Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo

based on 181 reviews

Duration:4 hours to 5 hours (approx.)
Location: Tokyo, Kanto

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The Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo with Japan Awaits is an experience at the famous Grand Sumo Tournament that occurs only three times a year in Tokyo (January, May, and September). The experience allows guests to learn about sumo traditions and culture with an English-speaking tour guide (expert in sumo wrestling) while watching one of the most exciting sports in Japan. This is a join-in group experience with about 15 - 20 guests (minimum of 15 people is required to operate this tour; if we do not have enough bookings, the tour will be canceled and the guest will receive a full refund).

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Chanko nabe, also known as “sumo stew”, is a Japanese stew (hot pot) that contains chicken stock as the soup base with various vegetables. Chanko originated from the Ryokoku area and sumo wrestlers are known to eat a lot of it because a large amount of chanko can be cooked at once and many people can eat at the same time, perfect for sumo wrestlers who are hungry from training.
• If dinner option is selected at checkout, the chanko hot pot dinner without drinks will be the default meal (please let us know if you would prefer sukiyaki, vegetarian, or if you have any other special dietary requirements on the “Special Requirements” field at checkout. Please note that traditional chanko nabe broth is typically made with pork or chicken, but the restaurant may substitute the broth for those who prefer vegetarian option. Please understand that once we have accepted your dinner request, changes cannot be made one week before the tour date.
• There is no age requirement. Children must be accompanied by adult (18 or older). Adult pricing applies to all guests of any age, except infants and toddlers between age 1 and 3, which are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat (infants must sit on parents’ laps).
• Before the tour, please notify us if you or someone in your group will be in a wheelchair. Please note that there is a wheelchair storage area on the first floor of the stadium; however, your seats will be on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb up the stairs on their own (or with the help from a family member) as staff from Ryogoku Kokugikan will not be able to assist guests.
• No outside food or drinks are allowed in the arena, but food is available for purchase from vendors within the arena.
• The seats will be on the second floor B chair seats (from rows 7 to 11) or C chair seats. The tour will have a maximum of 20 people sitting in the same location with the English-speaking tour guide.
• Please note that there may be a wait prior to seating, as we must wait for all sumo matches to end before entering. There may also be congestion at the Sumo Museum, in which the tour guide may ask guests to visit on their own since it would be difficult to walk around with a large group in a congested area.
• When do the sumo tournaments take place in Japan?
• The official basho (tournaments) take place six times a year at various locations with each tournament lasting 15 days (start date and end date both land on Sundays). The exact dates vary, but takes place on the same months each year:
• January Tournament: Tokyo
• March Tournament: Osaka
• May Tournament: Tokyo
• July Tournament: Nagoya
• September Tournament: Tokyo
• November Tournament: Fukuoka
• Sumo originated in Japan and is one of Japan’s most well-known sports. It is considered as a gendai budo (Japanese martial art) with a history spanning many centuries. The sport is known for its highly regimented rules and strict traditions for its wrestlers. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal heya (sumo training stables) with all aspects of their daily lives, including their meals and how they dress, closely monitored.
• How far in advance should I book?
• Preparing an event requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. We may not be able to arrange your event in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
• Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?
• Organizing and planning a trip or event requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc.
• Please also note that group tickets are released by the Sumo Association about 4 – 7 weeks before the tour date; if we are unable to obtain the tickets, we will notify guests within 4 weeks before the tour and will offer an alternative tour date or full refund.
• Using audio headsets, you’ll clearly be able to hear the expert guide explain the history and culture of sumo wrestling, as well as learn about some of the most famous sumo wrestlers throughout history and today in Japan. Enjoy the intense matches with explanations from your expert guide and cheer on your favorite sumo wrestlers along with dedicated local fans.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Nita_K
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our sumo tournament experience! Hirohiko Abe was a very knowledgeable guide and explained in advance what we'd be seeing, as well as keeping up an ongoing commentary in our earpieces while we were watching the bouts. He was able to tell us something about every wrestler, which was amazing, and also about strategies and styles of the top competitors. We learned a lot, got some great photos and stories to tell our friends, as this was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to see a tournament in person. Highly recommended!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-01 13:13:14

Posted By : Tanner_D
The tour guide was very Knowledgeable showed us around everywhere we had good seats and could see the wrestlers easily
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 22:37:03

Posted By : Tim_B
Sumo much more fascinating in person. our guide was excellent and the meal after was tasty. Impressed by the atmosphere of the arena
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 21:12:42

Posted By : Michelle_P
We were very lucky to be able to attend the sumo tournament while visiting Tokyo, but having our tour guide Emiko available to share history, explain the tournament, and answer our curious questions made the difference between the experience being "oh that's interesting" to "WOW". Booking through Viator eliminated nearly all the planning required on our part for an excellent experience. Emiko explained the background of the sport of Sumo, toured us around the arena, and my favorite - offered tidbits of information throughout the tournament: translating certain comments from the announcers, introducing facts about some of the well-known competitors, and explaining the meaning behind actions throughout the event. Without Emika we would have missed out on a huge amount of the experience! Would absolutely this tour recommend to anyone considering attending a sumo event.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 14:31:24

Posted By : 948Jeffc
We had a chance to attend the Sumo Tournment last week in Tokyo via the tour organized by Japan Awaits. We had a great time, the seats were good and our guide, Hiro Abe, did a great job of flling us in with all the information related to the tournament during the entire time we were there. We did not feel time pass as we were so interntained. I strongly recommend this tour and the guide Hiro Abe.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 13:09:46

Posted By : Dailen_G
Our tour guide really took the time to explain all the rituals and intricacies of Sumo so we were able to enjoy the sport so much more. Definitely recommend this tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-26 21:01:51

Posted By : 34Aberdeen
What a great experience and our guide, Isaac, was very knowledgable and engaging. My son sat next to our guide and peppered him with questions. Isaac did a great job answer all of them.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-26 19:02:03

Posted By : i0lanic
Had a great afternoon with Izumi at the sumo tournament. He was a wealth of knowledge, which allowed us to make sense of the traditions and rituals associated with Sumo. The tournament was a first for us! You will have headphones that connect you to the guides narrative and to follow along during the event. We were in a small group, which was nice. Izumi also brought us a spreadsheet that allowed us to better play along as the games progressed. Highly recommend and Izumi is the best!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-26 03:10:18

Posted By : 809kamillas
It was great! It was so interesting to learn about the history and rituals of sumo. The matches were epic. We went with Taki (the guide) he was very genuin and passionate. We strongly recommend you to go to this if u you have the chance!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-25 12:14:15

Posted By : Alyssa_M
We had Hirohiko Abe as our guide for our sumo tour, wow was he amazing. Great english and a very very strong understanding of sumo wrestling. He's passionate about his sumo wrestling and knows all there is to know about it. Sometimes he gets stuck on some words but finds his way out and hands out intersting tips and facts the whole way thought the afternoon. I was worried the tour wouldn't be that good, however I was completely wrong and probably wouldn't do this without the tour again. Hiro was the best tour guide anyone could ask for!!! Thankyou Hirohiko
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-25 08:07:53