 Yokohama
Stadium--a bland uninspiring ballpark perfectly suited
for the team that calls it home. Fortunately, as if to
compensate, it lies in one of the best locations in
Japan.While
leaving either Yokohama Subway Kannai or JR Kannai
Stations, one of the first things you may not even notice
are the sidewalks--wide, straight, and not a piece of
trash or splatter of vomit upon them. From either
station, walk two blocks and you reach the stadium.
You
can buy outfield unreserved tickets at the booth located
on the north side of the stadium. For reserved seats, go
up the ramp on the east side of the bowl, and get in
line. Although the BayStars are a second division team
(they very rarely compete for the Central League
pennant), it may be a good idea to get your tickets a few
hours before the game begins.
Adjacent
to the stadium is Yokohama Park, a small and pleasant
green oasis which sometimes offers flower exhibitions and
other attractions. Walk about five blocks east, and
you'll find the waterfront and Yamashita Park, a great
place to watch the ships and ferries enter and leave the
bay, or to see an occasional fireworks display.
Around Yokohama Stadium:
 |
| A. |
JR Kannai Station |
| B. |
Subway Station |
| 1. |
Convenience stores |
| 2. |
Liquor store |
| 3. |
Royal Host (diner) |
| 4. |
Convenience store |
| 5. |
Public restroom |
| 6. |
Yokohama Stadium |
| 7. |
Yokohama Park |
| 8. |
McDonalds |
| 9. |
Flashback Cafe |
| 10. |
The Pub |
| 11. |
Chinatown |
|
About
three blocks south-east of Yokohama Park is a modest
Chinatown. I strongly recommend grabbing a few nikuman (a
steam baked roll with a spicy meat and vegetable center)
from one of the street vendors along the sidewalks.
If
western-style food is your preference, there's a
McDonalds near JR Kannai Station and a KFC inside the
stadium, behind third base. Feel free to bring your own
food and beverages to the stadium, but leave the glass
containers at home. Even aluminum cans (potential
projectiles for disappointed fans) are frowned upon.
After
the game, if you feel like having a round of drinks,
there are plenty of comfortable watering holes nearby. At
the southeast corner of Yokohama Park, you'll find the
cozy Flashback Cafe. Decked with Rock 'n Roll motifs, the
cafe offers a wide menu of drinks and light western meals
at reasonable prices. For those with more anglophile
inclinations, try The Pub, a tavern two blocks south of
the ballpark, which offers drinks and food in a British
atmosphere.
If
you feel like stretching your legs after a game, why not
walk ten blocks north to Landmark Tower Plaza in
Sakuragicho? You'll find fast food (Beckers, Wendys,
McDonalds), some very expensive Japanese restaurants and
bars, and the always moderately-priced Sizzler. Instead
of walking, you can also take either the Yokohama Subway
or the Keihin Tohoku line North one stop to get to
Sakuragicho. Near Landmark Tower is Queens Tower which
houses the Yokohama branch of the Hard Rock Cafe.
Or
go directly to Yokohama Station. In the surrounding area,
you'll find all kinds of restaurants and bars. From
Mexican food like El Torito and Stoves to Japan's most
popular chain of Italian restaurants, Cappriciosa, there
are plenty of after-the-ball game places to go.
|
