At first, I was planning to live in Japan for only one year as an exchange student. However, while I was living here, I began to think, "I want to dive deeper into Japanese culture!", and decided to go to university. I lived in Nagasaki for three years and Hyogo for four years. One day in January, just after the new year began, I decided to take a stroll around Nishinomiya. My goal was to take on the Shinji "Fukuotoko Erabi" (Lucky Man Race). There is a lottery system for the midnight starting point at Nishinomiya Shrine, so I decided to head to Nishinomiya a bit early to visit the Koshien (a famous baseball stadium in Japan), which I have always wanted to see.

First stop, the Hanshin Koshien Stadium that I've dreamed of since seeing it in a Taiwanese movie when I was a student!

Nishinomiya is located about halfway between Osaka and Kobe, providing easy access to the major cities in the Kansai region. While it has a wide range of commercial facilities, you can also experience nature, with the sea of the Osaka Bay and mountains of the Rokko mountain range.Nishinomiya is also famous for being home to the Hanshin Koshien Stadium, a dream destination for Japanese high school baseball players, and the Nishinomiya Shrine, known for the "Fukuotoko Erabi." Both of these locations represent the hard work and dreams of Japanese people.

Moved by the story of 100 years of tradition at Hanshin Koshien Stadium!

Hanshin Koshien Stadium. About 4 minutes walk from Hanshin Electric Railway "Koshien" station.

The Hanshin Koshien Stadium is a symbol of Nishinomiya. As the stage for the "National High School Baseball Championships" every spring and summer, it is a dream destination for high school baseball students. Many people are inspired by the youthful energy of the games, and it has become a seasonal feature in Japan.In addition, it is the home field of the Hanshin Tigers, and enthusiastic Tigers fans come from all over the country on game days.

The Hanshin Koshien Stadium was built about 100 years ago in 1924. It has a capacity of 55,000 people, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world at the time. You can feel the weight of history from the impressive exterior. Let's dig deeper into this history at the Koshien History Museum located next door!

Let's go to the Koshien History Museum

"The Lives of Heros" exhibition introducing the legendary Hanshin Tigers players

The "Ball Wall 4253" features 4253 baseballs, one for each of the schools affiliated with the Japan High School Baseball Federation as of 2005, printed with the names of the schools participating in the Koshien championship.

The Koshien History Museum is divided into two parts: the PLUS area on the second floor of the Koshien PLUS shopping complex, and the baseball stadium area accessed by crossing the deck. Famous scenes are shown from high school baseball games and Hanshin Tigers games held at the Koshien in the past. I spotted a baseball uniform that appeared in a Taiwanese movie I saw as a student. I could feel the tears welling up as I took in the Koshien stories filled with youth, hard work, and emotions.Moving through the exhibition, I could hear the voices of visitors having fun. What’s going on in that area...?

The "Dugout Rest" is a replica of the bench from before the stadium was renovated.

This is a popular area called "Experience! Touch Stadium." You can touch the baseball equipment actually used by the Hanshin Tigers, enjoy 360° videos in the "VR Area," and experience how it feels to be drafted in the "Draft Experience Area." I headed straight to the VR Area.

The VR Area where you can enjoy 360° videos.

In the VR Area, there are VR (Virtual Reality) videos set up to allow you to experience games scenes and celebratory Hanshin Tigers victory scenes with an overwhelming sense of presence and immersion. It was thrilling to take on the perspective of the players that you would ordinarily never be able to see! These joyful moments are provided in a simulated experience.

Throw, hit, and try your hand at virtual baseball!

Next, let's head to the BE-STADIUM KOSHIEN, a virtual batting center that is a complete CG recreation of the Hanshin Koshien. You can bat and pitch in front of the large-scale screen.

I became the pitcher, and threw the ball towards the screen!

 This time, I'm batting. I'm returning the ball thrown from 15 meters away.

I tried it out just for fun, but it was harder than it looks! My hits and pitches were reflected on the screen, and it really felt like I was playing baseball at Koshien. I suddenly became serious. This could get addictive. Even for someone like me, who has never played baseball before, I was able to experience the fun of the game. I will definitely recommend it to my friends.After fully enjoying the Hanshin Koshien Stadium, I decided to stroll around the Koshien area.

Starting off the stroll with the modernist architecture of Nishinomiya

Local nickname: "Manbou (Sunfish) Tunnel"

Nishinomiya is actually said to be a treasure trove of modernist architecture. Modernist architecture is a 20th century architectural style that pursues simple design and functionality, and Nishinomiya is interspersed with buildings that exemplify that essence.

If you head about 300 meters west of JR "Koshienguchi" station, you will find a low tunnel. The tunnel was built around 1974 to enable water to flow under the railway tracks, and it was later remodeled to a size that people could pass through for convenience. I entered with some trepidation...

It is about 130 cm tall and 150 cm wide. Like this!

