# Extra Innings Travel

> Sports Travel


## Posts

- [2026 Okinawa Spring Training Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2026-okinawa-spring-training-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next Okinawa Tour: February 2027 Trip Details Day One — February 18, 2026 Play ball! Our 2026 NPB Spring Training tour in beautiful Okinawa officially kicked off today as we visited the Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters’ training camp at Enagic stadium near our hotel in the afternoon. It’s always fun to see the Big Boss Tsuyoshi Shinjo on the field! The Fighters should compete for the Pacific League pennant again this season. In the evening, our whole group got together for introductions and a wonderful welcome dinner at Agu Pork and Sushi Island Izakaya Maasan. It was really great to see everyone […]
- [Packing Tips for Our Japan Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/packing-tips-for-our-japan-baseball-tours/): Packing strategies for our Japanese baseball tours present a unique challenge for many guests. We often receive inquiries about packing best practices and laundry options during our tours. Here are some recommendations we’ve compiled after 25+ years of traveling around Japan and watching baseball. Note: these tips are tailored for our Japanese baseball tours. Our guides will assist with your specific needs and provide expert local tips on the ground – for example, coin laundry often accepts IC cards and automatically dispenses detergent. If you’re traveling on your own, you may want to utilize Japan’s reliable takkyubin luggage forwarding service. […]
- [Winter Baseball Options for the Fans Who Can't Get Enough](https://extrainningstravel.com/winter-baseball-options-for-the-fans-who-cant-get-enough/): Though baseball is thought of as the Summer Game, it doesn’t go into hibernation in the winter. In fact, there is a variety of competitive professional winter leagues, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America, for the rabid fan to follow. The winter leagues help fill the gap in the calendar when the four largest professional leagues – Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), and Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) – aren’t playing. The biggest event on the Winter League calendar is the Caribbean Series, or Serie del Caribe. The champion teams […]
- [August 2025 Japan Play Abroad Tour Recap & Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/august-2025-japan-play-abroad-tour-recap-photo-log/): Interested in Play Abroad? Learn More Days One & Two — August 2 & 3, 2025  We’re right back at it with another Play Abroad trip! This time, we have a team of 10-12 year olds mainly from Washington, North Carolina, and a few other states. Let’s go Odyssey! On Saturday, we got to know one another better with an elegant welcome dinner at the top floor of our beautiful hotel in Shinagawa. We had lots of unique and tasty dishes including teriyaki octopus, smoked duck, prawn, crab chawamushi (Japanese egg custard), and much more. The following morning, we left […]
- [July 2025 Japan Play Abroad Tour Recap & Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/july-2025-japan-play-abroad-tour-recap-photo-log/): Interested in Play Abroad? Learn More Days One & Two — July 24 & 25, 2025 We’re off in Nara and Osaka for our second Play Abroad tour in as many months! Our squad is made up of talented 13-14-year-olds from Eastern Washington and across the U.S. Let’s go Odyssey! We kicked things off with a big welcome dinner at @kuimonoya_wan_official on Thursday night then got rested up for our first game Friday afternoon against the Tadaoka Boys (@tadaokaboys) at Sukematsu Park Baseball. Before the game, we took part in some pregame practice together and had the chance to get to know each […]
- [June 2025 Japan Play Abroad Tour Recap & Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/june-2025-japan-play-abroad-tour-recap-photo-log/): Interested in Play Abroad? Learn More Days One & Two — June 2 & 3, 2025  Our first ever ‘Play Abroad’ trip is officially underway in Nara! Play Abroad is designed for teams, fantasy campers, and schools looking for unforgettable international baseball experiences. We’re so excited to get going with Odyssey! The first stop on our way to our first game was Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, a Japanese National Treasure and a World Heritage site. Its status as one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles makes this fortress a must for anyone interested the history […]
- [Crave Baseball in the Winter? The Dominican Republic is Calling](https://extrainningstravel.com/crave-baseball-in-the-winter-the-dominican-republic-is-calling/): Want to see some baseball – some really good baseball? Perhaps in a warm climate during the dead of winter? With passionate fans in a stimulating environment? Care to meet some baseball royalty? And, in off times, hit the beach, dine at interesting restaurants, and visit local points of interest? Sound good? If so, consider Extra Innings Travel’s annual tour of the Dominican Republic, home of an extremely strong baseball culture and a long-time source of many of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) top stars. In fact, there were 100 Dominicans on MLB rosters at the beginning of the 2025 season, the most from any non-U.S. […]
- [2025 Dominican Republic Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2025-dominican-republic-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next Dominican Republic Winter Ball Adventure: November 11-22, 2026 Trip Details Days One & Two — November 3 & 4, 2025  We arrived in the beautiful DR yesterday and enjoyed a great welcome dinner at the El Embarcadero, our hotel’s restaurant on the pier over the water! Today, we explored the La Cueva de las Maravillas, or the “The Cave of Wonders.” This gorgeous cave, a natural tourist destination, showcases an impressive cave network with ancient paintings from the Taino natives. The iguana sanctuary is a must-see experience. We also got in plenty of baseball activities with visits to the […]
- [Baseball United's First Season in Dubai Gets Underway; Japanese Players Power Mid East Falcons](https://extrainningstravel.com/baseball-uniteds-first-season-in-dubai-gets-underway-japanese-players-power-mid-east-falcons/): DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – There are first pitches, and then there are First Pitches. Karan Patel’s initial offering on November 14 falls squarely into the latter category. Meaning that it did much more than simply begin an ordinary baseball game. In fact, when the Mumbai pitcher delivered a knee-high fastball on the inside part of the plate to Karachi’s Pavin Parks at 8:21pm that day, it began the first game of the first regular season of Baseball United – the first professional baseball league representing the Middle East and South Asia. And it took place in the region’s first and […]
- [2025 Mini NPB Tour Recap & Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2025-mini-npb-tour-recap-photo-log/): Next NPB Tour: May 25-31, 2026 Trip Details Day One & Two – September 4 & 5 And we’re off on our mini NPB tour! Despite a big typhoon passing through, our first two days couldn’t have gone much better. On Thursday night, we kicked things off with a welcome dinner at a local baseball-themed izakaya, Baseball Hub, where we enjoyed good food and caught part of the BayStars vs. Carp game in Hiroshima on TV (which was called in the 6th inning due to rain). We also made a quick stop at the Hanshin Tigers store, located just 5 […]
- [2025 South Korea Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2025-south-korea-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next South Korea Tour: June 1-14 2026 Trip Details Days One & Two — May 23 & 24, 2025 After arriving in Seoul, we had a delicious welcome dinner at Seo-Seo Galbi, which has been around for more than 60 years in the Mapo neighborhood. Seo-seo galbi translates to “standing ribs,” referring to the beef ribs that are grilled while standing in front of a briquette fire in a drum barrel. The following day, our guests coming over from the Japan tour arrived and we spent the afternoon exploring the Namdaemun traditional market, fortress gate, Seoullo 17 Skygarden, and Yoonseul art […]
- [2025 Alaska Midnight Sun Game & Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2025-alaska-midnight-sun-game-pacific-northwest-baseball-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next PNW / Alaska Midnight Sun Game Tour: June 2027 Trip Details Days One & Two — June 17 & 18, 2025 We started off with some sightseeing in Seattle: the first ever Starbucks at Pike Place Market, Jimi Hendrix’s Walk of Fame, the Piroshky Piroshky Russian bakery, and more! We had some drinks at the Mariners-themed Sluggers Sports Bar before making our way to T-Mobile Park to see the M’s host the Boston Red Sox. Seattle was victorious, 8-0, behind 7 innings of one-hit ball by Bryan Woo and a grand slam by the Big Dumper Cal Raleigh! Our seats […]
- [John Kohl's Baseball Journey - A Dizzying Pace Few Could Match](https://extrainningstravel.com/john-kohls-baseball-journey-a-dizzying-pace-few-could-match/): To the vast majority of the population, May 15, 1965 is simply a day. One far in the past, only vaguely recalled – if at all – and of little or no significance. John Kohl, however, is in the minority. That was the day he went to his first baseball game. The Baltimore Orioles hosted the New York Yankees that day in the Orioles’ former home, Memorial Stadium. “I was eight years old, and my family went to a night for employees of Westinghouse, which was where my dad worked,” the Baltimore native said. “I remember how excited I was […]
- [Staying Safe on Our Japan Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/staying-safe-on-our-japan-tours/): I find Japan to be clean and safe, and the people gracious. The risks of contracting an illness or becoming a victim of crime are relatively low. These are all reasons why Japan is a wonderful country to visit. However, it is still important to take precautions to ensure a safe trip. In my opinion, the most significant risks when traveling in Japan are: Let’s talk about how to prevent any mishaps and what to do in a worst-case scenario. Be Very Careful When Walking We don’t ever need to hurry. If we’re walking as a group and you pass whoever is leading […]
- [2025 Japan Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2025-japan-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next Japan Tour: May 13-31, 2026 Trip Details Days One and Two — May 8 & 9, 2025 Japan Tour Day 1: Our annual Japan tour is underway in Tokyo! A nice and relaxing start tonight as we had a grand welcome dinner buffet in our hotel and got to know one another. Tomorrow, we’re headed for some sightseeing and then going to Yokohama for the first NPB game of the trip! Japan Tour Day 2: For our first full day of the tour, we started out with some important sightseeing in Tokyo before heading to Yokohama Stadium in the evening […]
- [Costs, Currency, Credit Cards, and Tipping in South Korea](https://extrainningstravel.com/costs-currency-credit-cards-and-tipping-in-south-korea/): South Korea is an affordable country to travel in as a foreigner. While not as inexpensive as China or some countries in Southeast Asia, it is less expensive than Japan. On our last tour, I found it relatively easy to eat and drink well for under $40 a day. I suggest budgeting $50-$70 per day, depending on your taste for souvenirs and beers at the ballpark. At The Ballpark KBO stadium policy permits outside food and drink, which can help keep costs down and options plentiful. However, that’s not necessary, as you’ll find the ballpark concessions to be very affordable. Beers […]
- [Stadium Bag Policies in South Korea](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 must not be bigger than 45cm long x 45cm wide x 20cm deep, and the shopping bag cannot exceed 30cm long x 50cm wide x 12cm. You can bring in either one PET/plastic drink bottle or two cans. Drinks must be unopened, non-alcoholic, and have a volume of less than one liter. Outside food is allowed in the ballpark, and […]
