WBC (World Baseball Classic) Tokyo Pool Viewing Guide and Recommended Dining Spots around Tokyo Dome
February 25, 2026
If you watch the WBC in Tokyo, not only the game itself but also "where to eat" greatly affects your satisfaction for the entire day. Tokyo Dome is one of the top event gathering areas in Tokyo, and on game days the flow of people never stops from before the gates open. Furthermore, since the WBC is an international tournament, spectators in uniform gather all at once, accelerating the congestion of nearby restaurants beyond usual levels.
This article clearly organizes the basic information of the WBC Tokyo pool, the characteristics and access of Tokyo Dome, and nearby dining areas, categorized by purposes such as "quickly before the game," "relax after the game," "experience Japanese style," and "easy to enter with a large group." We also cover language barriers, payment methods, and how to avoid lines, helping you plan your day easily even without local knowledge.
1. What is the WBC (World Baseball Classic)?
The WBC (World Baseball Classic) is an international baseball tournament where each country or region assembles a representative team to compete. Known as a tournament involving MLB (Major League Baseball) and other leagues, its biggest attraction is star players who normally play in different leagues standing on the same field representing their national flags.
What makes the WBC viewing experience special is not only the level of play. Each country has different cheering styles and chant cultures, so the atmosphere in the same stadium changes dramatically depending on the match. The contrast between moments of quiet watchfulness and the stands uniting in excitement is characteristic of an international tournament.
Also, the WBC is a “short-term battle.” Unlike league seasons where teams build momentum over time, each game from the start carries heavy consequences. This heightens spectators’ tension and makes every pitch met with loud cheers.
2. Overview of the WBC Tokyo Pool
・Venue
The WBC Tokyo Pool (Pool C) is held at Tokyo Dome. Its address is 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, known as an event venue with excellent access from central Tokyo.
・Round
The games in Tokyo are the first round (pool play). The entire tournament is divided into four pools and played in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stage. Tokyo Dome is designated as the venue for Pool C matches.
・Participating Teams
The teams in Pool C are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan).
・Game Schedule
The first round at Tokyo Dome will be held from March 5th to 10th, 2026. Matchups and start times are published as official Tokyo Pool information (many days include a day game and a night game on the same day).
・Official Website and Tickets
It is safest to check the latest information from both the "WBC Official (English)" site and the "Japanese side tournament info (Japanese + overseas guidance)." Since there are multiple sales channels for ticket purchases, first confirm your purchase window (overseas/general/additional sales, etc.) on the official site before proceeding to avoid confusion.
The appeal of the Tokyo Pool lies in the tension of short-term battles and the clash of completely different cheering cultures from each country in the same stadium. Even within Tokyo Dome, the sound from the stands, chants, and timing of applause change just by changing the matchup, creating an atmosphere more like an international festival than just sports viewing. It is easy to enjoy even for first-timers, so if possible, try including a non-Japanese game to quickly grasp the essence of the WBC.
The Japanese national team is expected to include Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who won back-to-back MLB world championships last year. For example, Ohtani is registered as a designated hitter and is unlikely to pitch. Since "who will pitch/who will play" can be updated until just before the game, checking official entry info and last-minute news on the day will enhance satisfaction.
The key to enjoying game day is to create an "experience" before the game starts. Fans in uniforms gather from before gates open, and inside and outside the venue are lively with goods, photo spots, and food lines. Arriving early to soak in the atmosphere makes you feel your visit is worthwhile. On the other hand, after the game, the nearest stations get very crowded, so it's less stressful to avoid going home immediately and instead have a meal nearby to stagger the timing. Deciding several meal options before and after the game helps your movement go smoothly on the day.
Moreover, a strength of the Tokyo venue is that it is an “urban stadium.” Before the game, you can have a light meal before heading to the stadium, and after the game, enjoy a full meal while chatting about the game atmosphere. This makes attending the game a highlight of your day. Since Tokyo Pool often runs games every day, watching multiple games can be balanced between “short time near the venue,” “a short walk for a Tokyo vibe,” and “avoiding congestion by splitting stations,” keeping up both stamina and satisfaction.
4. What is Tokyo Dome like?
Tokyo Dome is a major multipurpose stadium representing Japan, used not only for baseball but also concerts and various events. It has multiple nearest stations and the access from central Tokyo is easy to understand, which is a big advantage.
