(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)
Meeting And Pickup Meeting point
Meeting point
Ryogoku View Hotel
2-chōme-19-1 Ryōgoku, 墨田区 Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan
For A-seat & S-seat: Please come to the meeting point by 12:30pm. The tour departs at 12:40pm. For B-seat: Please come to the meeting point by 1:30pm. The tour departs at 1:40pm.
End point
Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena
1-chōme-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
The tour ends at Ryogoku Kokugikan, and traveler will head to the next destination on their own.
What To Expect
Greet your group and guide at Ryogoku View Hotel (near the stadium) in the afternoon, or Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku in the morning for Tokyo Sightseeing option. Venture within to discover exhibitions that speak eloquently of the 1,500-year-old cultural tradition; see sumo-related memorabilia and ceremonial aprons with ancient origins.
With your knowledge enriched, venture to Ryogoku Kokugikan to witness the exhilarating Grand Sumo Tournament. Hear an expectant hush descend over the audience as the opening ceremony launches into action and the colossal sumo wrestlers take to the stage. Enjoy watching a series of sumo wrestlers grapple in the elevated ring made of clay covering in a layer of sand while your guide is explaining the traditions and ranking lists of the sport. You’ll also be provided with an English brochure and sumo-ranking list for the day’s events. Usually, junior division sumo matches are held first, proceeding the higher-ranked matches slated for later in the day. Take the opportunity to take a closer look at the ceremonial apron called kesho-mawashi that can only be worn by the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo (referred as makuuchi).
Ryogoku View Hotel
The National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will conduct a lecture about sumo at Ryogoku View Hotel.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ryogoku Kokugikan
Enjoy the thrilling sumo matches. Time Schedule: 15:40 – Makuuchi Wrestler Ceremonial Entrance, Yokozuna Grand Champion Ring Entrance (will not take place if there are no Yokozuna present) The crowd comes alive at the sight of their favorite wrestlers and cheers them on. The atmosphere in the arena brightens instantly. 16:00 – Makuuchi Division Wrestlers’ Sumo Matches 18:00 – Bow-twirling Ceremony Things to Do: 1. Check out the arena entrance lobby to look at the championship flags and other items given to champion sumo wrestlers. The lobby is also a popular spot for photo taking. 2. The arena houses a Sumo Museum where important sumo-related items such as woodblock prints, folding screens and ceremonial aprons from as far back as the Edo period are on display. 3. There are shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of the arena. Enjoy shopping for fans, stationery, sweets, and other sumo-related merchandise.
3 hours 50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
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Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- © Nihon Sumo Kyokai all rights reserved.
- The number of customers for 1 group booking for this tour is 1-19. If booking for a group of 20 or more customers, please note that the group will be divided.
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Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited. Please purchase food and refreshments from the vendors inside the arena.
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[ONLY for S seats and A seats] At Kokugikan, customers on this tour will be provided a light snack (Kokugikan specialty yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) and drink) (1 per person). As there are no additions to be provided, customers who would like additional food and drink may purchase on their own at the shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of Kokugikan. Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited. B seats does not include light snack.
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[ONLY for S seats and A seats] Each customer on this tour will be given 1 cheering towel in Kokugikan. Please bring it home as a souvenir from sumo viewing. Requests for specific colors or wrestler names, etc. are not accepted. Thank you for your understanding. B seats does not include cheering towel.
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If the minimum number of participants (1) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be canceled. – Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.
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For requests regarding tours where answers from the tour operator are required in advance, please input in the Remarks field and contact the tour operator.
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Spectator Etiquette: Please note that you will have to wait to be seated if one of the following events is underway at the time: a sumo match, a speech by the Sumo Association (on the first and the last tournament day), the ring entering procession of the Makuuchi division wrestlers (dohyoiri), the ring entering procession of the Yokozuna, or the ritual stomping ceremony (on the last tournament day). In such a case, please wait until the event is over before proceeding to spectator seating. Also, the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will not be able to provide explanations or other guidance during these events
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Children up to 3 years of age may also join, but must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian while watching. In this case, please note that they will not be provided the light snack, drink, and cheering towel. If a child requires their own seat, light snack, drink, and cheering towel, please make a booking for them under the child rate (typically for ages 4-11).
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Wheelchair accessible
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Near public transportation
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Infants must sit on laps
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No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
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Stroller storage areas are available on the 1st and 2nd floors. However, please note that we take no responsibility in case of theft, etc. in the arena. Strollers cannot be brought inside the arena seating area.
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Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.
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Please note that you may have to wait to be taken to your seat or listen to explanations by the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter if one of the following events is underway at the time: a sumo match, a speech by the Sumo Association (on the first and the last tournament day), the ring entering procession of the Makuuchi division wrestlers (dohyoiri), the ring entering procession of the Yokozuna, or the ritual stomping ceremony (last tournament day only).
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Seats may not be designated. This information will be provided on the day of the tour.
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If you would like to be seated together as a group, please make a request when booking. Although staff will try to provide customers with their requested seating arrangements, please note that some requests may not be accommodated.
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For those participating in a wheelchair, please indicate so in the remarks entry field when booking. As Ryogoku Kokugikan’s wheelchair storage area is on the 1st floor, please go to the 2nd floor on your own or with the help of an accompanying group member. When heading to the seats there are stairs and escalators going up and down. Please note that the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter cannot provide assistance or help.
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Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
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Suitcases and other large pieces of luggage cannot be brought into the seating area. In addition, baggage cannot be stored at Ryogoku View Hotel, the meeting location. Please make sure to store luggage at another location on your own in advance (coin lockers, etc.) or at your accommodation.
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This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