- [South Korea Electricity and Power Outlets](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 an adapter to charge your devices in Korea. You can find simple ones online for under $5. To make things easy, buy a universal adapter that can be used in almost any country worldwide, such as this one. The voltage in South Korea is 220v, compared to the USA’s 120v. Your common phone charger should work fine, but if you’re trying […]
- [Announcing Extra Innings Travel, the official travel operator of Japanball](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 always been at the heart of JapanBall, and today they resonate stronger than ever. Interest in Japanese baseball has never been higher, and our Japan-based tours and coverage are increasing accordingly. However, as our journey evolved, we recognized a growing demand to expand beyond Japan. Over the past four years, we’ve explored the unique baseball and cultural offerings of destinations […]
- [Henry Phan - Now a Baseball Fan!](https://extrainningstravel.com/henry-phan-now-a-baseball-fan/): That Henry Phan has been on four JapanBall trips in less than two years and has more planned might lead to the assumption that he’s been passionate about baseball for a long time. But that would be wrong.  “I’m not that athletic,” the 24-year-old Phan says. “I didn’t play sports in middle school or high school, and I didn’t pay much attention at all to athletics until just a few years ago. I was a late bloomer as far as interest in sports.” What was the change factor? Well, more like factors – a combination of the effects of the […]
- [Clay Breshears - A True "Veteran" of JapanBall!](https://extrainningstravel.com/clay-breshears-a-true-veteran-of-japanball/): As a JapanBaller, it’s fair to say that Clay Breshears has earned his stripes. More so than most. He began his odyssey in 2014 and now counts nine trips to Japan, a couple to various parts of the U.S. west coast, and another to Alaska for the Midnight Sun Game. Three of the Japan trips were of the lengthy See-it-All variety that earned him Hall of Fame status. By his estimate, he has attended approximately 75 games in Japan and another 15 in the U.S. under the auspices of JapanBall. While no official statistics exist, it’s likely that Breshears trails only legendary JapanBaller Leon DeHaven, who figures […]
- [2025 Okinawa Spring Training Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/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](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 ask for permission before doing so. If they look at your bag and then at you, as if waiting for a response, indicate they are welcome to peek inside your bag. Ballparks have varying food and drink policies. You probably won’t be able to bring cans or glass in, but plastic bottles and food are typically permitted. Although the policy […]
- [Costs, Currency, Credit Cards, and Tipping in Japan](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 shopping, you can easily keep up with the big spenders of New York, Paris, Singapore, etc. However, day-to-day costs are not so bad, especially right now, with the dollar so strong against the yen. On our last tour, I found it quite easy to eat three high-quality meals a day for about $40. Draft beers served to you in your […]
- [Japanese Electricity and Power Outlets](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 different sizes—you’ll need to buy an adapter. Simple ones can be found online for under $5. You may also want to purchase a universal adapter such as this one that can be used in almost any country. The voltage in Japan is a bit less than ours, so all our usual household items work fine as long as you have the plug […]
- [Japan Entry and Arrival Instructions: Immigration, Customs, and Airport Transportation](https://extrainningstravel.com/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 are ultimately heading to Okinawa, Osaka, or another city in Japan other than Tokyo, you will likely connect via one of the two main Tokyo airports – Narita or Haneda. You’ll go through customs and immigration and collect your bags in Tokyo, and then re-check in for your connection. Step 1: Fill Out Your Customs and Immigration Forms We suggest that you fill out your customs and immigration forms […]
- [JapanBall "Guinea Pigs" Pam and Steve Ikeda: Always Ready for Something New](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanball-guinea-pigs-pam-and-steve-ikeda-always-ready-for-something-new/): For the longest time, Pam and Steve Ikeda’s JapanBall experience was a continuous set of firsts: Though the first/first streak ended when they went on JapanBall’s venerable See-it-All tour of Japan in 2024, the Ikedas – who’ve now earned their Hall of Fame stripes – clearly aren’t afraid to tackle something new. “We’re like guinea pig JapanBallers,” Pam says. Maybe not the most poetic of descriptions, but accurate.  They had actually first seen baseball in Japan in 2003 when fewer North Americans than today were making the journey, going on their own with their son and daughter . . . with an assist from […]
- [2024 Japan Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/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](https://extrainningstravel.com/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.
- [2024 South Korea Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2024-south-korea-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Our 2024 South Korea baseball tour was a perfect mix of thrilling games and cultural exploration. We cheered alongside passionate fans at KBO stadiums like Jamsil and Sajik, witnessing unforgettable plays and high-energy crowd traditions. Off the field, we toured iconic landmarks such as the DMZ, Bulguksa Temple, and Gamcheon Cultural Village. 
- [Longtime Journalist and Author Returns to See More Baseball Games in Japan](https://extrainningstravel.com/longtime-journalist-and-author-returns/): Five years ago, I attended My First Baseball Game in Japan. It was a great time, and I recently returned five years later with my wife to attend two more games. After seeing the legendary Yomiuri Giants at the equally impressive Tokyo Dome in 2019, we took in a Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs Hanshin Tigers game at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo and the Chiba Lotte Marines vs Orix Buffaloes at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba. We again used JapanBall to purchase the game tickets, and Michael and Margarita Westbay again did a phenomenal job in getting and delivering our […]
- [Dominican Republic Customs and Immigration E-Ticket](https://extrainningstravel.com/dominican-republic-customs-and-immigration-e-ticket/): To make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible, please take about ten minutes to fill out your digital “E-Ticket.” You will need to complete the form before entering and exiting the country. Follow the directions below. Once you complete all the info, two unique QR codes are generated – one for arrival (“entrada”) and the other for departure (“salida”). Click the button to download a PDF with your code and also click “Send by e-mail.” You’ll receive an email to the address you entered with two attached PDFs – one for arrival and another for departure. Be sure […]
- [Avoid Traveler's Flu and Diarrhea in the Dominican Republic](https://extrainningstravel.com/avoid-travelers-flu-and-diarrhea-in-the-dominican-republic/): If you’ve experienced traveler’s diarrhea, then you know it can be extremely uncomfortable and an inhibitor to your trip. While less common to tourists than in other notorious countries, TD is something to be conscious of in the Dominican Republic. I lived in the country for 2.5 years, and I can only recall two situations in which I got sick – once from contaminated food and another time from drinking cheap rum. If you need more reason to be cautious, I will also mention that in the DR, the bathroom situation is often not the most sanitary: no toilet seat, […]
- [Staying Safe as a Tourist in the Dominican Republic](https://extrainningstravel.com/staying-safe-as-a-tourist-in-the-dominican-republic/): Having lived in the country for 2.5 years and having traveled there annually with tour guests every year since 2020, my experience is that the D.R. is no more dangerous than many American cities that tourists wouldn’t think twice about visiting. Sure, petty crime is a risk. There is widespread poverty on the island, and it is possible that you could be a target as a tourist. Vehicular traffic patterns are notoriously chaotic and pose a risk if you are not on the lookout. But the violent crimes that you hear of in other Latin American countries – kidnappings and […]
- [Costs, Currency, Credit Cards, and Tipping in the Dominican Republic](https://extrainningstravel.com/costs-currency-credit-cards-and-tipping-in-the-dominican-republic/): The Dominican Republic is an interesting place when it comes to prices. Certain things that involve a service being provided – a private driver, someone to clean your home, a worker to sew jeans, or a baseball groundscrew – feel almost criminally cheap. Locally-produced items such as clothing, produce, meat, and snacks will also seem inexpensive to most travelers. However, since it’s an island economy, anything imported can be very expensive – vehicles, gasoline, appliances, food, and drink. Local Spend I feel that it’s important that we intentionally support the Dominican economy. At least around 30% of Dominicans live in poverty, and […]
- [Inside the Dominican Baseball Machine](https://extrainningstravel.com/inside-the-dominican-baseball-machine/): In an impoverished country with a population of less than 11 million, limited upward financial mobility, and a poor education system, baseball is the golden ticket for many Dominicans. Dominicans are the most significant minority nationality of Major League Baseball players. Of the 265 foreign-born players on 2025 MLB Opening Day rosters, 100 were from the Dominican Republic. That means that 13% of MLB players are Dominican! And many of these Dominican peloteros are stars. In the 2025 MLB All-Star game in Atlanta, 12 Dominicans were on the roster. Dominican superstars in today’s game include Juan Soto of the New York Mets, Fernando Tatis Jr. […]
- [Using Your Cell Phone Abroad and Essential Apps](https://extrainningstravel.com/using-your-cell-phone-abroad-and-essential-apps/): Stay connected in Japan, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, Europe, and All of Our Other Destinations All of our tour hotels have free wireless internet access for guests. However, we spend a lot of time away from the hotel, so you’ll want a plan on how to stay connected when we’re out and about. Before I get into those recommendations, here is a quick overview of the situation in our various tour destinations: Your Cell Phone’s Default Daily International Plan I recommend using your phone’s default international service option (typically $10-$12/day, depending on your provider) because it permits you to […]
- [Our 2025 Tour Schedule](https://extrainningstravel.com/our-2025-tour-schedule/): Japanese baseball has never been more popular. The rest of the baseball community is finally catching on to what JapanBallers have known for years: nothing beats the Japanese baseball experience. That’s why we are offering a bounty of Japanese tour options in 2025. But it’s not all Japan in 2025 – we also offer tour packages to South Korea, Seattle, Alaska, Cooperstown, and the Dominican Republic. Here’s a quick snapshot of our 2025 schedule, followed by in-depth descriptions and updates for each tour. February: NPB (and KBO!) Spring Training in Okinawa and Miyazaki March: MLB Opening Series – Dodgers vs […]
- [2024 Netherlands Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2024-netherlands-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Our 2024 Honkbalweek tour was an incredible mix of baseball, culture, and adventure. We witnessed Japan’s thrilling comeback over Spain, explored Dutch landmarks like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and cruised through Haarlem’s canals.
- [Francisco "Pachy" Castillo - JapanBall's "Go-To Guy" in the Dominican Republic](https://extrainningstravel.com/pachy-castillo-japanballs-go-to-guy-in-the-d-r/): Like many young men in the Dominican Republic, Francisco Castillo grew up wanting to be a professional baseball player. It didn’t work out, but he eventually found a way into the game. It’s a case of a dream dashed, but later delivered in a different form. Castillo, known as “Pachy” to almost anyone acquainted with him, is a key player in JapanBall’s tours of the Dominican Republic. Long before, though, his goal was to play in Major League Baseball. Following the well-worn path of Dominican hopefuls, he began at a very young age in his home town of Pantoja, near Santo Domingo, […]
- [The Difference Between Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-difference-between-travel-insurance-and-travel-medical-insurance/): Travel insurance typically covers a broad range of aspects related to a trip, including trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and more. It provides financial protection for non-medical issues that may disrupt travel plans. Sometimes, travel insurance includes coverage for medical-related expenses. On the other hand, travel medical insurance is specifically designed to cover healthcare and medical emergencies while traveling abroad. Purchasing travel medical insurance is likely unnecessary because your private health insurance probably includes international coverage, at least for emergency and urgent care. In case of an incident abroad, you will likely have to pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed by your insurance company upon […]
- [Korean Fans Bring Overflowing Energy to MLB Seoul Series](https://extrainningstravel.com/korean-fans-bring-overflowing-energy-to-mlb-seoul-series/): In March, Korean baseball fans witnessed a historic moment as the Major League Baseball representatives, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, battled it out in the Seoul Series, consisting of a total of six games. Among these, two games were regular-season MLB matchups between the Dodgers and Padres, while the remaining four games saw intense competition between the MLB squads and the Korean national team and KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) teams. Exhibition Game Results (Korean Standard Time: GMT+9) Official MLB Game Results (*Official MLB Opening Day) After the exhibition games, KBO players such as Hye-sung Kim from […]
- [Honkbalweek: Haarlem’s Hidden Baseball Gem](https://extrainningstravel.com/honkbalweek-haarlems-hidden-baseball-gem/): Exploring International Baseball in the Heart of Europe Haarlem means baseball. At first glance, you might believe this to be a misspelling of the Upper Manhattan neighborhood known for its jazz history and gospel choirs. However, the truth is that Haarlem is the home to one of Europe’s top international tournaments – Honkbalweek – which celebrates its 31st year in 2024. Participating countries include the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Spain, and Italy. What is Honkbalweek? Why should you attend? Why should you join our Netherlands tour? Read below to learn about your next baseball adventure! What […]
- [When at Koshien Stadium, Visit the History Museum, Babe Ruth Monument, Hanshin Tigers shrine, and More](https://extrainningstravel.com/when-at-koshien-stadium-visit-the-history-museum-babe-ruth-monument-hanshin-tigers-shrine-and-more/): Hanshin Koshien Stadium is 100 years old this year and still serves as the home for Japan’s second-oldest professional team, the Hanshin Tigers, as well as the two primary high school tournaments: the Japanese High School Baseball Invitational Tournament each spring and the famed Koshien National High School Championship Tournament in the summer. Commonly referred to simply as Koshien Stadium, it has been called the “sacred ground of baseball.” Players traditionally bow before entering and leaving, and players on the losing team in any high school game there are allowed to collect handfuls of dirt as souvenirs. Fans can learn all about the stadium’s […]
- [2024 Okinawa Spring Training Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2024-okinawa-spring-training-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Our 2024 Okinawan spring training tour was an unforgettable blend of baseball, culture, and history! We witnessed Roki Sasaki in action during workouts, watched thrilling games at iconic ballparks like Okinawa Cellular Stadium and Koza Shinkan Ballpark, and even got a private Q&A with Matt Winters. Beyond baseball, we explored Okinawa’s rich heritage with visits to Shuri Castle and the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum, learning about the island’s deep cultural and wartime history. From savoring Okinawan soba and awamori tastings to mingling with fans and players, every moment on this adventure was filled with excitement, connection, and discovery!
- [Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Japan through Baseball, Culture, and Friendship with Tom Russell](https://extrainningstravel.com/exploring-the-rich-tapestry-of-japan-through-baseball-culture-and-friendship-with-tom-russell/): At first glance, Tom Russell’s motivation for joining a JapanBall tour seems pretty simple – “I like to travel and see baseball, and this lets me do both at the same time.” But a closer look reveals that it’s not really that cut and dried for the JapanBall Hall of Famer, who’s traveled with the company four times to Japan and once to the Dominican Republic.   For one thing, he’s long had an interest in Asian cultures, especially that of Japan. He also is a fan of Asian food, and where better to partake of that than in the country? In addition, he’s a […]
- [2023 Dominican Republic Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2023-dominican-republic-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Explore the highlights of our Dominican Republic baseball tour: thrilling no-hitter games, iconic stadiums, cultural sights, and mouth-watering local cuisine. From historic Estadio Quisqueya to Bartolo Colón’s hometown, each day was filled with unforgettable baseball experiences, scenic adventures, and vibrant Dominican culture.
- [2023 South Korea Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2023-south-korea-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Follow along with the 2023 JapanBall South Korea Baseball Tour! Explore our daily recaps and photos of memorable KBO baseball moments.
- [2023 Japan Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2023-japan-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Our 2023 Japan baseball adventure began with a memorable welcome dinner featuring pitching legend Masanori Murakami, the first Japanese player in MLB history. We explored Sensoji Temple before witnessing the excitement of a packed NPB game at Yokohama Stadium. A private tour of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame deepened our understanding of Japan’s baseball legacy. We continued to iconic ballparks like ZOZO Marine Stadium and Belluna Dome, experiencing high-energy games, passionate cheering sections, and fascinating stadium quirks. From sumo matches to historic temples, every moment on this tour was filled with excitement and discovery.
- [2023 Alaska Midnight Sun Game & Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2023-alaska-pnw-tour-recap/): Follow along as we recap our 2023 Alaska Midnight Sun Game and Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour—featuring the legendary Midnight Sun game!
- [Susan McCormac Finds a Niche in NYC with a Passion for Japanese Culture and Baseball](https://extrainningstravel.com/susan-mccormac-finds-a-niche-in-nyc-with-a-passion-for-japanese-culture-and-baseball/): To this day, Susan McCormac will tell you she doesn’t like group tours. She says, “no, thanks,” to the rigidity, the tight structure, the feeling that no time is your own. But she has discovered that some group tours are not like most group tours. JapanBall tours, for example. A bit of explanation is in order. McCormac works in sports television in New York; her job is to assemble and upload the graphics one sees while watching a televised sporting event. Her mother is from Okinawa, so she had been to Japan, but she hadn’t seen a baseball game there […]
- [Pacific Pastime: Baseball in Oregon, Vancouver, & Alaska](https://extrainningstravel.com/pacific-pastime-baseball-in-oregon-vancouver-alaska/): While the East Coast may have more well-known traditions and legacy with baseball, the West Coast – and in particular, the Pacific Northwest – has its own rich history with the sport, with stories and franchises overlapping one another to create a fascinating patchwork of baseball lore. We covered Washington extensively in Part 1 of our Pacific Pastime series, as the Evergreen State has plenty of ballparks to see and some of the best baseball tales west of the Mississippi. To limit the scope to just Washington, however, does a grave disservice to the other baseball cultures in the area. Oregon […]
- [New teams to watch at World Baseball Classic](https://extrainningstravel.com/new-teams-to-watch-at-world-baseball-classic/): It’s been six years since the United States won the 2017 World Baseball Classic, an unforgettable tournament that featured a classic duel between the States and Japan in the semi-final and a stellar Puerto Rican team in the final. After the 2021 edition of the Classic was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament has returned for 2023, featuring the most teams ever for such a world stage: 20 competitors vying for the final crown.  The WBC highlights the best players in the world, offering perhaps the truest example that baseball is not just America’s pastime, but a global […]
- [Pacific Pastime: Baseball in Washington State](https://extrainningstravel.com/pacific-pastime-baseball-in-washington-state/): Editor’s note: Interested in experiencing baseball in Washington state? Check out our Washington State Baseball Tour. You can combine it with the legendary Alaskan Midnight Sun Game to experience the full Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour! Also, see Part 2 of this “Pacific Pastime” series – Baseball in Oregon, Vancouver, & Alaska. While it may be known as America’s pastime, baseball history in the States is perhaps most commonly associated with the Midwest and East Coast. The first professional baseball team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings, and Major League Baseball’s stalwart early franchises were located in cities like New York, Boston, […]
- [2022 Dominican Republic Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2022-dominican-republic-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Our Dominican Republic baseball tour was an incredible dive into the nation’s passion for the game. We toured top academies like Alfredo Arias’ in San Pedro, watched MLB scouts in action, and experienced thrilling LIDOM games, including a walk-off win and a rivalry at Estadio Quisqueya.  We made donations to the “Triunfadores con Jesús” youth program and explored Dominican culture with visits to Santo Domingo’s colonial zone, historic landmarks, and the Dominican Ballplayer Museum. Stops at the Macorix Cigar Factory, Adrian Tropical, and Barceló rum factory showcased the country’s rich traditions.  With MLB encounters and iconic ballparks, the tour was the perfect blend of baseball, history, and culture.
- [2021 Dominican Republic Tour Recap and Photo Log](https://extrainningstravel.com/2021-dominican-republic-tour-recap-and-photo-log/): Next Dominican Republic Tour: November 11-22, 2026 Trip Details Our maiden voyage to the Dominican Republic was a huge success. Twelve guests – “The Dominican Dozen” enjoyed seven days of all that the D.R. has to offer – delicious food and drinks, beautiful Caribbean beaches, rich history, and baseball – LOTS of baseball. We saw four of the Dominican winter league’s (La Liga de Béisbol Profesional de República Dominicana, or “LIDOM”) six teams play in their home stadiums, but we dove much deeper than just the LIDOM games – our tour was an immersive Dominican baseball experience. And along the […]
- [A Love of Japan and People Make Amy Ross a JapanBall Favorite](https://extrainningstravel.com/a-love-of-japan-and-people-make-amy-ross-a-japanball-favorite/): Amy Ross’s first JapanBall tour proved to be much more than an ordinary vacation. “It was life-changing for me,” she says.  “I got into a like-minded community and had a whole new world in front of me.” It was a world that merged her long-time passions for baseball and Japan. Baseball had come first – almost from day one.  Born and raised on the New Jersey shore, she and her two brothers – one a New York Mets fan and the other a fan of the cross-town Yankees – frequently attended games with their father when they were young. As […]
- [The Greatest Hispanic NPB Players](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-greatest-hispanic-npb-players/): Here's our list of the greatest Hispanic players to ever play Japanese Baseball. Does your favorite make the list?
- [Larry Lipsher: JapanBall's "Most Interesting Man in the World"](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-larry-lipsher/): Put simply, Larry Lipsher has led a full life.  And continues to. Lipsher describes himself as a “full-time curmudgeon, long-time rice-counter, cynical stand-up comedian, and semi-retired author of the best bleeping tax books and essays you ever will find!”  But there is much more.  He is, after all, one who:      And he’s also a JapanBall Hall-of-Famer. “All our lives seem really boring compared to Larry’s,” fellow Hall-of-Famer Leon DeHaven says dryly of the accountant whose star-crossed past resembles that of Forrest Gump. But perhaps a different famous comparison is better suited. Paul Barnes, another JapanBall Hall-of-Famer, believes that “Larry must […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Paul Barnes](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-paul-barnes/): Paul Barnes is clear about when his baseball traveling obsession revved up. Barnes, baseball fan extraordinaire, was home in Toronto one day in 2008 contemplating a quick trip to New York to see the Yankees and Mets play during their final seasons in the old Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, respectively.  Then he glanced at a map, and possibilities started popping up like brightly lit signs on an interstate highway. I-95, in this case.  All the way down to Atlanta.   But let’s let him tell it. “I’d thought about a trip of 4-5 days because the Yankees were in town […]
- [The Greatest Dominican Ballplayers, Part 5: Tomorrow's Team](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-greatest-dominican-ballplayers-part-5-tomorrows-team/): There are still plenty of Dominican players in the modern era that deserve a nod. Check out tomorrow's All-Time team!
- [The Greatest Dominican Ballplayers, Part 4: Coaches and Front Office](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-greatest-dominican-mlb-players-part-4-coaches-front-office/): No team would be complete without a coach and front office! Check out our picks for the top Dominican brass in Major League Baseball!
- [The Greatest Dominican Ballplayers, Part 3: Pitchers](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-greatest-dominican-ballplayers-part-3-pitchers/): Another day, another part of our Dominican players list! This time we're breaking down our top pitchers from the region. Check it out!
- [The Greatest Dominican Ballplayers, Part 2: Outfielders](https://extrainningstravel.com/greatest-dominican-mlb-players-outfield/): Our list of the greatest Dominican players continues with the outfield. Can you guess who makes it?
- [The Greatest Dominican Ballplayers, Part 1: Infielders and Catchers](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-greatest-dominican-ballplayers-part-1-infielders-and-catchers/): In last MLB season alone, 110 Dominican players were playing for Major League Baseball, adding to the extensive list of players from the region. Check out some of the best!
- [High Heat in Hanoi: Vietnam’s Baseball Boom](https://extrainningstravel.com/high-heat-in-hanoi-vietnams-baseball-boom/): Written with contributions by Joe Whelan of World Baseball Project. It took a lot of scoreless innings before baseball started gaining traction in Vietnam. Back in 1999, a Japanese businessman tried to create a ball club in Ho Chi Minh City, but when he passed away in 2001, the club dissolved. It wasn’t until 2006 that another team was formed, this time by the faculty of the International Studies department at Hanoi National University (they aptly nicknamed the team FisHANU). Then, in 2011, the remnants of the original Ho Chi Minh club got back together and formed the Ho Chi […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Bob Abels](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-bob-abels/): To anyone who would call Bob Abels a baseball fan, Brian Fennessy says au contraire. “He’s not a fan,” Abels’s long-time friend says simply.  “He’s a fanatic.” Fennessy has a point.  Abels has traveled to Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, The Netherlands, and Korea to see games.  He’s attended World Cups, World Baseball Classics, the Asian Series, and tournaments in The Netherlands. And Japan? Abels has been on four JapanBall tours and is one of the earliest inductees into the JapanBall Hall of Fame.  He created an international baseball website, My World of Baseball, in 2011 to blog and […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Jonathan Greenberg](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-jonathan-greenberg/): Twists of fate are something Jonathan Greenberg knows well. For starters, a chance visit by a junior high school music teacher to his elementary school started him on a journey to becoming a professional musician with a resume full of Broadway performances.  Later, his summer plans after one of his collegiate undergraduate years were suddenly upended, and he instead attended a summer music festival that pointed him more toward performing than teaching. Then there’s the story about how he became a baseball fan at an early age, drifted from the game, and then returned to it with as much passion […]
- [Beyond Baseball: teamLab Borderless](https://extrainningstravel.com/teamlab-borderless/): teamLab is an interdisciplinary group of artists formed in Tokyo in 2001. But the disciplines of group members are not traditional ones like painting, sculpting, or photography. Members are called “Ultra-technologists” because the troupe is composed of programmers, engineers, computer graphics animators, mathematicians, and architects that pool their talents to create interactive, digitally-focused work. teamLab describes its renowned museum as “a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map . . . a group of artworks that form one borderless world. Artworks move out of rooms, communicate with other works, influence and sometimes intermingle with each other with […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Cherry Blossom Picnics](https://extrainningstravel.com/cherry-blossom-picnics/): Traditionally, during Japan’s spring season, thousands of people flock to parks around Japan to see the cherry blossoms and experience a traditional hanami, or “blossom viewing.” A typical cherry-blossom picnic takes place in March as the flowers start to bloom. Friends, families, and co-workers will gather on a blanket in the park and enjoy a day of food, drinks, and fun. Some groups will sing karaoke while enjoying the flowers, and most will bring cameras to take photos of the overwhelming beauty. Scenes like these are a sure-fire sign that spring has arrived. Cherry-blossom viewing is a tradition that extends all the […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Trevor Raichura](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-trevor-raichura/): No one knows better than Trevor Raichura that you can’t always predict just what is coming down the pike.   After all, the JapanBall News Correspondent has lived and worked in Japan as a teacher for two decades even though, in the beginning, living even two years abroad seemed like a stretch to him. Later, a routine flight back to Japan after visiting family in Canada turned non-routine when he met the woman he eventually married.   And, long after dropping his collegiate journalism studies, he found himself back in the game as a writer, podcaster, and founder of a popular Japanese baseball website. […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Don Robbs](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-don-robbs/): For Don Robbs, the old recruiting lure “Join the Army and See the World” proved to be much more truism than hollow come-on.  It was a call that led him from small-town Minnesota to the other side of the planet and points in between. In short, Don’s stint with the army began to open his eyes to a broader world.  Eventually, he would have the opportunity to live and work in Japan (a place he likes to refer to as his second home), begin what would become a storied broadcasting career in Hawaii, and visit other interesting spots.  And, not […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Leon DeHaven](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-leon-dehaven/): When JapanBall veteran Leon DeHaven hears the old saying about life being about the journey rather than the destination, he must have a good laugh.  He’s already packed plenty of journeys and destinations into a single lifetime. “It’s been a heck of a ride,” DeHaven agreed, in what is a vast understatement. Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to a military family – his father was a Navy man posted at the time in Newport, Rhode Island – DeHaven didn’t live in one spot for more than a year or two.  His dad left the Navy shortly after he was born, […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Overview of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan](https://extrainningstravel.com/beyond-baseball-overview-of-buddhism-and-shinto-in-japan/): According to the Government of Japan’s Agency for Culture Affairs 2018 study on religion, 69% of Japanese people practice Shinto, 66.7% practice Buddhism, 1.5% practice Christianity, and 6.2% practice other religions. No, that’s not a typo – the total exceeds 100% because many people in Japan practice Buddhism and Shinto. Additionally, 80% of the population follows Shinto rituals to varying degrees. Unlike the West where religious affiliation is typically connected to a conversion or a profession of faith, Shinto and Buddhism have no such requirement. In Japan, the religions have a long, intertwined history, so, much of the populace follows […]
- [JapanBaller Spotlight: Connie Van Putten](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanballer-spotlight-connie-van-putten/): By Carter Cromwell When telling Connie Van Putten’s story, the challenge is not in finding a starting point but in choosing from a plethora of candidates: All excellent choices.  For now, though, let’s go with her background as an early JapanBall alum and inspiration for the JapanBall Hall of Fame. JapanBall began in 1999 as the brainchild of Bob Bavasi, son of former Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager and San Diego Padres President Buzzie Bavasi.  Bob had traveled several times to Japan in his capacity as board member of a community college, which eventually led to his idea of coordinating […]
- [“La Mujer de Hierro” - My Experience Working for Kim Ng](https://extrainningstravel.com/la-mujer-de-hierro-my-experience-working-for-kim-ng/): Friday, November 13, 2020 was “the most noteworthy day for baseball since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947,” according to Dr. Richard Lapchick, Director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida. On that date, the Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng to be their General Manager. In doing so, she became the first female general manager in any of the major men’s leagues in North American professional sports. When the news broke, my phone blew up with text messages. Former colleagues, friends, and family members all wanted to share their […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Kentucky for Christmas - Japan's KFC Tradition](https://extrainningstravel.com/kentucky-for-christmas-japans-kfc-tradition/): As we’ve discussed before on the JapanBall site, Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Colonel Sanders has a special place in NPB lore. The Hanshin Tigers were supposedly cursed by the Colonel after a group of fans celebrating the team’s 1985 Central League pennant threw a statue of the fast-food icon into the Dotonbori Canal. The Tigers won that year’s Japan Series, but have yet to win another one since. Granted, the infamous curse of the Colonel is more fiction than fact. JapanBall writer and Hanshin Tigers superfan Trevor Raichura put together an impressive writeup explaining the Tigers’ plight on his website, which […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Notable Places to Visit in Kyoto](https://extrainningstravel.com/notable-places-to-visit-kyoto/): Estimates say there are 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Regardless of precise numbers, many of Japan’s best-known temples and shrines reside in the former imperial capital. Images from many of these places grace guidebooks and brochures touting the beauty of Japan. Beyond temples and shrines, Kyoto has several other beautiful and interesting places worth visiting. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Known by many names, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a natural forest of bamboo in the northwestern part of the city. There are multiple paths through the forest and no set route visitors should follow. In 1996, the Ministry […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Notable Shrines and Temples To Visit in Tokyo](https://extrainningstravel.com/notable-shrines-temples-visit-tokyo/): Although numbers are unclear, estimates say that Japan has approximately 75,000 Buddhist temples and 80,000 Shinto shrines. Many of the most popular shrines and temples are found in Kyoto, but Tokyo has plenty that are also historically significant and equally beautiful. Visitors seeking history and beauty can choose from several shrines and temples in Tokyo to suit their needs. Most popular shrines and temples Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Dedicated in 1920, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken, who were instrumental in the modernization of Japan. A manmade forest surrounds the shrine with 120,000 trees […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Akihabara, Tokyo's "Electric Town"](https://extrainningstravel.com/akihabara-tokyo-electric-town/): Heading to Tokyo? Want a truly unique shopping and cultural experience rolled into one? Akihabara should be at the top of your list. Easily accessible via the Akihabara JR and Metro station, this district is the hub of the modern Japanese video game, anime, manga, and computer-related culture. The area has the sort of feel of a mega-mall, with store after store after store – many of them very small and stacked one on top of the other. Visitors will also find numerous arcades and maid cafés in the area. In fact, the first permanent maid café was established in Akihabara in […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Shinjuku and Golden Gai](https://extrainningstravel.com/shinjuku-golden-gai/): In a megalopolis such as Tokyo, there obviously is no one spot where one can see everything, but a visitor can see a lot in Shinjuku. Shinjuku is a special ward in Tokyo – special wards being largely autonomous subdivisions of prefectures. It includes the busiest railway station in the world (Shinjuku Station), Tokyo’s largest concentration of skyscrapers and various government buildings, many bars and clubs, karaoke rooms, a red-light district, a large urban park, the New National Stadium built for the 2020 (now 2021) Olympics, countless opportunities for shopping aficionados, and much more. Among many specific attractions are the […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Yasukuni Shrine and Yushukan War Museum](https://extrainningstravel.com/yasukuni-shrine-yushukan-war-museum/): The hundreds of Shinto shrines of Japan are revered for their tranquility and spirituality, but only one is a frequent spiritual haven for violent yakuza members and is internationally known for its controversial nature – the Yasukuni Shrine and accompanying Yushukan Museum. Emperor Meiji established the shrine in the Chiyoda section of Tokyo in 1869 to honor those who perished fighting in military battles on behalf of the Empire during the era of Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). The first enshrined souls were those who died during the Boshin War of 1868–1869, and the last were those who perished during the First Indochina War […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park](https://extrainningstravel.com/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park/): Of the many tourist attractions in Japan, perhaps the most moving and relevant is the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, a 120,000-acre area dedicated to the memory of the approximately 140,000 people who died as a result of the atomic bomb dropped by the United States on August 6, 1945.   It’s moving because one can get a sense of the devastation the bomb caused, and it’s relevant because the threat of nuclear weapons is still with us today. Though most people living now were born after the U.S. dropped the bomb, it’s easier to connect with this place than, say, […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Ameyoko Market](https://extrainningstravel.com/ameyoko-market/): One of the advantages of taking a trip with JapanBall is that the schedule allows plenty of time for non-baseball activities of your choice, either on your own or with others. Something to consider while in Tokyo is Ameyoko, a narrow, crowded market between the Ueno and Okachimachi stations of the East Japan Railway Co. There are between 400 and 500 shops in the area. It’s a great place to purchase souvenirs, but it is also a spot for locals, who buy seasonal produce and fresh fish for cooking at home, as well as holiday-themed food and goods. The shopping street […]
- [A Baseball Love Letter](https://extrainningstravel.com/love-letter/): In May 2020, Alex Weaver founded a website and Instagram account called “Baseball Letters.” Alex’s intention was to show how “Baseball is personal, it’s poetry, it’s art, and it’s thinking.” He encouraged his audience to share their favorite baseball moments with him, via notes, doodles, scorebooks, and letters, in order to share them with a wider audience of baseball lovers. As of this writing, “Baseball Letters” has failed to take off. I hope that Alex revives this endeavor, one that profoundly resonates with me. Below is a letter that I sent to Alex. Dear Alex, When I was 12 years […]
- [Ballpark Bucket List: The best places to see the game in Asia](https://extrainningstravel.com/ballpark-bucket-list-asia/): There’s no doubt that baseball is an international game. Whether it’s the foreign talent that shines in Major League Baseball (MLB) or the passionate fan bases across the Pacific in Japan, baseball is a game that transcends borders and language, as nothing compares to heading to the local ballpark to see some action and enjoy a game. For a true baseball fan, however, sometimes just seeing any game isn’t enough. They want to attend games across the world, find the best leagues and talent to enjoy, and proudly tell their friends how they’ve seen every version of their beloved game […]
- [The Best South Korean MLB Players](https://extrainningstravel.com/best-mlb-players/): Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to prove itself as a true international league, with stars from Japan, the Dominican Republic, and even South Korea, among many other countries. The 2020 season, although unique in its status during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a great display of this international status, especially for South Korea, as the country’s Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Toronto Blue Jays was named an American League Cy Young finalist and first baseman Ji-Man Choi had an impressive postseason performance for the Tampa Bay Rays. Although South Korea is quickly becoming more known as a prominent baseball country, there have […]
- [Thank You, Baseball](https://extrainningstravel.com/thank-you-baseball/): @thankyoubaseball (update: no longer active) is one of my favorite accounts in all of social media. Zan Rathore, the account’s Toronto-based creator, has the goal of uniting the baseball community by sharing all that makes him thankful for the game of baseball. The account recently featured JapanBall, but before we get to that, I would like to share a bit more about why I love Zan’s project. Research is now backing up the long history of anecdotal evidence that shows that acknowledging one’s gratitude for things big and small is an essential component to one’s well-being. Having a consistent “gratitude […]
- [Beyond Baseball: The Robot Show](https://extrainningstravel.com/robot-restaurant-show/): Update: It appears that the Robot Restaurant may have permanently closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will stay tuned to see if it re-opens. The world-famous Robot Show, which is held in the basement of the Robot Restaurant, offers a very different experience than Japanese tourist pastimes like shopping or visiting museums and temples.   The convoluted arch of the show leads up to a final battle between robot armies, but the Robot Show is not about storytelling – it’s about performers, props, and yes – robots. Performers sing, dance, drum, ride robots – even pole dance – in […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Bullet Trains](https://extrainningstravel.com/bullet-trains/): Japan’s high speed Shinkansen trains, popularly known as “bullet trains” ever since their initial design stages, can reach speeds of 200 MPH. But it is not just their speed that impresses. Despite traveling routes that cover vast swaths of the country, the trains stay on schedule to the minute. Punctuality is so essential to the Shinkansen system (and Japanese culture in general) that if a train is even the slightest bit late, the conductors will apologize profusely to riders. And despite their high speeds, the ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. Without looking out the window, you wouldn’t realize that you […]
- [Beyond Baseball: Sumo Wrestling 101](https://extrainningstravel.com/sumo-wrestling/): Overview and History Despite the ever-visible popularity of baseball, sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan. Baseball may have made its way to Japan shortly after the sport came into existence, in the second half of the 19th century, but sumo has been around for about 2,000 years! Sumo originated as a form of entertainment in imperial courts for royalty and kami, the gods of the Shinto religion. One of my favorite things about sumo is that if you go to see a tournament today, you will be witnessing an event very similar to what those early viewers saw; […]
- [My Experience at the Koshien High School Championship Tournament](https://extrainningstravel.com/my-experience-at-the-koshien-high-school-championship-tournament/): Act I – Sunday, August 12, 2018 – Noon – A Brush with Koshien Koshien Stadium, near Osaka, Japan It’s hot.  This was the first thought that crossed my mind after stepping off an air conditioned Hanshin Line train at Koshien Stadium. As I descended the station’s steps, an overwhelming scene unfolded before me – thousands of people standing in various lines snaking around as far as the eye could see, under the interstate underpass and towards Koshien Stadium. I had come all this way on my own from the USA to Koshien Stadium in an attempt to attend the […]
- [The Home Run Dream: A Baseball Travelogue](https://extrainningstravel.com/the-home-run-dream-a-baseball-travelogue/): Note: This essay partly recounts a trip through Japan my ten-year old son and I took with the JapanBall tour in 2016. The experience left an indelible impression in my life, and my son’s. On the tour, we met fellow baseball fans who became new friends, and enjoyed JapanBall’s invaluable – and yet totally unobtrusive – guidance through Japan, its sights, and its baseball culture. The care given to Japanball’s approach is obvious. Game tickets and transportation? Covered! A rigid sightseeing itinerary that may or may not appeal to everyone’s tastes? Not needed. JapanBall was a dream! And now, I […]
- [Japan Baseball Observations after a JapanBall Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/japan-baseball-observations-after-a-japanball-tour/): February 2019 Ask the average Major League Baseball fan what he or she knows about Japanese baseball, and the answer will probably include a mention of “Ichiro” (Suzuki), Yu Darvish, or the Angels talented Shohei Ohtani. For the less-informed, the extent of their familiarity might only consist of the Tom Selleck movie, “Mr. Baseball.”   In September 2018 I made a baseball-themed visit to Japan.  I thought a few observations about how different Japanese baseball is might be of interest to those not familiar with it.  Rather than concentrating on individual players, teams or quality of play, which followers of […]
- [Former Sportswriter Carter Cromwell Reflects on his JapanBall Trip](https://extrainningstravel.com/former-sportswriter-carter-cromwell-reflects-on-his-japanball-trip/): September 30, 2019 Early this year, I found out about a baseball-themed tour of Japan and realized that it should be a key addition to my bucket list.  I signed up six months in advance and began counting down the days until the trip.  When it happened in September, I wasn’t disappointed. I actually combined three tours – what they call a Pre-Tour, Main Tour and Post-Tour – through an organization called JapanBall into one. – Those covered all but one of the big-league ballparks in Japan over 2.5 weeks – getting to Sapporo took some extra days that I didn’t have. […]
- [My First Baseball Game in Japan: A Sports Journalist and Public Relations Assistant Reflects](https://extrainningstravel.com/my-first-baseball-game-in-japan/): April 28, 2019 My name in Scott Melesky and I have been working in sports for almost 20 years as a sports journalist and public relations assistant. I have worked and attended thousands of sporting events over the past four decades in the United States, England, and Ireland, but none of that compared to my first professional baseball game in Japan, courtesy of JapanBall. I was always interested in Japanese Baseball. I remember as a child reading about the great Sadaharu Oh passing Hank Aaron’s career home run record. I enjoyed watching Hideo Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, Daisuke Matzusaka, […]
- [Ballpark Bucket List: The Best of Latin America](https://extrainningstravel.com/ballpark-bucket-list-the-best-of-latin-america/): There’s no doubt that baseball is a global game. Whether it’s the foreign talent that shines in Major League Baseball (MLB) or the passionate fan bases across the Pacific in Japan, baseball is a game that transcends borders and language. No matter where you are in the world, heading to the local ballpark to enjoy a game is almost always an international experience. For a true baseball fan, however, sometimes just seeing any game isn’t enough. They want to attend games across the world, find the best leagues and talent to enjoy, and proudly tell their friends how they’ve seen […]
- [JapanBall Ranks the 12 Nippon Professional Baseball Stadiums](https://extrainningstravel.com/japanball-ranks-the-12-nippon-professional-baseballs-stadiums/): One of the greatest accomplishments in a baseball fan’s life is catching a game at all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks. It’s a long, arduous feat that requires dedication, patience, and often a little extra spending cash. Fans who accomplish this feat are truly dedicated to the game and the beauty it brings, regardless of location. But across the sea in Japan lies an entirely new gauntlet for avid baseball fans to try: Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). With twelve different stadiums up and down the country, it can be daunting to know where to go in a short time period […]

## Pages

- [11u-13u Dominican Republic Baseball](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/player-travel/dominican-republic/dominican-republic-play-abroad-1/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Join us for a tropical pilgrimage to the epicenter of global baseball talent development – a Caribbean island where some say that the soul of baseball resides. We’ll explore the Dominican Republic’s rich history and culture while getting an insider’s look at the “Dominican Baseball Machine.” Learn more about Extra Innings Travel’s “Play Abroad” offerings. Our tour will include a community service project that players can include on their college applications. Terms & Conditions We know plans can change, and we aim to be fair. If […]
- [Tour Calendar](https://extrainningstravel.com/tour-calendar/): Tour Calendar For the best experience, please view this calendar on a desktop device.
- [13u-15u Japan Baseball](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/player-travel/japan/japan-play-abroad-1/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing The experts at Extra Innings Travel are planning a Japanese adventure that will include playing and watching baseball, sightseeing, and cultural experiences for the entire family!  From the moment you touch down in Japan, we handle every detail, so you can be fully present for this once-in-a-lifetime experience with your child. Our dedicated staff makes sure every member of the traveling party feels genuinely cared for from start to finish. Check out this video from a past trip for an idea of what to expect, and […]
- [Terms & Conditions - "Play Abroad"](https://extrainningstravel.com/terms-and-conditions-play-abroad/): Click here for the Terms & Conditions for our fan tours (i.e., not “Play Abroad”) Payments, Cancellation & Refund Policy At Extra Innings Inc., we work hard to create unforgettable experiences. As soon as you book, we begin planning and making payments to our vendors (such as hotels, transportation providers, and professional baseball teams) on your behalf. Sometimes these payments are refundable, but often they are not. Additionally, we invest time and resources into preparing your trip, which cannot be recouped if you cancel. For this reason, we use a staged payment and refund structure as outlined below. By paying […]
- [Terms & Conditions](https://extrainningstravel.com/terms-and-conditions/): Click here for the Terms & Conditions for “Play Abroad” tours Payments, Cancellation & Refund Policy At Extra Innings Inc., we work hard to create unforgettable experiences. As soon as you book, we begin planning and making payments to our vendors (such as hotels, transportation providers, and professional baseball teams) on your behalf. Sometimes these payments are refundable, but often they are not. Additionally, we invest time and resources into preparing your trip, which cannot be recouped if you cancel. For this reason, we use a staged payment and refund structure as outlined below. By paying your deposit and booking […]
- [Player Travel to The Dominican Republic](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/player-travel/dominican-republic/): Player Travel Dominican Republic Baseball in the Dominican Republic: Passion, Talent, and Emotion No country lives and breathes baseball like the Dominican Republic. Baseball is much more than a pastime for Dominicans — it’s a way of life, passed down through generations with pride, grit, and joy. From legends like Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martínez, Manny Ramirez, Juan Marichal, Adrián Beltré, and David Ortiz to current superstars like Vladdy Jr., Soto, Tatis Jr., J-Rod, J-Ram, and Elly, ballplayers grow as abundantly as the tropical mangos, avocados, and plantains that proliferate the island. All 30 MLB teams operate a development […]
- [Player Travel to Japan](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/player-travel/japan/): Player Travel Japan Experience the culture, training, and discipline that make Japanese baseball truly special Japan has produced some of the most iconic players in the game today, including Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, Roki Sasaki, Seiya Suzuki, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. These modern stars continue a legacy started by trailblazers like Hideo Nomo, Hideki Matsui, and Ichiro Suzuki, all of whom made the leap from NPB to Major League Baseball. Our Japan Player Travel program offers a unique opportunity to experience the national and baseball culture that provides the ecosystem for such greatness. You’ll visit top-level facilities, attend professional games, and […]
- [Media](https://extrainningstravel.com/about/media/): Media The Baseball Bucket List Podcast The Baseball Bucket List podcast is a go-to show for fans who love baseball and travel. Hosted by Anna DiTommaso, each episode features a different passionate fan who shares their favorite stories from the ballpark and talks about the baseball adventures still on their bucket list. In one episode, Anna is joined by Shane Barclay of Extra Innings Travel to talk about his personal journey in the game, both as a fan and a professional. They also discuss the launch of JapanBall’s very first baseball tour to the Dominican Republic. You can listen to […]
- [Thank You](https://extrainningstravel.com/thank-you/): Thank you for submitting your form, we’ll be in touch soon!
