Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo

based on 135 reviews

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

From $133.7

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

Infant (Age : 0 to 2)

ADULT (Age : 3 to 99)

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Shows

Sporting Event Tickets & Passes

Sightseeing Passes

Theater Shows

Attractions & Museums

Arena Tours

Wrestling

Likely to Sell Out

Likely To Sell Out

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

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 : Getaway05575857687
Such an interesting and fun tour of the stadium and with our fantastic guide, Shun. He used to be a Sumo TV reporter and so knows some current wrestlers who we cheered on enthusiastically! Highly recommended. Thank you Shun!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 05:54:29

Posted By : Kevin J
Shun was super informative! Learned a lot and had a great time at the Sumo tournament.. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 04:57:09

Posted By : Kimberly_M
We enjoyed the tournament very much. The microphone system used by the guide was poor quality and, unfortunately, we missed half of what he was saying. Despite the equipment failure, our guide was very nice and helpful.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 19:53:57

Posted By : Alexander_W
Junk Karo from Japan Awaits was absolutely wonderful as our guide! The seats gave us a really good view and we learned so much about sumo!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 14:19:14

Posted By : K553VPbeckyw
What a fun experience! Junko was a wonderful guide. She was very knowledgeable about sumo, and was very personable. We loved talking with her and felt like we learned a lot.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 05:33:04

Posted By : 559loganw
Junko was an AMAZING tour guide. so much enthusiasm for the sport and truly great insight into each and every bout. very friendly and great to talk to, involved group with chanting for wrestlers which was a lot of fun!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 05:06:32

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