Home to one of Japan’s most famous baseball stadiums, Nishinomiya lies on the outskirts of Osaka overlooking its namesake bay. It’s renowned for its Shinto shrine and “lucky” running race and boasts an innovative children’s theme park and the nearby historic hot springs of Arima.
Things to do in Nishinomiya
Want to see one of Japan’s oldest baseball teams in action? Attend a Hanshin Tigers game at Koshien Stadium to experience Nishinomiya at its liveliest. The historic stadium was built in 1924 and is famed as having hosted Babe Ruth, as well as being the setting for the national high school baseball tournament each summer.
Make a day trip west to Arima Onsen, which lies behind Mount Rokko and is one of the most prestigious hot springs in Japan during the Edo period. It’s somewhat of a hidden treasure today, with narrow laneways lined with wooden buildings, shrines and temples, together with a small hot spring museum.
Travelling with kids? Visit Kidzania Koshien, a creative theme park that gives kids an opportunity to roleplay in different occupations. From working in a sweet factory to housing construction and medical professions, it offers a fun introduction to earning money and life in the adult world.
Visit the ancient Shinto shrine of Nishinomiya, which encompasses three smaller shrines where kami spirits are worshipped. It’s also the setting for the annual “Lucky Man” festival that sees participants sprint from the shrine’s gate to its main hall to be crowned as the “Luckiest Man” in Japan.
Getting around Nishinomiya
Nishinomiya is around 30 minutes by train from the centre of Osaka and one hour from Osaka International Airport. Trains and buses travel throughout Nishinomiya and connect all of the city’s sights.