- [Limit of Liability Disclaimer (Terms & Conditions)](https://extrainningstravel.com/limit-of-liability-disclaimer/): Click here for the Limit of Liability Disclaimer for “Play Abroad” tours Extra Innings, Inc. owns and operates this tour. JapanBall.com and related sites are not business entities, but simply web-marketing vehicles by which we distribute information about the tours. We started Extra Innings, Inc., a Washington State corporation, to own and operate the tour. Extra Innings, Inc., a Washington State corporation, is licensed as a registered seller of travel in the State of Washington. Trip payments are deposited in the Extra Innings, Inc. Trust Account at Wells Fargo Bank in compliance with Washington State travel regulations. Extra Innings, Inc. […]
- [Limit of Liability Disclaimer - "Play Abroad"](https://extrainningstravel.com/limit-of-liability-disclaimer-play-abroad/): Click here for the Limit of Liability Disclaimer for our fan tours (i.e., not “Play Abroad”) If the participant is a minor, by signing this waiver, I, as the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant, acknowledge and agree to all terms and conditions herein on behalf of the minor. I further affirm that I have the legal authority to provide such consent and to assume the risks and responsibilities outlined in this document on the minor’s behalf. Extra Innings, Inc. owns and operates this tour. JapanBall.com and related sites are not business entities, but simply web-marketing vehicles by […]
- [Meetups](https://extrainningstravel.com/meetups/): Meetups Whether you’re a seasoned Extra Innings Traveler or new to our community, we’d love to meet you! Want to be kept in the loop about future meetups? Sign up for our meetup notification list here. Sign Up for Meetup Notifications We’ll email you as new meetups are planned and as details for current plans develop.
- [2026 Mini NPB Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/mini-npb-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! We’re excited to offer a late-summer option for those who still want a Japan baseball fix. Check out the 2025 Mini NPB Tour Recap here to get an idea about what to expect! This tour highlights some of our favorite cities and ballparks south of Tokyo. We’ll spend two nights in Osaka to catch the Orix Buffaloes at both Kyocera Dome & the beautiful Hotto Motto Field Kobe, former home of the Orix Blue Wave (where Ichiro used to play). We’ll also do […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://extrainningstravel.com/privacy-policy/): Welcome to ExtraInningsTravel.com (the “Site”). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site. This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site (“Visitors”) who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site (“Authorized Customers”) and make use of the various services offered by ExtraInningsTravel.com (collectively, “Services”). “Personally Identifiable Information” “Personally Identifiable Information” refers to any information that identifies or can be used to identify, contact, or locate the person to whom such information pertains, including, but not limited to, name, address, phone number, email address, […]
- [JapanBall Hall of Fame Location](https://extrainningstravel.com/hall-of-fame/japanball-hall-of-fame/japanball-hall-of-fame-location/): JapanBall Hall of Fame: Location CAFE NOODLE ROJE Cafe Noodle Roje, the name of the cafe in which our Hall of Fame is located, is an easy eight-minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station using the map and directions linked below, or a modest cab ride from anywhere in central Tokyo. The cafe is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Jun and Koko. You’ll be an honored guest whenever you arrive. You might want to stop by before your evening game at any Tokyo area park. After your meal, you can walk from the Hall of Fame Cafe to […]
- [JapanBall Hall of Fame](https://extrainningstravel.com/hall-of-fame/japanball-hall-of-fame/): JapanBall Hall of Fame About the JapanBall Hall of Fame There are four ways to be inducted in the JapanBall Hall of Fame: Inductees are immortalized with a plaque to commemorate the honor in the JapanBall Hall of Fame. The Hall is located inside Cafe Noodle Roje (Google Maps), a small neighborhood restaurant located just blocks away from the Tokyo Dome.  While searching for a home for our HOF, we sought a place that would be welcoming to foreign baseball fans, provide a personal feel for the country, and serve food that is delicious, traditional, and agreeable to a variety of […]
- [Extra Innings Travel Hall of Fame](https://extrainningstravel.com/hall-of-fame/): Extra Innings Travel Hall of Fame The Story Behind the Hall of Fame The JapanBall Hall of Fame was established in 2005 when tour member Connie Van Putten posed a unique question: “Could you help me see the rest of the stadiums after the main tour?” At the time, no one had ever made such a request, but it inspired us to create something special. We decided that anyone who accomplished the feat of visiting all 12 NPB stadiums deserved a place of honor—thus, the JapanBall Hall of Fame was born. As JapanBall expanded and grew into Extra Innings Travel, […]
- [Team Travel](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/team-travel/): Team Travel Take Your Whole Team Abroad! Our Team Travel offerings are the antidote to your typical travel ball tournament. Our focus is on building team culture, personal development, and creating memories that will impact all members of the traveling party for decades to come. Experiencing a new country together fosters team camaraderie as no other tournament or road trip can. It’s not all about competitive games, winning your age group, and measuring your talents against global competition; your itinerary will expand well beyond game start times and shuttling between an ordinary hotel and a sprawling baseball complex. You won’t […]
- [Player Travel](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/player-travel/): Player Travel Individual Sign-Ups for Prepackaged Tours Playing abroad on our tours will allow you to develop a deeper appreciation for the game, acquire new skills and methodologies from your teammates and opponents, enjoy unique family bonding experiences, form lifelong friendships, and learn to be open-minded and resilient in a foreign environment. This trip is perfect for baseball families! Siblings and parents are encouraged to join, since we provide opportunities for all members of your traveling party to interact and make memories with our foreign counterparts. It will be a baseball-centric family vacation that all members will consider the trip […]
- [Play Abroad](https://extrainningstravel.com/play-abroad/): Play Abroad Unforgettable International Baseball Experiences Take your game to the global stage with our Play Abroad tours, designed for players, families, teams, and schools looking for truly unique international baseball experiences. Whether you’re a competitive team seeking team bonding opportunities and friendly matches overseas, an individual baseball or softball player seeking a one-of-a-kind playing experience, or a school looking to combine sports with cultural education, we have the perfect tour for you. All of our Play Abroad offerings focus on family experiences, cultural immersion, and global baseball exchange, rather than the structured competition and talent showcasing that are staples […]
- [2026 South Korea KBO Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/south-korea/south-korea-kbo-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! For those who have seen baseball in Japan, we promise you that this is NOT the same thing! The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) offers a truly unique live experience. Korean crowds are more lively, younger, and surprisingly more female than those in Japan and other professional leagues worldwide. Plus, Korean players play with emotion and flare (bat flips galore!), feeding off their passionate fans. And they have talent too, with one of the world’s best national teams and a steady stream of […]
- [2026 NPB Tour: Segment 2](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/npb-tour-segment-2/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Experience: And let’s not forget perhaps the two best parts – delicious Japanese food and drink, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurous baseball lovers! Baseball highlights include games at hitter-friendly Fukuoka PayPay Dome (home of the SoftBank Hawks), JapanBaller-favorite Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium (home of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp), and four stadiums in the greater Tokyo area: the world-famous Tokyo Dome, historic Meiji Jingu Stadium, oceanside ZOZO Marine Stadium, and umbrella-topped Belluna Dome.  For an idea on what to expect, check out the 2025 Tour Recap & 2024 Tour Recap. This […]
- [2026 NPB Tour: Segment 1](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/npb-tour-segment-1/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Experience: Baseball highlights include games at Yokohama Stadium, home of the Tokyo Olympics and Japan’s oldest ballpark, Koshien Stadium (built in 1924 and home of the Hanshin Tigers). We will also make a trip to wondrous Sapporo see NPB’s sleekest and newest ballpark, ES CON Field Hokkaido, which rivals any of North America’s best stadiums, before finishing up in Osaka. For an idea on what to expect, check out the 2025 Tour Recap & 2024 Tour Recap. This tour can be combined with Segment 2 to make […]
- [2026 Full NPB Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/full-npb-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Get all 12 NPB notches on your belt in one fell swoop! This tour combines NPB Tour Segments 1 and 2 for one epic Japanese baseball journey (at a discounted price!). Attend games in 12 stadiums in 18 days along with fellow adventurous baseball fans. Enjoy baseball off-days for sightseeing in Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima (home of the Peace Park and Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome). You’ll get to see NPB’s sleekest new ballpark, ES CON Field Hokkaido, Japan’s oldest ballpark, 100-year-old […]