It seems like it would be hard to pass someone coming from the other side. The locals are accustomed to it, and use it as a daily route for shopping, commuting to school, etc. I was very drawn to the fact that it has style and practicality while still being closely connected to the local lifestyle. It's wonderful that it is used in the flow of daily life by locals while still preserving the historical design!It was rather thrilling and fun.I continued along the tracks to the Muko River, which flows east of Nishinomiya.

　The Muko Bridge crosses over the Muko River on the border between Nishinomiya and Amagasaki

After walking for about 20 minutes, the Muko Bridge came into view. Built in 1926, the beautiful arch is in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. There were also many people enjoying strolling and running along the river. Looking at the peaceful scenery makes it easy to lose track of time. I took in the scenery and continued to stroll around the Muko River area at a leisurely pace.

Mukogawa Women's University Koshien Kaikan (formerly Koshien Hotel)

The historic Mukogawa Women's University Koshien Kaikan building is located about a 10 minutes walk from the Muko Bridge. This Koshien Kaikan building used to be a resort hotel, and it was established in 1930 as the "Koshien Hotel." It is currently a campus of the Mukogawa Women's University. The old guest rooms have been converted into classrooms, but the exterior was restored to its original state, and you can tour the site if you make a reservation in advance.

Strolling around Nishinomiya to see the modernist architecture, I was impressed to see that many of the houses and buildings along the road feature an elegant and stylish design. There are a lot of trees and greenery along the road, and it seems like a quiet, livable town. As I was indulging in fantasies about how it would be nice to buy my own home in this area someday, I returned to the station and discovered a shop with a lovely red and white exterior!

An encounter with MLESNA TEA, featuring the fragrance of Sri Lanka

MLESNA TEA HOUSE main store. About 14 minutes walk from JR "Koshienguchi" Station.

The MLESNA TEA HOUSE main store features a striking white brick construction with red pillars. The black tea brand is a popular souvenir, but it was my first time to visit the shop.

The interior of the store is line with packages of black tea

MLESNA TEA is a high-quality Ceylon tea brand grown in Sri Lanka. It is known for its black tea, which uses Celyon tea as the base, and adds the delicate flavors of fruits, flowers, and spices. They offer over 100 varieties. Including the original blends, there are over 200 teas on the menu. By chance, a representative happened to be there that day, and I was able to try a coffee-flavored black tea that is still in development.

TEA FREE (1760 yen including tax)

With MLESNA TEA's "TEA FREE," you can enjoy all-you-can-drink black tea. The staff poured a different kind of tea for each cup. I tried five kinds of black tea, but my favorite was flavored tea called "Raspberry Memory." The sweet and refreshing scent of strawberries wafted out, and it had the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

ULTIMATE PANCAKE. TEA & FOOD SET (2970 yen including tax, TEA FREE included)

To accompany the tea, I had the "ULTIMATE PANCAKE." I watched with excitement from the counter as the staff meticulously cooked the pancake on a custom-made 30mm-thick copper pan. The fluffy pancake was infused with plenty of caramel tea syrup, and it went perfectly with the sugar-free tea. I thoroughly enjoyed the luxurious moment. After having plenty of fun, I'm heading to the beach, the perfect place to relax in Nishinomiya!

■Click here to see my experiences in the evening and the second day

 https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/world/reviews/39

Spots

MLESNA TEA HOUSE Main Store
https://mlesna-tea.jp/

Address: 1-1-31 Kamikoshien, Nishinomiya, Hyogo
TEL: 0798-48-6060
Business hours: 12:00-18:00
Closed: New Year's, irregular holidays
*Business hours and closing days subject to change

Koshien History Museum
https://koshien-rekishikan.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/
Address: 2F Koshien PLUS, 8-15 Kamikoshien, Nishinomiya, Hyogo
TEL: 0798-49-4509
Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (10:00-17:00 from November to February)
*9:00-18:00 on game days
*Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Mondays (except game days and holidays), New Year's holidays
Admission fee: Adults: 900 yen, High school students: 700 yen, Children (4 years old to junior high school students): 500 yen

BE-STADIUM KOSHIEN
https://be-stadiumkoshien.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/
Address: 2F Koshien PLUS, 8-15 Kamikoshien, Nishinomiya, Hyogo
TEL: 0798-42-6970
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (10:00-19:00 from March to October)
*Subject to change depending on events at Hanshin Koshien Stadium
*Reception is open until 20 minutes before closing
Closed on: Mondays (except for game days and holidays), New Year's holidays
*May be closed for maintenance, etc.
Usage fees /
3-item set (1 batting, 1 toss batting, 1 pitching): 1,200 yen
2-item set (1 batting + 1 toss batting or 1 pitching): 900 yen
Toss batting: 400 yen
Pitching: 400 yen
*On special price days, only the 3-item set is available.
*On special price days, the price for the 3-item set will be 1,500 yen.
*Please check the calendar on the BE-STADIUM KOSHIEN website for special price days.

Hanshin Nishinomiya Travel Information Center
https://tic.jnto.go.jp/jpn/detail
Address: 1-16 Tanakacho, Nishinomiya, in front of the Ebisu Exit ticket gate at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station
Opening hours: Monday through Friday 10:00-19:00
　　　　　 Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00-17:00