Giants OB vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars OB 2026 – Shizuoka, Japan

• November 15, 2026
  Event date:
• November 15, 2026
  Event end:

Overview

Baseball fans are in for an unforgettable treat as legendary players from two storied Japanese franchise giants take the diamond for a special exhibition match. The Honda Cars Shizuoka presents Legendary Stadium Kusanagi Showdown brings together iconic alumni from the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. This unique event offers supporters a rare chance to see their favorite former baseball stars showcase their enduring athletic skills and competitive spirit in a relaxed yet thrilling atmosphere.

The historic exhibition scheduled for late autumn will feature a seven-inning contest filled with nostalgia, incredible plays, and memorable moments. Both teams boast rosters packed with legendary managers, dominant pitchers, reliable catchers, star infielders, and powerful outfielders who defined eras of professional baseball. Spectators can expect an afternoon of high-energy sportsmanship as these baseball icons reunite to treat fans to a classic display of talent.

The festive atmosphere at the ballpark will be further heightened by special commemorative giveaways and passionate fan sections dedicated to each historic squad. Whether you grew up cheering for the dominant Giants or supporting the spirited BayStars, this matchup bridges generations of baseball history. It is a celebration of the sport’s rich heritage in Japan, promising an afternoon that will resonate with longtime supporters and new fans alike.

Event Highlights

• Legendary Rosters: Witness historic alumni players, managers, and star athletes from both the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars compete in a special seven-inning exhibition game.
• Commemorative Giveaways: The first four thousand attendees holding eligible infield seats will receive an exclusive support muffler towel at the entrance gates.
• Dedicated Fan Seating: Experience the energetic rivalry with Giants alumni seated on the first base side and BayStars alumni positioned on the third base side.
• Historic Venue: Enjoy the action at the iconic Shizutetsu Stadium Kusanagi, located within the scenic Shizuoka Prefectural Kusanagi Sports Park Baseball Stadium.

Why Attend

This extraordinary gathering is an absolute must-attend for dedicated baseball enthusiasts and sports historians alike. Witnessing legendary athletes who shaped the landscape of Japanese professional baseball provides a rare and nostalgic experience that standard regular-season games simply cannot replicate. Seeing former MVPs, legendary pitchers, and celebrated managers return to the diamond creates an electric atmosphere filled with appreciation and excitement.

Beyond the action on the field, attending this showcase offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant sports culture of Shizuoka. It is ideal for families, groups of friends, and lifelong supporters looking to create lasting memories while celebrating baseball history. The event combines competitive spirit with community celebration, making it a standout highlight of the autumn sports calendar.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026, with the game starting at 1:00 PM
• Event Duration: A special seven-inning exhibition game lasting approximately three hours

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available through authorized ticket vendors, online platforms, and designated box offices supporting the event.
• Admission Type: Seated admission options ranging from reserved premium sections to general admission areas.
• Ticket Pricing: Minimum price is approximately forty-five dollars and maximum price is approximately forty-six dollars.
• Special Seating Options: Reserved infield wing seats, home plate reserved areas, and wheelchair accessible seating coordinated through the regional television business production department.
• VIP Options: Special seating blocks located directly behind the infield net and along the prime viewing areas of the first and third base lines.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Shizuoka, Japan
• Venue Name: Shizutetsu Stadium Kusanagi (Shizuoka Prefectural Kusanagi Sports Park Baseball Stadium)
• Google Maps Address: 19-1 Kurihara, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8008, Japan

Contact Information

• Website: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2669994

Accommodation Options

Visitors traveling to Shizuoka for the game will find a wide variety of accommodation choices ranging from modern business hotels to comfortable traditional inns. Staying near Shizuoka Station provides convenient access to local dining, shopping, and public transportation routes leading directly to the sports park. Booking lodgings well in advance is highly recommended due to the expected influx of traveling baseball fans attending the historic matchup.

The surrounding area offers welcoming hospitality with multilingual assistance at many major hotels, ensuring a pleasant stay for international travelers. Whether you prefer a central urban location close to the transit hub or a quieter spot nearer to the stadium park, Shizuoka delivers comfortable options to suit every preference. Enjoy restful amenities and easy commutes to make your weekend baseball getaway completely seamless.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Shizuoka Airport, located approximately thirty kilometers from the venue with convenient connecting transport services.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Kusanagi Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line or the Shizuoka Railway Shizutetsu Line.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Local bus services operating directly from major city transit hubs to the Kusanagi Sports Park entrance.
• Parking Availability: Public parking lots are available within the sports park grounds for attending visitors.
• Directions by Car: Accessible via the Tomei Expressway using the nearby Shimizu or Shizuoka interchanges, followed by local arterial roads.

Dining Recommendations

• Breakfast Recommendations:
  • Savor freshly baked artisanal pastries and aromatic gourmet coffee at cozy neighborhood cafes located within walking distance of Shizuoka Station.
  • Indulge in a traditional Japanese morning breakfast set featuring perfectly grilled salted fish, steaming white rice, and savory miso soup at downtown dining establishments.
  • Discover delightful morning bakery specials offering fluffy egg sandwiches and locally sourced fruit pastries to jumpstart your exciting matchday morning.
• Lunch Recommendations:
  • Sample the famous Shizuoka oden simmered in rich dark broth at historical market stalls located around the bustling downtown commercial districts.
  • Feast on exceptionally fresh local sushi prepared with premium daily catches delivered straight from the bountiful waters of Suruga Bay.
  • Visit vibrant regional culinary spots to enjoy satisfying lunchtime set menus featuring perfectly seasoned grilled meats and seasonal vegetable side dishes.
• Dinner Recommendations:
  • Treat yourself to luxurious local eel specialties expertly grilled and glazed in a savory sweet soy-based sauce at renowned specialty restaurants.
  • Experience authentic regional hospitality by dining on exquisite seasonal Japanese multi-course creations and grilled delicacies at traditional neighborhood izakayas.
  • Relish the comforting flavors of crispy regional gyoza dumplings paired with steaming bowls of handcrafted savory noodle soup for a satisfying evening meal.
• Local Specialties to Try:
  • Taste premium Shizuoka green tea infused treats, artisanal matcha parfaits, and refreshing organic beverages celebrating the region’s famous harvest.
  • Relish the delicate sweetness of locally harvested sakura shrimp sourced directly from nearby coastal fishing ports during your culinary tour.
  • Experience the vibrant kick of authentic freshly grated regional wasabi paired with traditional local delicacies and seafood specialties.

What is this event?

The Honda Cars Shizuoka Legendary Stadium Kusanagi Showdown is a special exhibition baseball game featuring celebrated alumni from the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. This exciting matchup reunites legendary players and managers for a competitive seven-inning contest that celebrates the rich history of Japanese professional baseball.

Fans attending the event get to experience a nostalgic afternoon watching their childhood sports heroes return to the diamond. Set in Shizuoka, the game combines high-spirited athletic competition with commemorative fan giveaways, creating an engaging celebration for baseball supporters of all ages.

Why is it popular?

This exhibition captures widespread attention because it brings together dozens of baseball legends and Hall of Fame caliber players on a single field. Supporters rarely get the opportunity to see iconic former rivals share the same stadium and showcase their enduring passion for the sport.

The combination of historic team rivalries, exclusive souvenir towel giveaways, and a family-friendly afternoon schedule makes it a premier sporting attraction. It serves as a powerful tribute to Japanese baseball heritage, drawing dedicated followers from across the country to witness living legends in action.

Tips before you go

• Arrive early at the stadium gates to secure your commemorative cheering muffler towel if you hold an eligible infield ticket.
• Check the weather forecast beforehand and prepare accordingly since the exhibition game will be canceled in the event of rain.
• Confirm your designated seating side to ensure you sit on the correct first base or third base cheering section.
• Bring valid identification or contact details if you require assistance with wheelchair accessible seating arrangements.
• Keep public transit schedules handy for your return trip from Kusanagi Station following the conclusion of the seven-inning game.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the layout of the expansive Shizuoka Prefectural Kusanagi Sports Park ahead of time to easily navigate between the regional train station and the historic baseball stadium without any confusion.
• Take full advantage of the reliable local train networks such as the JR Tokaido Main Line, which offers smooth, fast, and efficient connectivity from major urban centers directly to the vibrant venue area.
• Wear exceptionally comfortable walking shoes and casual athletic attire as navigating the sprawling park grounds and stadium access ramps involves moderate walking from the main entry gates to your designated seating blocks.
• Be sure to sample some of the world-renowned regional green tea beverages available abundantly at stadium concession stands or local station artisan shops during your memorable autumn sports visit.
• Check the official event website promptly on the morning of the game for any last-minute schedule updates, gate opening announcements, or weather-related advisory notices regarding the rainy day cancellation policy.
• Take plenty of time to leisurely explore the surrounding sports park area, which features pleasant walking paths, lush green spaces, and relaxing scenic spots before the stadium gates officially open to enthusiastic fans.

Attendee Experiences

• Seeing former baseball legends step back onto the field and play with the same passion was an unforgettable and nostalgic experience.
• Receiving the exclusive cheering muffler towel at the entrance gate added a wonderful commemorative touch to an already fantastic afternoon at the ballpark.
• The lively atmosphere in the stands filled with passionate fans chanting for both the Giants and BayStars made the exhibition game an absolute joy to attend.

Location

FAQ