- [2027 Coooperstown](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/united-states/coooperstown/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Join Extra Innings Travel for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cooperstown in July 2027 to witness the Hall of Fame inductions of three San Francisco Giants legends: Buster Posey, Bruce Bochy, and Dusty Baker! In partnership with Sports Travel and Tours (STAT), the official tour provider of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, this exclusive package offers VIP reserved seats at the induction ceremony, access to special events, and unique opportunities to meet baseball figures. We recommend STAT’s Albany Home Run package for […]
- [2026 Tokyo NPB Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/tokyo-npb-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Tokyo is the best city in the world, per an unofficial poll of past Extra Innings Travel guests and an official declaration by Condé Nast. So, we figure we ought to offer you the opportunity to pass on the hassle of packing, unpacking, and traveling between cities and let one of the metropolitan wonders of the world be your base for a week. It will be an urban baseball adventure like no other in the world! On your tour you will have the opportunity to […]
- [2026 Dominican Republic Winter Ball Adventure](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/dominican-republic/dr-winter-ball-adventure/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! A trip to the Dominican Republic for baseball fans is like a pilgrimage to Brazil for soccer lovers or Italy for foodies. Join us on this beautiful, baseball-loving Caribbean island and experience béisbol in its most vibrant and authentic form. Led by Pachy, our expert local guide, you’ll dive deep into the Dominican baseball culture. Thanks to Pachy’s expertise and Extra Innings founder Shane Barclay’s many years living and working in baseball in the Dominican Republic, guests will get unparalleled inside access […]
- [2027 NPB Spring Training Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/npb-kbo-spring-training-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! With its tropical beaches, rich and unique culture, delicious local cuisine, and notable military history, Okinawa is worth a visit even without baseball. But visit in the spring, and you’ll be treated to baseball paradise: NPB Spring Training. Similar to the U.S., Japanese Spring Training is an intimate experience. You can watch the players practicing on the backfields and get better photo and autograph opportunities than in the regular season. However, NPB Spring Training is not the tourist magnet that MLB’s Spring […]
- [2027 Alaska Midnight Sun Game & Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/united-states/alaska-midnight-sun-game-pacific-northwest-baseball-tour/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing A Baseball Bonanza Under the Solstice Sun & The Pac NW Summer Baseball Paradise If you were to poll baseball fanatics and “ballpark chasers” on what is on their Baseball Bucket List, the Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks, Alaska, would no doubt be at the top for many. This game is played annually on the summer solstice, capping off a city-wide festival in Fairbanks to celebrate the longest day of the year. It will be the only night game you ever attend during which the stadium lights are […]
- [Dominican Republic Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/dominican-republic/): Dominican Republic Baseball Tours The Dominican Republic is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s the beating heart of baseball passion. Some say that the soul of baseball resides in the D.R. Our tours offer an insider’s look at béisbol dominicano, where the emotion and passion on the field reflect how the entire country feels about the game. Embark on a tropical baseball adventure to see the game come to life in its most vibrant form. Upcoming Dominican Republic Tours Dominican Republic Winter Baseball Adventure Dominican Republic November 11-22, 2026 Details Interest List Details Book Now Unparalleled Access and Insight You will […]
- [South Korea Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/south-korea/): South Korea Baseball Tours Upcoming South Korea Tours South Korea KBO Tour South Korea June 1-14 2026 Details Interest List Details Book Now South Korea is where the relatively nascent passion for baseball rivals an unmatched cultural experience. Our South Korea tours escort you through Seoul and the rest of the country via the lively world of Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games, where every pitch and swing is celebrated with choreography, songs, and enthusiasm that light up the stadium. Korean fans don’t just watch the game—they’re an integral part of the action. Cheering squads lead the excitement, and every player gets […]
- [Japan Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/japan/): Japan Baseball Tours Extra Innings Travel is the official tour provider of JapanBall. Baseball in Japan is more than a game—it’s a cultural experience unlike anything else in the world. The field may look familiar, but everything else is uniquely Japanese! Since 1999, JapanBall has been connecting adventurous baseball fans with unforgettable cultural experiences throughout Japan. JapanBall’s friendly, professional team still plans and operates Extra Innings Travel tours, just under a banner that better reflects our growing international reach. 25+ years after our first JapanBall tour, our NPB tour remains our flagship offering and biggest draw due to the wonders of Japanese baseball and […]
- [United States Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/united-states/): United States Baseball Tours Boasting nearly 200 years of baseball history, the American baseball scene is filled with hidden gems. Our tours focus on smaller venues and communities, bringing you to the heart of America’s pastime. Upcoming United States Tours Alaska Midnight Sun Game & Pacific Northwest Baseball Tour Washington & Alaska, USA June 2027 Details Interest List Details Book Now Buster Posey, Bruce Bochy, & Dusty Baker Hall-of-Fame Induction Weekend in Cooperstown Cooperstown, NY July 23 – 26, 2027 Details Interest List Details Book Now Whether you’re cheering on the next big star, grabbing a selfie with a quirky […]
- [2026 Haarlem Baseball Week](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/europe/haarlem-baseball-week/): Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Itinerary Inclusions Pricing Honkbal = Dutch Baseball! Baseball—known as “honkbal” in Dutch—takes center stage at the biennial Haarlem Baseball Week, one of Europe’s most exciting yet underrated baseball festivals. Held at the historic Pim Mulier Stadium, this tournament brings together top national teams from around the globe, including The Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Chinese Taipei, Italy, Czech Republic, and Curacao in 2026. With round-robin play leading to an epic championship, it’s a can’t-miss event for any baseball enthusiast. In 2026, Haarlem Baseball Week will celebrate its 32nd edition, offering thrilling […]
- [Europe Baseball Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/europe/): Europe Baseball Tours Upcoming Europe Tours Haarlem Baseball Week Haarlem, Netherlands June 29 – July 5 2026 Details Interest List Details Book Now Discover the perfect blend of sports and culture with our Europe tours, featuring the iconic Haarlem Baseball Week in the Netherlands. Held at the historic Pim Mulier Stadium, this biennial tournament brings together top national teams from around the globe, including the Netherlands, Japan, USA, Cuba, and more. With round-robin play and a thrilling championship, it’s a one-of-a-kind event for any baseball fan. Beyond the games, immerse yourself in the charm of Haarlem, known as “Little Amsterdam,” […]
- [Fan Tours](https://extrainningstravel.com/tours/): Fan Tours We believe sports are the perfect gateway to experiencing a new place. The game is familiar, but everything else—the cheers from the crowd, style of play, apparel, concessions, gameday traditions, and energetic style of cheering—offers a unique insight into the local culture and a fresh perspective on how to experience live sports. When you join one of our tours, you’ll walk into the stadium as part of a close-knit group, surrounded by locals who welcome you into their cherished traditions. From the shared excitement in the stands to savoring regional game-day snacks, every moment becomes a chance to […]
- [Home](https://extrainningstravel.com/): Extra Innings Travel, the official tour operator of JapanBall World-Class International Baseball Tours and Experiences for Fans and Players For over 25 years, we’ve connected baseball fans and players with unforgettable baseball trips across Japan, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, Europe, and the United States. As one of the most trusted international baseball tour companies in the U.S., we design immersive baseball packages that go far beyond the game—bringing you closer to local baseball communities while exploring each destination’s rich culture, cuisine, and history. Join us for a truly global baseball experience that combines the love of the game with […]
- [About Extra Innings Travel](https://extrainningstravel.com/about/): About Us Since 1999, we have been crafting unforgettable international sports tours, first through our sister brand, JapanBall, and now via Extra Innings Travel. Born from the growing demand from curious and passionate fans like you to attend and play games around the world, we aim to use baseball as a vehicle to create memorable, fulfilling, and enlightening life experiences. If you traveled with JapanBall before, you will recognize the same friendly faces and welcoming, trustworthy, and professional service. If you are new to either of our brands but share our love of sports and sense of adventure, welcome to the family. Baseball […]
- [Contact Extra Innings Travel](https://extrainningstravel.com/contact/): Contact Us Have questions about our tours or your next global sports adventure? We’re here to help! Whether you need more details, wish to arrange a customized tour for a group of 12 or more guests, or simply want to chat about baseball, our team is just a message away. Note: We cannot obtain tickets for you in any of the countries in which we operate our tours unless you are a tour guest. That means we cannot help you obtain NPB, KBO, or LIDOM tickets.
- [Blog](https://extrainningstravel.com/blog/): The latest Extra Innings news, trip recaps, and more!


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