Duration
Guided tour
Meals included
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Attend Fukuoka’s Grand Sumo Tournament, the only annual basho in Kyushu, with an English-speaking guide and learn about sumo’s ancient traditions.
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With S or A-class reserved seating, watch top wrestlers up close, from ceremonial salt throwing to intense face-offs.
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Hungry for more? Upgrade with a chanko hot pot meal, the hearty dish sumo wrestlers eat daily, with vegetarian and sukiyaki options available.
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Entry ticket to the Grand Sumo Tournament
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Private group tour
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S or A-class reserved seats
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English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
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English sumo pamphlet
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Banzuke-hyo (A table of rankings)
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Chanko hot pot or vegetarian meal option (as per option selected )
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Step into the world of sumo with a 4-hour guided experience at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, held every November at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Join a small group led by an English-speaking sumo expert, who will introduce you to centuries-old traditions, from wrestler rankings to purification rituals.
Getting started
Meeting point: Fukuoka Kokusai Center, near the Tenjin and Hakata districts.
Meet your private guide outside the venue, where you’ll receive a quick introduction to the tournament, its history, and the day’s schedule. The location is easy to reach from central Fukuoka, making for a smooth start to the experience.
What to expect
Take your reserved A- or S-class seat and watch Japan’s top rikishi make their dramatic entrances before powerful matches begin:
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Seasonal sumo highlight: Attend one of Japan’s six annual Grand Sumo tournaments, hosted exclusively in Kyushu each November.
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Live tournament atmosphere: Witness ceremonial entrances, salt purification rituals, and thrilling matches between Japan’s top wrestlers.
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Expert commentary: Learn about the sport’s history, ranking system, and cultural traditions through real-time explanations from your English-speaking guide.
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Comfortable reserved seating: Enjoy clear views of the ring from your A- or S-class seat, with audio headsets ensuring you don’t miss a word.
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What to bring
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Cash or a card to buy food and drinks at the concession stands inside the 1F.
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A valid ID, as you may be required to show proof of age at the venue.
What’s not allowed
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Large luggage or suitcases in the seating area. Store them beforehand.
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Outside food or drinks. Food and beverages are available for purchase inside the arena.
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Changing seats. Spectators must remain in their assigned seats.
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Talking on mobile phones. Keep your phone on silent during matches.
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Obstructing views with banners or towels.
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Throwing cushions, as it may cause injury or disturbances.
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Late arrivals. Guests who arrive after the meeting time will forfeit their reservation, and no refunds will be provided.
Accessibility
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Spectators in wheelchairs are not permitted in the seating area.
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A wheelchair storage area is available on the first floor, but all seats are on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb stairs independently or with help from family members.
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If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, please notify the organizers before the tour.
Additional information
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The tour will proceed without late guests. No refunds will be provided for late arrivals.
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There may be a short wait before seating, as all ongoing sumo matches must end before entry.
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There may be congestion at the Sumo Museum; the guide may ask guests to visit on their own.
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Eating and drinking are allowed in the seating area.
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Please be respectful of others during the matches to maintain the traditional atmosphere.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Fukuoka Convention Center.
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Address: 2-2 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0021, Japan.
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