Global Major Cities Guide

Stadiums and venues for watching or participating in sports and other physical activities.

Sections

1. Overview of Sports and Entertainment in Nagoya

Nagoya is home to a variety of sports, including baseball, soccer, basketball, martial arts, and sumo wrestling. The city also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other entertainment events in its arenas. The most popular sports in Nagoya are baseball and soccer, with local teams having a strong fan base.

2. Notable Sports Facilities and Arenas in Nagoya

A. Vantelin Dome Nagoya (formerly Nagoya Dome)

Location: 1-1-1 Daikominami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya
Primary Use: Baseball, concerts, and large-scale events
Home Team: Chunichi Dragons (professional baseball team)
Capacity: Approximately 40,500 seats
Events:
- Baseball games (Nippon Professional Baseball league)
- Concerts by Japanese and international artists
- Exhibitions and trade shows
Ticket Costs:
- Baseball games: ¥2,000–¥10,000 depending on seating and game importance
- Concerts: ¥6,000–¥15,000 (varies by artist)
How to Buy Tickets:
- Online: Tickets can be purchased through platforms like Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, or the official Chunichi Dragons website.
- In-person: Tickets are available at convenience stores (Lawson, FamilyMart) or at the stadium box office.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible with designated seating areas.
- Elevators and ramps are available.
- Nearby subway station: Nagoya Dome-mae Yada Station (Meijo Line).
Cultural Tips:
- Baseball games are lively, with fans singing team chants and waving flags. Feel free to join in!
- It’s common to bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol must be purchased inside the venue.

B. Toyota Stadium

Location: 7-2 Sengokucho, Toyota City (about 30 minutes from central Nagoya by train)
Primary Use: Soccer, rugby, and concerts
Home Team: Nagoya Grampus (J-League soccer team)
Capacity: Approximately 45,000 seats
Events:
- J-League soccer matches
- Rugby matches (including international games)
- Concerts and cultural events
Ticket Costs:
- Soccer matches: ¥2,000–¥8,000 depending on seating and match importance
- Concerts: ¥6,000–¥12,000
How to Buy Tickets:
- Online: Purchase through the Nagoya Grampus website, Ticket Pia, or Lawson Ticket.
- In-person: Tickets are available at convenience stores or the stadium box office.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities.
- Shuttle buses available from nearby train stations.
- Closest station: Toyotashi Station (Meitetsu Mikawa Line).
Cultural Tips:
- Soccer fans are passionate but respectful. Wear the team’s colors (red for Nagoya Grampus) to show support.
- Arrive early to enjoy pre-match activities and food stalls.

C. Dolphins Arena (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium)

Location: 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya (near Nagoya Castle)
Primary Use: Basketball, martial arts, sumo wrestling, and concerts
Home Team: Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (B-League basketball team)
Capacity: Approximately 10,000 seats
Events:
- Basketball games
- Sumo tournaments (Nagoya Basho in July)
- Martial arts competitions
- Concerts and exhibitions
Ticket Costs:
- Basketball games: ¥1,500–¥6,000
- Sumo tournaments: ¥3,000–¥20,000 depending on seating (ringside seats are more expensive)
How to Buy Tickets:
- Online: Tickets for basketball games can be purchased on the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins website. Sumo tickets are available on the Japan Sumo Association website or Ticket Pia.
- In-person: Tickets are sold at the arena box office or convenience stores.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities.
- Closest station: Shiyakusho Station (Meijo Line).
Cultural Tips:
- For sumo, it’s customary to cheer respectfully and avoid loud disruptions.
- Photography is allowed but avoid flash during matches.

D. Nippon Gaishi Hall

Location: 5-1-16 Higashimatabeecho, Minami-ku, Nagoya
Primary Use: Indoor sports, concerts, and exhibitions
Capacity: Approximately 10,000 seats
Events:
- Volleyball, gymnastics, and figure skating
- Concerts and live performances
Ticket Costs:
- Sports events: ¥2,000–¥8,000
- Concerts: ¥5,000–¥12,000
How to Buy Tickets:
- Online: Tickets are available on Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, or the event organizer’s website.
- In-person: Purchase at convenience stores or the venue box office.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities.
- Closest station: Kasadera Station (JR Tokaido Line).
Cultural Tips:
- Arrive early to avoid long lines.
- Follow the venue’s rules regarding photography and food.

3. General Tips for Visiting Sports Facilities in Nagoya

A. Ticketing and Reservations

Tickets for popular events (e.g., sumo tournaments, high-profile concerts) sell out quickly. Book as early as possible.
Many ticketing websites are in Japanese, so consider using a translation tool or asking for assistance at a convenience store.

B. Accessibility

Most major venues in Nagoya are wheelchair accessible and have facilities for people with disabilities.
If you require assistance, contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.

C. Transportation

Nagoya’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable. Most venues are accessible via subway or train.
Consider purchasing an IC card (e.g., Manaca or Toica) for convenient travel on public transport.

D. Local Customs and Etiquette

Be punctual. Japanese events start on time, and late arrivals may not be allowed to enter immediately.
Respect the rules of the venue, such as no smoking, no outside alcohol, and no flash photography.
Cleanliness is important. Dispose of trash in designated bins or take it home with you.
For sports events, cheering is encouraged, but be mindful of others around you.

E. Food and Drinks

Most venues have food stalls or concession stands offering Japanese snacks, bento boxes, and drinks.
Alcohol is available at many venues, but excessive drinking is frowned upon.

4. Conclusion

Nagoya offers a wide range of sports and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. From the excitement of baseball at Vantelin Dome to the cultural experience of sumo wrestling at Dolphins Arena, there’s something for everyone. By planning ahead, respecting local customs, and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at any of Nagoya’s sports facilities or arenas.