When attending, keep in mind that Tokyo Dome is an “urban venue.” Unlike suburban stadiums that assume car travel, the basic flow is to come by train, walk around the area, eat or shop, then return by train. In other words, the time before and after the game naturally blends into the “city.”
Another feature is the wide range of dining options around Tokyo Dome. You can choose from casual food within the event facility, calm restaurants, and after a short walk, old-fashioned cafes and areas famous for “the city of books” specialty foods. You can easily select whether to extend the game’s energy or relax quietly according to your mood.
5. Access Information for Tokyo Dome
The main nearest stations are Suidobashi Station (JR / Toei Mita Line), Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Namboku Line), and Kasuga Station (Toei Oedo Line). There is relatively ample English station guidance, and Tokyo Dome Hotel provides walking time estimates from each station (about 1 minute from Suidobashi Station Exit A2, about 5 minutes from Korakuen Station Exit 2, about 6 minutes from Kasuga Station Exit 6, and so on).
A good approach for moving on game day is as follows to avoid failures.
First, if you want to eat before the game, the density of dining options is sometimes higher and easier to choose from in a short time on the Suidobashi Station side than the Korakuen/Kasuga side. Conversely, to avoid crowds after the game, flowing to the Korakuen/Kasuga side and exiting via LaQua area or other dispersed routes reduces movement stress.
Next, if meeting up, sharing the “exit number” is important. Tokyo stations have many exits, and the places where you come above ground vary significantly even for the same station name. Especially in large groups, deciding precisely e.g. “Suidobashi Station East Exit” or “Korakuen Station Exit 2” drastically reduces the risk of getting lost.
6. Recommended Restaurants Around Tokyo Dome
This section introduces restaurants near Tokyo Dome. All these places accept reservations in advance. It is recommended to visit before the game or on days before or after the game.
Choose wagyu yakiniku as a “reward” before or after the game
This yakiniku restaurant purchases Yamagata beef by whole cattle from contracted farms, allowing you to enjoy even rare cuts. You can savor fine-grained meat quality and beautiful marbling of wagyu in assorted plates featuring multiple recommended cuts. It operates during lunch, making it easy to fit in an early meal.
Price: ¥8,800~(Moderately Price)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 11:30~23:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Children's menu, English menu, Chinese (simplified) menu
Aged Black Wagyu meat dishes that let you savor aroma
This specialty shop for aged meat procures selected domestic Black Wagyu by whole cattle and matures it about two months in a proprietary aging room to bring out aroma and umami. You can enjoy the direct taste of meat in steaks and grills, making it easy for first-timers to experience the deliciousness of Japanese wagyu. It is open at lunch too, useful for early meals before the game or combined with a Tokyo stroll.
Price: ¥12,203~(Mid-range)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~22:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, Famous Restaurant, Highly Rated
OMAKASE sushi built from seasonal ingredients and a counter to enjoy renowned sake nationwide
This sushi restaurant offers OMAKASE courses centered on seasonal seafood, letting you taste monthly changing recommended dishes and nigiri sushi. The calm Japanese-style space has a solid wood counter, and Japanese sake carefully chosen from across Japan can be enjoyed paired with dishes. OMAKASE is available even at lunch, making it a convenient spot for lunch before the game or while exploring around Tokyo Dome.
OMAKASE Edo-style sushi to savor the craft of the chef
This sushi shop offers OMAKASE courses with appetizers and nigiri suitable for the day’s ingredients. The simple technique brings out the natural goodness, allowing you to have a smooth “Japanese sushi experience” at the counter. Sake rotates weekly, and white wine suitable for sushi is offered, letting you pair your drink as you prefer.
A seafood izakaya run directly by Toyosu market wholesalers, serving charcoal-grilled fish and tuna
Since it’s run directly by wholesalers at Toyosu market, you can enjoy menus centered on fresh tuna and rare fish parts as “fish is the star.” They grill dried fish and Saikyo miso-marinated fish one by one over charcoal, giving a strong aroma and rich taste. Sashimi and charcoal grilled assortments are their specialties, great for groups to easily enjoy Japanese seafood.
The WBC Tokyo Pool is held in an urban venue, Tokyo Dome, making it an event where enjoying the game and meals together is easy. Considering the congestion before and after the game, deciding in advance whether to complete everything inside the facility or take a short walk to gain a “Tokyo vibe” greatly affects your satisfaction on the day.
Many restaurants line the area around Tokyo Dome. Whether your team wins or loses, please enjoy Tokyo’s WBC including the choice of meals to conclude the lingering excitement.
