MLB Opening Game Comes to Japan! A Closer Look at the Exclusive "Hospitality Program" Experience

The world's top professional baseball league, "Major League Baseball (MLB)," has finally kicked off its 2025 season in Japan this March.

With Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga from the Chicago Cubs taking the field, Japanese fans were thrilled to see their homegrown stars in action. The excitement only grew with the introduction of the exclusive "Hospitality Program," offering a premium way to enjoy the games.

We took a closer look at this special viewing experience, exploring the seating options and services included in these highly sought-after packages.

More Than Just Watching the Game! A Luxurious Package with Dining and Events

This Hospitality Program was created by JTB, Japan’s largest travel agency. Three different options were available: the "Premium Seat Package," the "Premium Lounge Package," and the "Excite Seat Package."

The "Premium Seat Package" offers a chance to watch the game from the premium seats at Tokyo Dome. Special meals are provided at your seat, allowing you to enjoy the game in a more comfortable and luxurious setting.

The "Premium Lounge Package" includes premium seating along with access to an exclusive lounge serving special meals. This plan provides an elevated experience where you can relax before and after the game in a refined setting.

The most luxurious option is the "Excite Seat Package." These special seats extend from the first and third base stands, placing you incredibly close to the action—so close you can practically feel the players' energy. This package also includes an invitation to the pre-opening reception event held on March 17, the day before the opening game, making it a truly unique and exclusive experience.

We had the chance to experience the "Excite Seat Package" firsthand. Let's dive into all the special perks that come with this package.

Exclusive Perks of the Excite Seat Package

Here’s what you can experience with the Excite Seat Package:

The biggest highlight of this package is the exclusive invitation to the "Pre-Opening Reception," which is not available with the Premium Lounge or Premium Seat Packages. Now, let’s take a closer look at what happened at this special reception event!

Special Guests Appear! Fans Go Wild at the Pre-Opening Reception

The Pre-Opening Reception took place on March 17, 2025, the day before the MLB season opener in Japan. While there was no game on this day, the area in front of Tokyo Dome was packed with excited fans.

At the entrance to the hospitality venue, large traditional Japanese lanterns were hanging, adding an authentic touch of Japan to the atmosphere.

As the gates opened, eager fans poured in, each dressed in their unique styles, making it clear just how much they had been looking forward to this moment.

Upon entering, the first thing that caught the eye was the display of Dodgers and Chicago Cubs uniforms, the two teams set to face off in the Japan Opening Series. Turning the corner, the names of Shohei Ohtani and Shota Imanaga were prominently displayed, further fueling the excitement.

The Premium Lounge was fully decked out to enhance the pre-game hype, with photos of the players and team logos printed throughout the space, heightening anticipation for the upcoming matches.

One of the biggest highlights of the Pre-Opening Reception was the exclusive dining and beverage service available in the Premium Lounge. The buffet lineup was nothing short of luxurious, rivaling even that of a five-star hotel, offering an all-you-can-eat selection of gourmet dishes.

The experience began with a welcome drink! Guests could choose from champagne, draft beer, wine, or soft drinks, with unlimited refills throughout their time in the Premium Lounge.

The food selection was equally impressive, featuring colorful finger foods, snacks from popular American brands, and must-have ballpark classics like hot dogs and chips. Guests enjoyed picking out their favorites and indulging in the festive atmosphere.

The Premium Lounge seating provided the perfect spot to enjoy the meal. Although there was no game that day, fans could watch the players practicing on the field with smiles on their faces. Sitting back in a plush seat, savoring delicious food, and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the ballpark was truly an unforgettable experience.

Legendary Former Players Take the Stage at the Talk Live Event

One of the main highlights of the Pre-Opening Reception was the special talk live event featuring legendary former professional baseball players. This time, former MLB players Tadahito Iguchi and Koji Uehara took the stage. After enjoying a delicious meal in the Premium Lounge, participants moved to the first-floor backstop viewing area to watch the talk live event up close. As soon as Iguchi and Uehara appeared, the crowd erupted in excitement!

With teams practicing on the field in the background, the two baseball legends engaged in an insightful discussion. To ensure that the players' practice sessions were not disrupted by loudspeakers, attendees used a system called "ChiyaPhone," where they could scan a QR code and listen to the event via their smartphones and earphones.

Thanks to this setup, even those seated further back could clearly hear the conversation. The two former MLB players shared valuable insights about the highly anticipated pitching showdown between Japanese pitchers set to start on the 18th, as well as Shohei Ohtani’s expected performance. Their firsthand experience in the Major Leagues made for an incredibly engaging discussion.

After the talk live event, a special lottery was held, offering attendees the chance to visit the practice field before the official game. Iguchi and Uehara each drew winners on the spot, announcing their names in front of the audience. The lucky winners were overjoyed, thrilled by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one of the many exclusive perks of the Hospitality Program.

Exclusive Gifts for Ticket Holders

Every participant in the Hospitality Program also received a special original gift. The contents varied depending on the seating package, but for Excite Seat holders, the gift set included:

• Backpack
• Long towel
• Water bottle
• Mobile charger
• Official event pamphlet
• Snack bag (assorted treats)

Each item featured the "TOKYO SERIES" logo in a stylish design, making them not only great for everyday use but also worthy of display as cherished souvenirs.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Baseball Experience on Your Next Trip to Japan

The Excite Seats offered an unparalleled, up-close view of the players’ passionate performances, making fans feel as if they were right there on the field. Combined with the extraordinary Hospitality Program experience, the 2025 MLB Opening Series in Japan became an unforgettable memory for many fans.

JTB plans to continue offering Hospitality Programs for various sports events, not just in Japan but worldwide. If you’re looking for a premium sports viewing experience, why not make it part of your next trip?