Itinerary
You can say that sumo must be one of the world's most unique national sports. Sumo originated in Japan as early as the 1600s and Japan remains the only country where this heavyweight sport is practiced professionally. Fighters live in communal 'stables' where every aspect of their daily lives is dictated by strict tradition. These traditions, etiquette, and customs are not taken lightly. Many sumo stables are not open to foreign visitors, and for those that are, even spectators are expected to adhere to specific rules. Vsit the stables and watch the wrestlers practice the art of sumo. Make sure not to eat, talk loudly, or take photos with bright flashes or loud noises so you don't distract the wrestlers!
Stop At:
• Ryogoku Kokugikan, 3-28, 1 Chome, Yokoami, Sumida 130-0015 Tokyo Prefecture
See Availability.
Tokyo, Japan
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
spring seasonal price
4/1/2024 - 4/30/2024
Monday - Sunday : | 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM |
Monday - Saturday : | 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM |
Monday - Saturday : | 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM |
Monday - Saturday : | 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM |
1 hour(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Minimum age is 13 years
Activity requires sitting for long periods of time on the floor
Conditions depend on sumo stable's schedule and can only be confirmed about one week before. Tournaments are held in other months and thus, the stable is closed. Exact dates vary each year
Ending time of practice varies every day
Duration will be between 60 to 90 minutes (Please note that this may be shorter when we have tournament in Tokyo)
During sumo tournament season in Tokyo in January, May, September, (around 15th~25th), practice duration will be between 30 min to 40 min. Duration is not usual but price will be same.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Julia_M
The Sumo morning practice that we visited was very authentic and impressive. We would recommend not to skip this experience while visiting in Tokyo, for us it was one of the biggest shots of Japanese flavour
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Posted On : 2024-05-02
Posted By : Benjamin_F
Brilliant experience and good to see some of the old traditions in Japan still taking place. My only bit of constructive feedback is it would have been nice to have a little intro, to understand the rules and what we would be seeing. Other than that exceeded expectations as the sumos really went for it!
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Posted On : 2024-04-29
Posted By : Barbara_W
It was fun and fascinating to watch the morning practice. Unfortunately, this tour gave us no guide (just a man with a list who opened the door for us) so there was no one to explain what we would see, the meaning of it, answer questions, etc. Moving forward I will be sure to sign up for a tour with a guide who speaks my language.
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Posted On : 2024-04-24
Posted By : KashKlan
An amazing opportunity to view a training session with these incredible athletes. I didn’t know anything about the sport/discipline of sumo prior to attending the training session. It’s important to note that this isn’t a tourist entertainment session, it is purely a training session for the athletes. Nobody explains what is happening and they are not concerned about your comfort levels. It is up to you to pay attention and to absorb the atmosphere. I suggest doing a little bit of research before you go so that you understand the protocols and so that you don’t cause offence without realising. Also, I strongly suggest that you practice sitting cross legged for 1.5 hours. You can’t sit with soles of feet aimed at the training ring. So it does take a bit of practice to be able to sit on a hard floor for that long. Absolutely worth it - make the effort to go. Not many people get this close up view of the training and commitment for the sumo wrestlers.
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Posted On : 2024-04-22
Posted By : Monali_R
It was a fantastic experience to be able to see the sumo wrestlers practice. The power and intensity of the wrestlers was amazing.
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Posted On : 2024-04-14
Posted By : Andrew_H
A fantastic experience, up and close to the action. You get a real appreciation of the strength and skill of the wrestlers. It was an easy process to book the tickets and find the location. I'd recommended the experience.
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Posted On : 2024-04-14
Posted By : Darin_S
We were met by a great guide who engaged us in an excellent discussion regarding the history of Sumo. The sumo stable was small which placed you close to the action. It was a great cultural experience.
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Posted On : 2024-04-14
Posted By : Marie_M
Great experience seeing the Sumo wrestlers training. Make sure to get there a bit earlier to get front row as it can be difficult to see between people. Also be ready to sit on the floor for 2 hours - it can be a bit uncomfortable, a chair is available on request. Would definately recommend it.
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Posted On : 2024-04-12
Posted By : 104frankh
Once they get past the warm up the practice itself was extraordinary. It was no holds barred. Well worth the effort but make sure you take something to soften the sitting on the tatami mat and be there a bit early (despite what they say) because the front row has a much better view than the back as the sumo are down about 2 feet from the platform.
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Posted On : 2024-04-12
Posted By : Jeffrey_N
It was sumo wrestlers practicing and warming up. As advertised. Interesting but unfortunately the tatami mat is thin and on top of a very hard floor. Was in a lot of pain sitting on the floor and had to leave after an hour. Only two chairs but a large group of people. Everyone around us looked in pain and was shuffling a lot. Not worth 2 hours of time for that level of discomfort. Could benefit from a thicker tatami mat or more chairs.
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Posted On : 2024-04-11