Shane Barclay
Shane Barclay, Owner of Extra Innings, has worked in baseball for the entirety of his professional life. He has worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Fall League, the World Baseball Clasic, and MLB’s Office of the Commissioner in the Dominican Republic and New York City.
Stadium Bag Policies in South Korea
Policies on bags and prohibited items at KBO games in South Korea are looser than in the USA, but not as lenient as Japanese policies. Fans are permitted to bring one personal bag and one shopping bag. The personal bag…
South Korea Electricity and Power Outlets
The outlets in South Korea are Type C or Type F, with twin rounded prongs. You’ll recognize these if you’ve traveled in Europe. While many hotels these days have a more universal outlet setup, it’s best to assume you need…
Announcing Extra Innings Travel, the official travel operator of Japanball
Dear Fellow Baseball Fans, For over 25 years, JapanBall has connected baseball fans around the world with the Japanese game through our tours, media guide, website, online communities, and travel guide. The unifying power and global identity of baseball have…
2025 Okinawa Spring Training Tour Recap and Photo Log
Our 2025 Okinawa Spring Training Tour was an unforgettable kickoff to the baseball season! From visiting KBO and NPB camps—including the Fighters, Swallows, Giants, Dragons, and Carp—to exploring cultural landmarks like Hacksaw Ridge and Cape Manzamo, this trip was packed with baseball action and rich local experiences. Thanks, Okinawa—we can’t wait to return next year!
Stadium Bag Policies in Japan
Japanese bag policies are loose compared to US stadiums. In my experience, there are no restrictions on bag size or type, and professional cameras with big lenses are permitted. Stadium employees at the entrance will search your bag, but politely…
Costs, Currency, Credit Cards, and Tipping in Japan
Japan’s reputation as an expensive country is misleading. If you are looking to buy or rent a property in Tokyo, then yes, costs are among the highest in the world. And if you want to do some high-end dining or…
Japanese Electricity and Power Outlets
The outlets in Japan are Type A and are identical to North American two-prong outlets where each slot is the same size. Common phone chargers will work without any problem. However, if your plug has three prongs—or two prongs of…
Japan Entry and Arrival Instructions: Immigration, Customs, and Airport Transportation
Fortunately, most of our tour guests, Americans, Canadians, and Australians, do not need a visa to visit Japan. All you need is a valid passport – just make sure it doesn’t expire before the end of your trip! If you…
2024 Japan Tour Recap and Photo Log
From the buzzing streets of Tokyo to the peaceful landscapes of Hokkaido, we explored iconic landmarks like Sensoji Temple and Hiroshima Peace Park. We witnessed thrilling games across NPB stadiums, including a walk-off in Sapporo and a grand slam at Koshien Stadium. Despite typhoon delays, we made the most of every moment—singing at karaoke, meeting legends like Masanori Murakami, and even getting hands-on with okonomiyaki cooking. Our 2024 tour brought together baseball and cultural discovery in the best way possible!
2024 Dominican Republic Tour Recap and Photo Log
Our 2024 DR Tour featured the electric atmosphere of LIDOM matchups, including grand slam showdowns at Estadio Cibao. Visits to historic landmarks like the Colonial Zone, Independence Plaza, and Bartolo Colón’s stadium brought local history to life. We supported youth baseball programs with equipment donations and enjoyed incredible meals from top Dominican spots like Barra Payan and Parador Bellamar. From lively fan dances to personal interactions with players and trainers, this tour was a celebration of baseball’s deep roots in the DR.