The Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo offers a fascinating opportunity to witness the ancient tradition of sumo wrestling in Japan’s capital. With expert guides and reserved seats, you will enjoy the rich culture and traditions surrounding this unique Japanese sport.
Here’s essential information about the tour, including duration, language options, and accessibility. It also features reviews from previous participants, highlighting the tour’s knowledgeable guides and high ratings.
Get set for a memorable and authentic glimpse into Japanese culture with the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo.
Quick Takeaways

- Sumo tournaments in Tokyo are held six times a year and last for 15 days.
- The tour provides a unique and authentic experience of Japanese culture, allowing participants to witness the history and rituals behind Sumo wrestling.
- Participants have the opportunity to learn about Japanese traditions and customs, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
- The tour is highly recommended by participants who describe it as amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, providing a deeper understanding of the background, history, and culture of sumo.
Tour Details and Logistics
Offered in English, the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo provides a comprehensive tour of the event’s logistics and details. The tour lasts for approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting at 02:00 PM.
Participants will meet their English-speaking tour guide, a local sumo expert, and receive their admission ticket to the Ryogoku Kokugikan venue.
The tour is easily accessible from public transportation, making it convenient for travelers to reach. It’s important to book in advance, preferably three months before the desired date, as there’s a minimum number of travelers required.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. It’s recommended to specify any dietary requirements in advance if opting for the optional dinner at a local chanko hot pot restaurant.
With its convenient transportation options and reasonable tour duration, the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo offers an informative and enjoyable way to take in the excitement of sumo wrestling.
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Inclusions and Optional Dinner

The tour includes reserved seats and an English-speaking tour guide for a comprehensive Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo. Participants have the option to enjoy an optional dinner at a local chanko hot pot restaurant, adding to the overall culture of the experience.
Here are three reasons why the optional dinner is a must-try:
Sumo Tournament Seating: The tour offers B-class or C-class reserved seats, ensuring excellent views of the tournament. This allows participants to witness the intense matches up close and fully enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of sumo wrestling.
Chanko Nabe Recipe: Chanko nabe is a traditional Japanese stew that’s a favorite among sumo wrestlers. Originating from the Ryogoku area, it’s a hearty and nutritious dish packed with various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. The optional dinner provides an opportunity to savor this sumo wrestler’s meal and get a taste of their training diet.
Dietary Options: The dinner options include chanko hot pot, sukiyaki, or a vegetarian alternative. Participants can specify their dietary requirements in advance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal that suits their preferences.
Sumo Tournaments and Culture
When and where are the official sumo tournaments held in Japan?
Official sumo tournaments are held six times a year in various locations across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
These tournaments, known as honbasho, last for 15 days and attract both local and international spectators.
Sumo wrestling isn’t just a sport, but a reflection of Japanese traditions and culture.
Wrestlers, known as rikishi, live in communal sumo training stables and adhere to strict sumo traditions.
They follow a unique way of life, which includes rigorous training, strict diets, and adherence to ancient rituals.
Sumo wrestling techniques are passed down through generations, with each wrestler developing their own style and strategy.
Witnessing a sumo tournament provides a fascinating insight into the history, rituals, and customs that surround this traditional Japanese sport.
Reviews and Recommendations
While participants highly recommend the tour and the sumo competition, reviews and recommendations for the ‘Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo’ can be found from Viator and Tripadvisor. Here are some key points from the reviews:
Positive feedback: The tour has received an average rating of 5.0 based on 52 reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction among participants.
Toshi‘s expertise: The tour guide, Toshi, is highly praised for his knowledge and expertise in sumo wrestling, providing valuable insights into the traditions and culture of the sport.
Authentic cultural experience: Participants describe the tour as a unique and authentic way to experience Japanese culture, with the opportunity to witness the history, rituals, and customs behind sumo wrestling.
Family-friendly entertainment: The tour is considered enjoyable and fun for the whole family, providing entertainment that appeals to all age groups.
Benefits and Unique Experience
Participants frequently describe the ‘Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo’ as a unique and unforgettable opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture and witness the history and traditions of sumo wrestling.
Attending a sumo tournament offers numerous benefits, such as saving time finding somewhere to eat after the wrestling finishes late afternoon. Plus, it provides a chance to learn about Japanese traditions and customs, giving participants a deeper understanding of the background, history, and culture of sumo.
The tour allows for the whole family to be entertained and is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants appreciate the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides, who are experts in sumo wrestling.
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Directions
Visitors to the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo can easily find their way to the venue with the help of clear directions and accessible public transportation. Finding the Ryogoku Kokugikan venue is a breeze, thanks to the following directions:
How to get to the Ryogoku Kokugikan venue?
- Take the JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Station, which is located just a short walk away from the venue.
- Follow the signs and directions to the Kokugikan, as it’s a well-known landmark in the area.
- Use a navigation app on your phone to guide you directly to the venue.
Best transportation options for attending the sumo tournament.
- Public transportation is highly recommended, as it’s convenient and efficient in Tokyo.
- Consider taking the train or subway to Ryogoku Station, as it’s the closest station to the venue.
- Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive and subject to traffic.
With these directions and transportation options, attendees can easily navigate their way to the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo.
Common Questions
How Can I Book a Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo?
To book a sumo tournament experience in Tokyo, visit the tour’s website or contact their customer service. The best time to attend is during the official tournaments held six times a year.
What Is the Cost of the Optional Dinner at the Chanko Hot Pot Restaurant?
The optional dinner at the Chanko hot pot restaurant costs an additional fee. Participants can choose from different dinner options such as chanko hot pot, sukiyaki, or vegetarian. Dietary requirements should be specified in advance.
Can I Bring My Own Wheelchair or Stroller for the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own wheelchair or stroller for the tour. The tour offers accessibility options and adheres to tour regulations to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.
How Many Sumo Wrestlers Participate in a Tournament?
In a sumo tournament, the number of participants can vary, but typically there are around 42 wrestlers competing in the top division. They are ranked based on their performance and the ranking system determines their opponents.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Sumo Tournament Experience?
Age restrictions for spectators at the sumo tournament experience vary depending on the specific tournament and the rules set by the organizers. However, there are usually no specific age restrictions for attending and watching the matches. Sumo tournament rules regarding age participation mainly focus on the wrestlers themselves.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo offers a captivating opportunity to witness the ancient tradition of sumo wrestling in the heart of Japan’s capital.
With knowledgeable guides, reserved seats, and a comprehensive sumo information package, participants can enjoy the rich traditions and culture surrounding this unique Japanese sport.
Whether you’re a sumo enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable and authentic glimpse into Japanese culture, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
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