Guided Tours

Tokyo Sumo Tournament English Guided Tour

Duration

4 hrs - 4 hrs 30 mins

Guided tour

Experience the drama of Tokyo's Grand Sumo Tournament firsthand, learn about its deep-rooted traditions, and opt to savor a traditional sumo dinner.

Get ready for an exhilarating immersion into the world of Sumo wrestling in Japan, a sporting tradition that dates back centuries.

The grandeur of the sumo stadium will amaze you as you get a chance to be seated with locals, cheering for the wrestlers from great viewing points.

You'll wear an audio headset as an English-speaking guide explains the sumo customs, rituals, and significance, ensuring you don't miss a word.

Did you know sumo wrestlers have a special diet? Pick the dinner option, and indulge in the famous 'sumo stew', Chanko nabe.

Fun fact: Sumo wrestlers live in communal living quarters known as 'heya' where even their meals and clothing choices are strictly monitored.

Tokyo Sumo Tournament tour

B-class reserved seats or C-class reserved seats

English-speaking tour guide

Sumo information and pamphlet

Small group tour of 20

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

17 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Michael T
Couple
Verified booking
May 2025
Our guide Hiro was exellant, particulary his commentary during each somu fight. We enjoyed it immensely.
Hjalmar J
Solo
Verified booking
Sep 2024
Reqöy cool! Good guide well prepared
Nicholas J
Group
Verified booking
Sep 2024
The tournament itself was spectacular. Sumo is a great sport for the spectator.
Arunava M
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2024
The seats were too behind. I expected better seats with the money spent. - This option wasn't mentioned above, so had to choose the above reason
James W
Group
Verified booking
Jan 2024
The sumo experience was super fun for the family, hugely aided by the knowledgeable, passionate guide Izumi. He provided the background detail that allowed us to understand what was happening and did so with a warmth / charm and clear love of the sport. Thanks so much!

Engage in a centuries-old tradition

The Sumo Tournament experience is a fascinating dive into one of Japan's oldest martial arts. Beginning with an introduction to sumo's history and the strict traditions governing its wrestlers from your English-speaking guide, you'll feel the anticipation build as you make your way to the Grand Sumo Tournament. This tournament happens just three times a year making it a rare, thrilling experience. You'll witness the wrestlers' rigorous rituals, such as using salt for purification before they step into the ring for their matches. Once you're inside the stadium, you'll be seated at either B-class or C-class reserved seats, offering a great view of the intense matches.

Savour sumo-style dinner

What makes this experience stand out is the option to enjoy a traditional sumo dinner. Savor the "sumo stew" or Chanko nabe, a hotpot full of chicken stock and vegetables from the Ryogoku area, a favorite among sumo wrestlers after a hard day's training. This experience is designed for a group, matching the communal nature of sumo wrestlers' lives. Interestingly, these wrestlers live together in a heya (sumo training stable) where their meals and clothing are closely supervised. This tour will not only immerse you in the thrill of the sport but also give you a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of its athletes.

What's not allowed

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the arena.

Accessibility

The experience is not wheelchair accessible accessible. There is a wheelchair storage space inside the stadium's 1st floor. However, since your seats are on the 2nd floor, people with mobility issues may have to climb the stairs on their own (or with the help of their family).

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by adults (18 or older).

Note that this tour can accommodate a maximum of 20 people in 1 group.

A minimum of 15 guests are required for this tour and if there aren't enough bookings, the tour will be canceled.

For dinner, you can also choose 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 the vegetarian option.

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.

Since this is a group tour, late arrivals may not be accommodated. The tour will begin without late guests, who can meet the group at the next location. Guests are provided with the tour guide’s phone number before the tour and can call the guide if they need to join the group later.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena.

Address: 1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Note:-

This address is where the Sumo Tournament will take place. The specific meeting point with the tour guide will be shared one week before the event, but it will be located near Ryogoku Kokugikan.