Baseball first came to Japan in the 1870s, but it wasn't until 1934 that the first professional teams were formed. Now Japan is yakyu (baseball) crazy and if you're in the country from April to the end of October during the baseball season, think about taking in a professional match. Even if you're not a fan, the buzzing atmosphere and audience enthusiasm can be infectious.

In addition to the two professional leagues, Central and Pacific, each with six teams, there's the equally (if not more) popular All-Japan High School Baseball Championship. You might be able to catch one of the local play-offs before the main tournament, which is held each summer at Koushien Stadium near Osaka; check with the tourist office for details.

In the professional leagues, the teams are sponsored by big businesses, immediately apparent from their names, such as the Yakult (a food company) Swallows and Yomiuri (a newspaper conglomerate) Giants. The victors from the Central and Pacific leagues go on to battle it out for the supreme title in the seven-match Japan Series every autumn. Tickets for all games are available from the stadia or at advance ticket booths. They start at ¥1000 and go on sale on the Friday two weeks prior to a game. For more information on Japan's pro-baseball leagues, check out the Web site on www.inter.co.jp/Baseball/