Home > Blog > Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Baseball in Sapporo

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Baseball in Sapporo

As part of our series of resources for visitors to Sapporo, we provide details about the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, the professional baseball team based in Sapporo, Japan.

Sapporo’s Baseball Team

The name of the baseball team in Sapporo is the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters., often referred to as the Ham Fighters. The team was originally founded in 1945 as the Senators, and was based in Tokyo before moving to Hokkaido in 2004, becoming the first professional baseball team to represent Japan’s northernmost island.

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are part of the Pacific League of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), with their home ground at ES CON Field Hokkaido in Kitahiroshima, just outside Sapporo. The team represents the entire Hokkaido region and has become a symbol of local pride and community spirit.

The Fighters are owned by Nippon Ham Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s leading food companies. Known for their passionate fan base and lively game-day atmosphere, the Fighters have produced several world-famous players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, who went on to shine in Major League Baseball in the United States.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Baseball Season

The local baseball season in Sapporo runs from the end of March to the end of September, following the schedule of Nippon Professional Baseball. During this period, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters play exciting home games at ES CON Field Hokkaido in Kitahiroshima. For more details and the latest game schedule, you can visit the Ham Fighters official website.

Baseball Stadium in Sapporo, Japan

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters play their home games at ES CON Field Hokkaido, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium located in Kitahiroshima, just outside Sapporo. The stadium opened in March 2023 as the new home of the Fighters, replacing the former Sapporo Dome.

ES CON Field Hokkaido is part of the larger Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, a modern entertainment complex featuring restaurants, shops, and family-friendly attractions. The stadium features a retractable roof and natural grass field, offering one of the most advanced baseball experiences in Japan.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to a Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Baseball Game?

Ticket prices for a Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters game at ES CON Field Hokkaido vary depending on the seat type and game schedule. The most premium seats, such as field-level or VIP lounge seats, can cost around 12,000–14,000 JPY, while standard seats are typically priced between 4,000–6,000 JPY.

There are also discounted tickets available for children, students, and seniors, as well as special weekday or night game promotions, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the excitement of a Fighters game.

For up-to-date pricing and ticket availability, check the official Fighters website.

Tickets for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Baseball Game

To buy tickets for a Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters game, you can visit the team’s official website to select the date, choose your preferred seat, and pay for the ticket online.

Website: https://www.fighters.co.jp

How to Get to ES CON Field and the Fighters’ Stadium

ES CON Field is located in central Kitahiroshima. It is easily accessed by car, or by train.

Location & Nearest Station

Address: 277-3 Fukuzumi, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.hkdballpark.com

The stadium is located in Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido. The nearest train station is JR Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Chitose Line. From the station you can walk (~20-25 minutes) or use a shuttle bus (~5 minutes) to the stadium.

From Sapporo Station

Take the JR Rapid Airport train (bound for New Chitose Airport) on the JR Chitose Line → JR Kitahiroshima Station in about 17 minutes.
Then from Kitahiroshima Station:
Shuttle bus: about 5 min, fare ~¥230 adult Or walk about 20-25 min.

From Shin‑Sapporo Station

There is a shuttle bus route from Shin-Sapporo Station to the stadium, about 25 minutes. Fare ¥600 (adult) one-way.

From New Chitose Airport

Train: Take JR Rapid Airport train to JR Kitahiroshima Station (~18 mins). Then use shuttle/walk.
Direct shuttle bus: There are direct buses from the airport to F-Village (~55 minutes) though fewer in number. Fare ~¥1,000 adult.

Bus Service to ES CON Field
There are also city buses that can be used to and from ES CON Field. There are also special shuttle bus services available from major locations including New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station.

Parking

Parking: The stadium boasts the largest parking facility in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), with over 4,000 spaces available, including a dedicated tailgating area

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters’ Main Mascots

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have several mascots, with Frep the Fox being the main character. Frep is joined by other mascots, including B·B and Polly Polaris, who entertain fans throughout the game with dances, cheers, and fun activities.

Frep the Fox reflects Hokkaido’s local wildlife and is a playful symbol of the team’s energetic and family-friendly atmosphere, adding a unique charm to every Fighters game at ES CON Field Hokkaido.

What to do at ES CON Field Hokkaido?

ES CON Field Hokkaido is more than just a baseball stadium, it’s a comprehensive entertainment complex offering a variety of activities:

Baseball Games: Cheer on the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters during their home games
Hot Springs & Sauna: Experience the world’s first in-stadium natural hot spring and sauna with a panoramic view of the field (onsen and hot springs in Sapporo)
Rooftop Bar: Enjoy drinks and food at the rooftop bar, “Sora Shiba by Yona Yona Ale,” while watching the game
Adventure Park: Engage in outdoor activities at the adventure park, which requires separate admission

Dining Options

There are numerous dining establishments within the stadium and the surrounding F Village:
Bazaar: An international dining experience offering a variety of dishes prepared by chefs with overseas experience
Sora Shiba by Yona Yona Ale: A brewery and bar serving craft beer brewed on-site, along with a selection of food items
Nanatsuboshi Yokocho: A food court featuring various local and regional specialties
Apuka no Mori: A restaurant specializing in Hokkaido venison dishes, offering a unique dining experience

Shopping

Fighters Flagship Store: The official team store offering a wide range of merchandise, including uniforms, towels, apparel, and souvenirs
Various Shops: Numerous other shops within the stadium and F Village selling snacks, drinks, and Fighters-themed goods

Accommodation

TOWER 11 Hotel: The first hotel located inside a baseball stadium in Japan, offering rooms with views of the field and exclusive amenities