My wife and I went to Hokkaido last weekend. We didn’t ski, but we enjoyed watching baseball and trying the local food this time. We flew to Chitose in Hokkaido last Friday night and the cabin was fully booked. I thought many people go to Hokkaido after the COVID-19 pandemic and it was pretty good. Next morning, we headed to the new ballpark, ESCON Field Hokkaido in Kita-Hiroshima city. We wanted to go early because Saturday was the day after opening day. In fact, it was very busy around the ballpark and near the station. The new ballpark is located about 20 minutes from Sapporo downtown and Chitose airport. I think it’s not bad. After Kita-Hirosima station, you can take a shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes. The buses, sidewalks and the parking were all crowded and especially after the game it was terrible. I wish the access problems can be improved soon.
The ballpark was stylish outside with comfortable seats inside. This is a domed stadium, but roof is retractable. There is a huge video screen that allows the fans to follow the action more closely and there is beautiful natural grass on the field. There’re so many food stands, bars and also hot springs and saunas in the ballpark. It is amazing!
The teams playing were the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters versus the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles and it was a very close game. Finally, fast baseman Kotaro Kiyomiya hit a walk off single for the Fighters in the 10th to win the game. We had a great time.
