Make the Most of Your Time Around Koshien in Nishinomiya! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots

Koshien Stadium has been the site of countless thrilling and emotional moments. While the excitement of watching a game is undeniable, the area around Koshien is also packed with fun attractions for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we introduce Koshien and baseball-related facilities, gourmet spots, Nishinomiya Shrine, KidZania, university campuses, and the Shukugawa Riverside Green Space. Let’s explore the Koshien area!

1. "Nishinomiya Shrine" – The Head Shrine of Ebisu Shrines

Nishinomiya Shrine is widely known for the "Lucky Man Race" (Fuku-otoko Erabi) and serves as the head shrine of all Ebisu Shrines in Japan. The Lucky Man Race is held every year during the Toka Ebisu Festival in January, where large numbers of men compete by racing through the shrine grounds to win the title of “First Lucky Man.” Many people may have seen this exciting event featured on news and television programs.

The Toka Ebisu Festival, which takes place around January 9th to 11th, is a major event affectionately called “Ebessan.” This festival is dedicated to praying for business prosperity, attracting huge crowds of both locals and tourists, filling the shrine with an electrifying atmosphere.

One of the festival’s unique traditions is sticking coins onto a giant tuna as an offering to pray for business success and abundant harvests, creating a one-of-a-kind Kansai experience. During the festival, food stalls line the streets, making the area lively and bustling. However, on regular days, the shrine is enveloped in a serene and peaceful atmosphere. If you prefer a quiet visit, it is recommended to go on a weekday.

2. "Koshien History Museum" – A Must-Visit for Baseball Fans

This museum showcases the history of Koshien Stadium, high school baseball, and the Hanshin Tigers. Located inside the outfield stands of Koshien Stadium, the museum features a collection of uniforms worn by legendary players, baseballs from past championship teams, the first championship flag, and other valuable exhibits related to high school baseball. Visitors can also watch highlight reels of famous past games.

The museum also covers the history of the Hanshin Tigers, displaying photos, videos, and equipment used by legendary players, making it a must-see for baseball enthusiasts.
One of the most exciting experiences is the "Backscreen View," where visitors can stand beneath the backscreen and take in a panoramic view of the entire stadium. Even if you're not a baseball fan, this is a memorable experience worth trying when visiting Koshien. Admission fee for Adults is 600 yen and for Children is 300 yen (As of March 2017).

3. "KidZania Koshien" – A Thrilling Experience for Kids!

KidZania Koshien is a theme park where children can explore various professions through hands-on experiences. With over 100 different jobs to try, kids can wear uniforms of various occupations and immerse themselves in real-world experiences.

Children can become firefighters and handle a hose, work at a restaurant and prepare food, or take on many other exciting roles. After completing their tasks, they receive a salary in KidZania’s exclusive currency, which they can use to shop within the park, allowing them to learn about the flow of work while having fun.

Parents can enjoy watching their kids engage enthusiastically in different professions, and many children love it so much that they ask to return multiple times. Since weekends can be extremely crowded, it is recommended to research in advance which jobs your child wants to try.

4. "Kwansei Gakuin University" – A Prestigious and Stylish Campus

Kwansei Gakuin University (Kangaku) is one of the prestigious private universities in the Kansai region, belonging to the "Kankandoritsu" group, which includes Kwansei Gakuin University, Kansai University, Doshisha University, and Ritsumeikan University. The university has produced many notable figures, including Yuriko Koike, the Governor of Tokyo.

The university is located in a quiet residential area, surrounded by lush greenery. Its white campus and tranquil atmosphere make a striking impression. The Nishinomiya Uegahara Campus, built in the "Spanish Mission Style," has a classic charm that attracts tourists. The clock tower is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, and the campus buildings are a delight for architecture enthusiasts.

During Christmas season, the university holds a tree-lighting ceremony, among many public events that non-students can also attend. Additionally, the university cafeteria is open to the public, making it possible to experience student life firsthand. A visit to the stylish Kwansei Gakuin University might just give you a taste of campus life.

5. "Shukugawa Riverside Green Space" – The Best Place for Cherry Blossoms in Nishinomiya

This is a large park that includes the Shukugawa riverside within its grounds. It is famous for its cherry blossom trees, which stretch for about 3 kilometers on both sides of the river. Every spring, the area becomes lively with crowds of people enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The stunning view of cherry trees in full bloom, gracefully arching over the river, has earned this park a spot on the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" list. Watching the beautiful sakura petals while listening to the gentle murmur of the river is a truly soothing experience.

Nighttime cherry blossom viewing is also popular here, with food stalls lining the area, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

This well-maintained park is a relaxing getaway where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. There are also many stylish cafés nearby, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The park is conveniently located near Hankyu Shukugawa Station, making it easy to access. Be sure to visit during cherry blossom season!

6. "The 3 Famous Koshien Stadium Gourmet Foods" – A Must-Try for Baseball Fans!

To complete your Koshien experience, we introduce the three must-try stadium foods, known as "Koshien Stadium’s 3 Famous Gourmet Dishes": Koshien Curry, Jumbo Yakitori, and Koshien Yakisoba.

"Koshien Curry" has been a fan favorite since 1924, when the stadium first opened. Originally, it was handmade by stadium staff, making it a dish with deep history. Variations include curry with hormone (offal) or beef tendon, perfect for a hearty meal.
"Jumbo Yakitori" is a massive grilled chicken skewer, coated in a secret sauce that pairs excellently with beer. The skewers are heavy and large, so make sure to buy them fresh off the grill and enjoy them hot!

"Koshien Yakisoba" is another popular dish, made with a special "Wonderful Sauce" from Amagasaki. It has a flavor that both kids and adults love, making it a great option for families. Prices are 550 yen for Koshien Curry, 350 yen for Jumbo Yakitori, 550 yen for Koshien Yakisoba.

Next time you watch a game at Koshien Stadium, be sure to grab one (or all!) of these classic stadium foods to complete your experience!

Both Koshien Curry and Jumbo Yakitori are also available as souvenirs and can even be purchased online.

◎ Summary

Nishinomiya, home to Koshien Stadium, is a vibrant city where tradition and modern attractions coexist. Watching a game is exciting, but there's so much more to experience! Enjoy delicious food, satisfy your curiosity with cultural and historical sites, and relax under the cherry blossoms in spring.

With so many amazing attractions, Nishinomiya is a perfect destination for groups, families, and solo travelers alike. Make the most of your visit and enjoy everything this energetic city has to offer!

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Make the Most of Your Time Around Koshien in Nishinomiya! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots