Meiji Jingu Stadium

Home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows

Photo: Russel Tiffin (IG: @npb.stadiums.tour)

Photo: Russel Tiffin (IG: @npb.stadiums.tour)

Formal Name: Meiji Jingu Stadium

Opened in: 1926

Stadium Capacity: 31,805

Dimensions: LF & RF: 97.5 m (320 ft) / CF: 120 m (394 ft)

Description: Jingu is the oldest professional stadium aside from Koshien Stadium (home of the Hanshin Tigers). Built in 1926 for intercollegiate competition and remodeled several times since, it is – along with Koshien Stadium – one of the few remaining active ballparks in the world where Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played (during their 1934 barnstorming tour, prior to professional baseball’s existence in Japan). Jingu is not only home to the Swallows, but also hosts “Tokyo Big6” university games, which are among the more popular baseball events in the country. It is one of the cozier stadiums in Japan, with seats quite tight and a limited amount of foul territory. Located in the heart of Tokyo not far from Shibuya, it is easily accessible to all tourists. Plans to build a new ballpark (and ultimately tear down this relic) are in place, but have been delayed. This park should remain home to the Swallows until at least 2031, but maybe not beyond that.