Skip to main content

Sightseeing of Sumo Tournament in Japan

 Sumo is Japan's national sport and a deeply traditional cultural practice. Experiencing it firsthand is an unforgettable part of a trip to Japan. The best place to immerse yourself in sumo culture is the Ryogoku district in Tokyo.




1. Watch a Grand Sumo Tournament (Basho)

Attending a live tournament is the ultimate way to experience sumo. The atmosphere is electrifying, with fans cheering on their favorite wrestlers.

  • Tournament Schedule: There are six Grand Sumo Tournaments (basho) held each year. Three of them take place in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena:

    • Hatsu Basho (January)

    • Natsu Basho (May)

    • Aki Basho (September) The other three are held in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July), and Fukuoka (November).

  • How to Get Tickets: Tickets for these tournaments sell out quickly, so it's highly recommended to book in advance.

    • You can purchase tickets online through official vendors or ticket services like BuySumoTickets.com.

    • Tickets are available a few weeks before the start of each tournament.

  • Seating: There are several types of seats:

    • Ringside seats (Tamari-seki): The most expensive and difficult to get, located closest to the ring. You sit on cushions on the floor.

    • Box seats (Masu-seki): Japanese-style seating on the first floor, where you sit on cushions in a box, usually for four people. You must purchase the entire box, regardless of how many people are in your party.

    • Balcony seats (Isus-seki): Standard Western-style seating on the second floor, which are the most affordable and easiest to get.

2. See a Sumo Stable Practice (Asageiko)

Many sumo wrestlers live and train together in "sumo stables" (heya). Watching a morning practice, or keiko, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the dedication and discipline of a sumo wrestler's life.

  • Location: Most sumo stables are located in the Ryogoku area.

  • Etiquette: Visiting a sumo stable requires strict adherence to etiquette. You must be quiet, respectful, and not disrupt the training. It's often necessary to have a Japanese speaker with you or book a tour through a specialized company, as many stables do not allow walk-in visitors. The Arashio-beya stable, however, is known to have a large window from the street, allowing visitors to watch practice from outside without entering.

3. Explore the Ryogoku Area

Even if there isn't a tournament, the Ryogoku district is a sightseeing spot in itself, rich with sumo history and culture.

  • Ryogoku Kokugikan: The national sumo arena is a must-see. You can walk around the exterior and see the statues and plaques dedicated to famous sumo wrestlers.


  • Sumo Museum: Located inside the Kokugikan, this free museum displays a rotating collection of sumo-related artifacts, including woodblock prints and ceremonial aprons. Note that during a tournament, you need a ticket for the tournament to access the museum.

  • Chanko Nabe Restaurants: After watching a tournament or exploring the area, try chanko nabe, a hearty stew that is the staple diet of sumo wrestlers. The area is filled with restaurants run by retired wrestlers, such as Chanko Kirishima and Tomoegata, which offer an authentic taste of sumo culture.

  • Sumo Avenue: The main street leading to the Kokugikan is lined with banners and statues of past sumo champions, making for an interesting stroll.

Popular posts from this blog

Top Sightseeing Spots in Asakusa

Asakusa: Offers a glimpse into "old Tokyo" with Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori shopping street, and traditional crafts. You can also take a boat ride on the Sumida River with views of Tokyo Skytree. Top Sightseeing Spots in Asakusa Kaminarimon, the main gate of Senso-ji Temple in Taito-ku, Tokyo, is officially named "Fujin Raijin Mon" (Wind and Thunder God Gate). It is a highly famous spot and a symbol of Asakusa, attracting many tourists from both within Japan and abroad. History and Features of Kaminarimon Establishment and Reconstruction: The gate is believed to have been built during the Heian period, but the current structure was reconstructed in 1960. Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, donated it as an act of gratitude for his recovery from an illness. Statues of Fujin and Raijin: On either side of the gate are statues of Fujin, the god of wind (on the right when facing the gate), and Raijin, the god of thunder (on the left). These statues are the ...
Read more

The Key to Your Tokyo Trip: A Guide to Affordable & Popular Hotels

  Here are a few recommended business hotels near Shinjuku. Japan House Ikebukuro : about 12,000 JPY per night Hop Inn Tokyo Iidabashi : about 13,000 JPY per night https://www.hopinnhotel.com/ja/our-hotels/hop-inn-tokyo-iidabashi Vessel Inn Takadanobaba Ekimae : about 15,000 JPY per night https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/inn/takadanobaba/ SHORTsuido : about 15,000 JPY per night BuRan House : about 15,000 JPY per night Train companies in Tokyo are known for their extensive networks and often operate a variety of businesses, including hotels, often located at or near major stations. Here are some famous business hotels and hotel brands in Tokyo that are operated by train companies: JR East (East Japan Railway Company) The Tokyo Station Hotel: A classic and luxurious hotel located directly within the historic Tokyo Station building. It offers a unique and elegant experience. Hotel Metropolitan: A brand of city hotels often found near major JR stations. The Hotel Metropolitan Toky...
Read more

Recommended Luxury Hotels in Tokyo

  Recommended Luxury Hotels in Tokyo Here are some of the top luxury hotels in Tokyo. Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Features : With over 130 years of history, it's a flagship hotel of Japan. Its charm lies in its service, which values tradition and formality, and its proximity to the Imperial Palace. Area : Hibiya/Ginza Aman Tokyo Features : Located on the top floors of a high-rise building in Otemachi, this hotel is known for its sophisticated space that incorporates Japanese elements. Its tranquil atmosphere, which allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city, is very popular. Area : Otemachi The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Features : Situated in a skyscraper in Roppongi, the hotel's rooms offer dynamic views of Tokyo's skyline. You can have a truly special experience thanks to its meticulous service and luxurious facilities. Area : Roppongi Palace Hotel Tokyo Features : Located right in front of the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, this beautiful hotel is surrounded by water and ...
Read more