Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles Guide: Baseball in Sendai with Ferris Wheels and Beef Tongue

Sendai's baseball team

The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles are based in Sendai, the largest city in northern Honshu. Founded in 2004, they're one of NPB's newer teams but have already won a Japan Series title (2013). Their home, Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, is one of the most entertaining stadiums in Japan.

What makes the ballpark special

A Ferris wheel behind the outfield wall. BBQ terrace seats where you grill Sendai beef while watching the game. A playground for kids. An amusement park vibe with professional baseball at the center. No other stadium in Japan offers this combination.

Getting there

20-minute walk from JR Sendai Station. Senseki Line to Miyagino-hara Station, then 5-minute walk. From Tokyo, the Tohoku Shinkansen takes 90 minutes to Sendai.

Best seats

Infield reserved: ¥3,000-5,000 ($20-33). Ferris wheel side outfield: ¥1,500-2,500 ($10-17). BBQ terrace: group reservations, price varies.

How to buy tickets

The Rakuten Eagles are a Klook partner team. Buy in English with international cards for the easiest option.

Don't skip gyutan

Sendai is Japan's beef tongue capital. Thick-sliced, charcoal-grilled beef tongue (gyutan) is the city's signature dish. The stadium has gyutan bento boxes, but the real experience is at Sendai Station's "Gyutan Street" — a row of specialized restaurants. Try Rikyu or Kisuke.

Day trip or overnight?

90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen makes it a viable day trip. But staying overnight lets you explore Sendai's shopping arcades and try multiple gyutan restaurants.