Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo

based on 129 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 - 24 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. Therefore, if you prefer a vegetarian option, chanko nabe might not be the most suitable choice. 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 24 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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Kristy R
Our guide was both knowledgeable and passionate about sumo! In fact, I wish I sat near her to get the real experience of sumo, rather than people not interested in the experience. It would be beneficial to have an experience near other passionate followers for the real experience. Otherwise, very good overall.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 20:00:02

Posted By : Susy_G
Emiko provided great commentary throughout the tournament. She explained all the ceremonial and fighting activities and even background on the individual wrestlers. Wearing an earpiece to hear her commentary was very convenient and worked perfectly.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 17:24:41

Posted By : valeriebX543SX
Fantastic experience. Our guide, Shun, was so knowledgeable and passionate. We will always remember this fantastic experience.

Thank-you
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 08:25:51

Posted By : hrdefriese
Shun-san was so knowledgeable and excited about Sumo. The tour was the right mix of history, culture, and sports to appeal to someone who had never really considered Sumo before. Very fun. Highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 04:26:52

Posted By : willnV8764WD
Experience was so much fun and had a very unique atmosphere. Seizo was very knowledgeable and made the history, rules, and classes of the Sumo tournament and wrestlers very easy to understand. The background knowledge on individual wrestlers and the dynamics of the tournament greatly added to the viewing experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 22:53:28

Posted By : Muriel M
We had a fabulous time discovering the practice of sumo. Our guide Toshi was very patient with everyone and very knowledgeable. We loved his enthusiasm for the game! The chanko dinner afterwards was fantastic. An experience not too be missed.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 20:53:37

Posted By : Veronica_B
Tak was an amazing tour guide. As a fan of sumo wrestling for over 50 years, he was very knowledgeable about all the wrestlers and traditions. He shared his knowledge with enthusiasm and made the event really exciting to watch. Highly recommend!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 19:49:23

Posted By : N3906JLjulies
TOSHI was a fantastic guide, he provided history and light commentary throughout. Dinner was delicious and again the steps to prep it were described in detail. The group was delightful and the food amazing. I definitely recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 06:11:40

Posted By : Irishfizz
Yesterday May 14/24 we had a visit to the sumo tournament with a guide from Japan Awaits who was superb. I am hoping his name was Toshi and I can’t praise his enthusiasm and knowledge enough. With the ear pieces he provided we had a most enlightening running commentary on the history of sumo and the progress of the matches. This wonderful gentleman and Japan Awaits truly enhanced our whole experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-14 22:04:47

Posted By : Dominik_G
You are basically paying to the sumo tickets. +100$ more than they are. The guide is sub par and doesn’t explain much unless asked by guests.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-14 21:07:07