Sumo wrestling is Japan’s oldest sport, dating back over 1,500 years to Shinto harvest ceremonies, where matches were held as offerings to the gods for good fortune and prosperity. Over time, what began as a sacred ritual evolved into Japan’s national sport. In Tokyo, visitors can experience this living heritage up close by watching powerful rikishi (wrestlers) compete at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena during one of the city’s Grand Sumo tournaments, or by joining a sumo practice show at a local stable to see how wrestlers train, eat, and prepare for competition.
This page covers sumo wrestling tournament details, where to watch or join a sumo practice show, and the best times to experience it in Tokyo.
Only three of six official grand tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Each 15-day tournament in January, May, and September draws crowds to watch wrestlers perform traditional pre-match rituals before intense, fast-paced bouts. Attending a tournament here offers a direct window into Japan’s national sport — where strength, discipline, and ceremony come together in one unforgettable experience.
If you’re visiting outside the official tournament months, don’t worry; Tokyo offers plenty of ways to experience sumo wrestling all year round. You can watch a morning training session at a local stable or join a guided tour led by sumo experts. Some experiences even let you step into the ring with a retired wrestler, pose for photos, and savour a bowl of chanko nabe, the protein-rich stew that fuels every rikishi’s diet. Whether you’re exploring in the afternoon or planning an evening activity, there’s a sumo experience in Tokyo to suit every schedule.
Tokyo’s luxury sumo shows offer an evening of sumo, culture, and fine dining. Held in upscale venues such as Ryōgoku or Asakusa, these events feature retired wrestlers demonstrating techniques with English narration, followed by geisha performances, audience interactions, and a set meal that includes chanko-nabe, A5 wagyu sukiyaki, and dessert. VIP plans provide front-row seating, unlimited drinks, and take-home souvenirs such as happi coats or photo sets.
All sumo shows are family-friendly, whether you’re watching a grand tournament or attending a practice session. The matches are lively and easy to follow, and younger visitors are always amazed by the wrestlers’ sheer size and skill. Seating options include traditional box seats on tatami mats, comfortable arena chairs, VIP ringside spots, dining tables, or plush sofa seating at luxury shows.
Some tours offer guided tours of authentic sumo stables (beya). You’ll enter real training quarters where wrestlers live, eat, and train together under a single master. A local guide explains their strict daily routines, diet, and the rules that govern everything from hairstyles to manners. It’s a raw, fascinating glimpse into one of Japan’s most traditional communities.
Many practice tours and shows conclude with photo sessions where you can stand beside a real rikishi (sumo wrestler); a moment that never fails to impress! Some experiences include souvenir happi coats, autographs, or even the chance to try a mock bout (if you dare).
1. Choose your experience type
There are three main ways to experience sumo in Japan, depending on your itinerary:
2. Check dates and duration
3. Seating and upgrades
4. Language and guides
5. Inclusions
6. Etiquette and tips
Every January, Tokyo’s Ryōgoku Kokugikan transforms into the beating heart of sumo. Watch top-ranked wrestlers face off in thunderous bouts, framed by centuries-old rituals — from salt-throwing for purification to the elegant ring-entering ceremony.
What's included?
📅 Dates: January 2026 ⏱ Duration: Around 5 hours
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Before every bout, wrestlers purify the ring by throwing salt — a Shinto ritual symbolising protection and good fortune
You can choose from live sumo tournament tickets with expert guides, interactive practice shows at dojos, behind-the-scenes stable tours with meals, and premium geisha performances paired with sumo wrestling — even luxury dining options with wagyu!
Yes! You can grab tickets to Tokyo Sumo Tournament LIVE at Ryogoku Kokugikan. It includes a reserved seat, live matches, and an English-speaking guide explaining traditions, ranks, and match formats.
Practice shows happen year-round and are often interactive, family-friendly, and hands-on. Tournaments are official, seasonal, and held at large stadiums with roaring crowds and full ceremonies.
Tokyo tournaments usually run in January, May, and September. These are your best bets for live matches at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Yes! Most practice experiences include the chance to enter the ring, try basic moves, and chat or eat with retired wrestlers.
Expect gourmet meals (A5 wagyu + chanko nabe), unlimited drinks, geisha performances, ring rituals, VIP sofa seating, gifts, and even a happi coat. It’s the full cultural immersion — first-class style.
Yes! Experiences like the Tokyo Sumo Practice Show are very family-friendly, with interactive challenges and wrestler meet-and-greets. Ringside seats at live tournaments may have age restrictions, though.
Some venues offer limited accessibility. While stadiums like Ryogoku Kokugikan do offer accessible seats, sumo stables and small dojos may not be fully equipped. It's best to check with the specific tour provider before booking.
Yes. All experiences come with English-speaking guides, and some offer bilingual (English–Japanese) support. Premium tours sometimes include guides fluent in other languages too.
Not at all! Your guide will explain the rules, rituals, and wrestler rankings. It’s fascinating even if it’s your first encounter with sumo.
Comfortable clothes. For stable visits, you may sit on tatami mats or enter the ring barefoot. At luxury shows, casual-smart attire is perfect.
Yes, photos are encouraged — especially during meet-and-greets. Just be mindful during sacred moments like ceremonies and rituals
Experiences are held at real sumo stables (e.g., in Kawasaki), dedicated arenas like Ryogoku Kokugikan, and cultural venues or restaurants in Tokyo (like Asakusa or Shinjuku).
Try wrestling with professional ex-sumo wrestlers, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch.
Inclusions
Live sumo demonstrations
Traditional Japanese lunch
Wrestle with retired sumo wrestlers
Learn sumo history, culture, techniques, and manners
Authentic sumo costume
Souvenir photograph with the wrestlers
Exclusions
Transportation to/from restaurant
Gratuities
Drinks
Infant meals
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
A premium sumo show in a relaxed setting with gourmet dining, geisha performances, audience challenges, and exclusive souvenirs.
Inclusions
Rear/Business Class/ First Class-seating (as per option selected)
English-speaking guide
Matches between former sumo wrestlers
Sumo experience for guests (subject to availability)
Japanese dance performance
Chanko-nabe, beef sukiyaki bento, dessert, and one free drink (available for Rear Seats only)
Chanko-nabe, A5 wagyu beef sukiyaki, tempura set, and unlimited drinks (available for Business & First-Class seats)
Printed souvenir photo
Souvenir set (Bag, Origami set, Yukata Set, Japanese style wooden cup, stickers)
Happi coat (available for First-Class seats)
Settle into your reserved seat with optimal views of the sumo tournament, as your guide explains the customs and rituals.
Inclusions
Entry ticket to the Sumo tournament
English-speaking guide
Reserved seat (B or C class, second floor)
Exclusions
Know about sumo culture with a visit to a sumo stable, where you'll join morning practice, meet wrestlers in the ring, and share lunch.
Inclusions
4-hour guided tour of the sumo stable
English-speaking local guide
Opportunity to challenge sumo wrestlers
Dumpling making
Lunch with sumo wrestlers
Photos
T-shirt
Exclusions
Inclusions
4-hour guided tour of the Sumo Stable
Small group of up to 16 people (based on option selected)
Private group (based on option selected)
Expert English-speaking local guide
Complimentary morning tea
Sumo wrestler meet-and-greet session
Lunch
Headsets
Information pamphlet
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
