ZOZO Marine Stadium, home to the Chiba Lotte Marines, is an exciting ballpark where you can enjoy thrilling games while feeling the ocean breeze. Located in the Makuhari area, it is surrounded by many attractions and gourmet spots, such as Makuhari Messe and Makuhari Seaside Park, that are perfect to explore before or after games.
This article provides helpful information on how to fully enjoy ZOZO Marine Stadium, from tips for watching games to nearby sightseeing and dining options. If you’re visiting Japan for baseball, this guide will be a valuable resource!
1.Basic Information about ZOZO Marine Stadium
Located in Mihama Ward, Chiba City, ZOZO Marine Stadium is a baseball stadium that serves as the home field for the Chiba Lotte Marines, a Pacific League team in Japanese professional baseball. Originally named “Chiba Marine Stadium,” it was renamed in December 2016 when ZOZO Corporation acquired the naming rights.
The stadium is situated in the Makuhari New City area, facing Tokyo Bay, and is known for its open, breezy environment. It features MS Craft Baseball Turf, an artificial turf specifically designed for baseball, providing players with optimal conditions for the highest performance.
1-1.Access to ZOZO Marine Stadium
The nearest station to ZOZO Marine Stadium is Kaihin-Makuhari Station, located approximately 15 minutes on foot or about 6 minutes by Keisei Bus from the stadium.
Access to Kaihin-Makuhari Station is as follows:
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Keiyo Line (Rapid Service) and arrive at Kaihin-Makuhari Station in about 30 minutes.
From Shinagawa Station
Ride the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line (Rapid Service) to Tokyo Station in about 12 minutes. You can also use the Yokosuka Line, Tokaido Line, or Yamanote Line.
From Haneda Airport
Take the airport shuttle bus and arrive at Kaihin-Makuhari Station in approximately 40 minutes. If traveling by train, use the Keikyu Airport Line and Keikyu Main Line to reach Shinagawa Station in about 18 minutes, and then follow the above route from Shinagawa.
From Narita Airport
Airport shuttle buses take about 50 minutes to reach Kaihin-Makuhari Station. By train, take the JR Narita Line (Rapid Service) and JR Sobu Main Line (Rapid Service) to Chiba Station in about 46 minutes. Transfer to the JR Uchibo or Sotobo Line to Soga Station (5 minutes), and then switch to the JR Keiyo Line, which takes about 12 minutes to Kaihin-Makuhari Station.
1-2. Enjoying ZOZO Marine Stadium
While ZOZO Marine Stadium is renowned as the home field of the Chiba Lotte Marines, it offers much more than baseball games. Even on non-game days, visitors can enjoy exploring the surrounding area or participating in various events, making it an all-day destination.
One must-do activity is shopping for team merchandise. The official store inside the stadium offers a wide range of items, from uniforms and caps to towels, keychains, and snacks. You can also find exclusive, limited-edition items and collaboration goods with players, ensuring there’s always something new to discover on each visit.
Gourmet food is another major attraction at ZOZO Marine Stadium. The stadium offers a variety of dining options, including classics like fried chicken and French fries, as well as local Chiba delicacies and original menus created by players. You can also enjoy seafood dishes and meals made with local ingredients, taking advantage of the stadium’s coastal location.
2.Gourmet Spots Near ZOZO Marine Stadium
Before or after the game, why not enjoy authentic yakitori, Indian cuisine, or Edo-style sushi? Here are some recommended gourmet spots near ZOZO Marine Stadium:
2-1.Hanamigawa Ootomi
Hanamigawa Ootomi specializes in yakitori and chicken dishes made from Hinai Jidori, a premium chicken breed from Akita Prefecture. Each dish is carefully prepared to bring out the full flavor of the chicken.
In addition to yakitori, Ootomi offers a variety of dishes that highlight the rich taste of Hinai Jidori. The restaurant has also been selected for the Tabelog Yakitori EAST 100 Best Restaurants 2024 in recognition of its exceptional quality.
2-2.DEWAN Makuhari
DEWAN Makuhari is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. Since its founding, it has preserved the traditional cooking techniques of North Indian royal cuisine, offering a rich and intricate flavor profile.
DEWAN’s signature dish is its freshly baked naan, cooked in a tandoor oven. The naan is slightly thick, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside, making it the perfect complement to their curries.
The most popular curry is the butter chicken, a rich and creamy dish featuring tender, tandoor-grilled chicken in a velvety sauce made with generous amounts of dairy.
2-3. Tsukiji Tamasushi Maihama Ikspiari
Established in 1924 in Tsukiji, Tsukiji Tamasushi is a renowned Edo-style sushi brand. At the Maihama Ikspiari branch, you can savor fresh sushi made with market-fresh ingredients while enjoying the lively atmosphere near Tokyo Disney Resort.
The menu includes sushi platters, rice bowls, chirashi sushi, and a variety of side dishes. The lunch menu offers affordable options like the Omakase Nigiri, Tsukiji Bowl, and Barachirashi.
3. Tourist Attractions Near ZOZO Marine Stadium
In addition to baseball, the area around ZOZO Marine Stadium offers various attractions, such as Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari and Plena Makuhari near Kaihin-Makuhari Station, which are great for shopping and dining.
Other recommended spots include:
3-1.Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort, located in Urayasu City, Chiba, is home to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Although it is a bit farther from ZOZO Marine Stadium, it is accessible by train or bus.
With its attractions, shows, parades, restaurants, and shops, Tokyo Disney Resort is a must-visit destination that offers endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
3-2.Makuhari Messe
Makuhari Messe is an international convention center that hosts exhibitions, trade fairs, concerts, anime events, game shows, and auto shows throughout the year.
Located within walking distance of ZOZO Marine Stadium, it’s worth a visit even for its striking architecture.
3-3.Makuhari no Hama
Makuhari no Hama is an artificial beach within Makuhari Seaside Park, located near the stadium. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, clamming during the season, or breathtaking views of the sunset, making it a romantic and scenic spot.
Conclusion
ZOZO Marine Stadium is a must-visit for baseball fans and offers a unique open-air experience thanks to its seaside location. The stadium also hosts numerous concerts featuring top domestic and international artists.
Even on non-game days, the stadium’s location within Makuhari Seaside Park allows for enjoyable walks and picnics. With its spacious lawns and beachside setting, the park is ideal for relaxing and soaking in the natural surroundings.
*This article is based on information available as of January 2024.
