozaki” Station: About a 2-minute walk

– JR Osaka Loop Line, “Taisho” Station: About a 7-minute walk

– Osaka Metro Chuo Line, “Kujo” Station: About a 9-minute walk

If arriving by Shinkansen, you can travel from Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Station via the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line, then continue to Taisho Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. If coming from the Namba area after sightseeing, using the Hanshin Namba Line from Osaka Namba Station to Dome Mae Station is convenient.

2-2.Traveling from the Airport

Osaka has two main airports, Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport. The methods of transport from each are as follows:

– From Itami Airport: The train route can be confusing, so we recommend a combination of an airport limousine bus to OCAT (JR Namba Station) followed by about a 5-minute walk to Osaka Namba Station.

– From Kansai International Airport: The easiest route is by JR train direct to Taisho Station, although trains run infrequently. An alternative is changing at Shin-Imamiya Station, or taking the Nankai Railway to Osaka Namba Station, then transferring to the Hanshin Namba Line.

Like from Itami, there is also a limousine bus service to OCAT, which is useful if you have a lot of luggage.

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2-3.Hotels around Kyocera Dome Osaka

There are a number of hotels near Kyocera Dome Osaka, offering easy access to the dome and convenient for exploring Osaka.

– Tokyu Inn Osaka Dome-mae: The closest hotel to the dome, about a 7-minute walk away. This chain hotel is famous in Japan and offers free breakfast including Japanese dishes such as onigiri and miso soup.

– Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome-mae: Located about a 10-minutes on foot from the dome, this hotel offers easy access to Osaka Kita, Minami, and USJ areas. It features a large public bath, allowing guests to enjoy an authentic Japanese bathing experience.

– Cross Hotel Osaka: Located about a minute from Dotonbori, it is close to Osaka Namba Station, making travel to Dome Mae Station seamless.

3.Guide to Obtaining Tickets for Kyocera Dome Osaka

There are several ways to purchase tickets for baseball games at Kyocera Dome Osaka:

– Arrange tickets online before traveling.

– Buy tickets at convenience stores in Japan upon arrival.

– Purchase same-day tickets if available.

Using the Lawson Ticket website, tickets can be bought from outside Japan (supports English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese). Registration from abroad isn’t possible, so you’ll need to process the reservation without registering. Once in Japan, you can print your tickets at Lawson convenience stores.

Tickets can also be purchased at convenience stores such as Lawson, Seven-Eleven, and FamilyMart in Japan. If seats are available on the day, they may be sold at the dome’s ticket office.

Be wary of scalpers selling tickets near the dome, as it is illegal in Japan.

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4.Restaurants Inside Kyocera Dome Osaka

No outside food or drinks are allowed in Kyocera Dome Osaka, but there are a wide variety of dining options available within the dome itself.

On the second floor, you can find Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Panorama Beer Hall GRILL FESTA, which offers grilled dishes like steak and hamburgers that can be enjoyed with a cold beer.

Near the second-floor outfield seats, the STAR DINER opens on game days. This buffet-style restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy the game and a meal together, serving everything from appetizers to desserts.

On the third and fifth floors, numerous stands sell unique stadium foods like ginger fried chicken, Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, as well as universal favorites such as hamburgers and fries.

The BEADS Beer Bar on the third floor serves various Japanese beers from brands like Asahi, Kirin, and Suntory. It’s a great place to sample different beers and find your favorite.

Conclusion

Kyocera Dome Osaka, opened in 1997, is a covered multi-purpose stadium known as Osaka Dome. It can host up to 55,000 people and is used for professional baseball games, concerts, and other events. Conveniently located near four railway lines, it offers easy access to Itami and Kansai International Airports.

While bringing your own food is prohibited, the dome’s beer halls, diners, and beer bars, as well as the third and fifth-floor food stands, ensure a rich gourmet experience during your visit.

※This article is based on information available as of May 2024.

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