Mazda Stadium – Hiroshima’s Newest Destination

Which place do you imagine when you are asked Hiroshima’s popular destination? It could be the Peace Memorial Park, the world heritage Miyajima, or nostalgic Onomichi. However, if you like watching baseball games, you had better go to the Mazda Stadium, the home of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp too. There is well known for most attractive baseball stadium in Japan, and always crowded with bunch of fans wearing red stuff, its team color.

(Photo by yuko848)

About Mazda Stadium

MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima, also called Mazda Stadium is opened in April 2009 and the newest stadium in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB). Its concept is the “Ball Park” – inspired by several MLB stadiums. The stadium also incorporates fans’ convenient and opinions like a variety of seating, food and facility to make it fun all ages. Even though the game is not held, the concourse is occasionally opened to the public. The Carp’s players might practice there, or amateur baseball games might be held. You can check the schedule on the stadium’s official website (Japanese only). The schedule is usually announced 1 month before. However, you need to make a reservation if you want to take part in a stadium tour. Admission fee is required.

(Reference: Wikipedia)

The Must-Try Food

There are bunch of food booths in the stadium. They serve bentos, noodles, snacks, sweets, etc. Because of a variety of food, you could be embarrassed in your choice, however, a must-try is Carp Udon, both fans’ and players’ favorite. It has been the Stadium’s signature since 1957, when the former stadium was opened. It tastes light and simple, and that is why it is loved for a long time. There is 3 choice of toppings; shrimp tempura, kitsune (deep-fried tofu), and niku (beef), which costs 550 yen each. However, you can also order all topping which costs 700 yen. It used to be secret menu for players at former stadium, then it is now available at new stadium.

(Photo by yuko848)

Popular Attraction

The Carp baseball club is always trying to enterain more customers especially women, elderly people, and children. It is surprising that the club doesn’t think all customers must be interested in baseball games. This year’s recommendation is the haunted attraction named “Zakuro-onna no Ie” (The House of Pomegranate Lady), produced by Japan’s famous haunted attraction producer. Each his work has story and mission, and the attraction also has a mission to wear red stuff. It is located on the deck near indoor practice facility and opens when the game is held at the stadium. Adults and children 6 years and older who have tickets for the game on the day are accepted. The admission fee is 500 yen and available at the ticket machine in front of the attraction.

(Reference: zakuroonna.com)

How to Get Tickets

All tickets in a season simultaneously sell from the beginning of March each year. The best way is stopping by ticket office in front of the stadium, however, they are also available at the multi-functioned copy machine at Seven-Eleven, called Seven Ticket. The merits are open 24 hours and located almost all over Japan; it means you can get tickets anytime even though when your travel schedule for Hiroshima has been decided. Moreover, you can get a refund at the store you bought them when the game is cancelled. More details; www.carp.co.jp/en/index.html#tickets.

(Reference: 7 Ticket)

Access

To use JR Lines; get off at Hiroshima Station, then walk for 10 minutes from the south exit.

To use streetcars; the streetcars system operates route 1, 2, 5, and 6. Walk for 10 minutes from Hiroshima Station, their last stop.

To use Loop Bus “Meipuru-pu”; the bus operates Orange Route and Green Route. Get it off at the Shinkansen Exit of Hiroshima Station, then walk for 13 minutes.

Yuko

Japan