If you are planning a trip to Japan then watching a live sumo match should definitely be on your travel plan. Sumo is Japan’s national sport and one of the country’s oldest traditions. The atmosphere, the culture and the excitement inside the sports venue make it a memorable experience for every visitor.
Many travelers ask Where to Watch Sumo in Tokyo because the city is the best place to experience professional sumo wrestling. In Tokyo, several official tournaments are held every year, and it also gives visitors the chance to watch the morning training sessions at sumo training centres.
This guide will explain where to watch Sumo in Tokyo, how to buy tickets, the best time to attend and useful tips to help you enjoy your first-time sumo experience.
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Why You Should Watch Sumo in Tokyo?
Tokyo is the best place to experience professional sumo in Japan. Many of the country’s top wrestlers train and live here. When a tournament takes place, thousands of people from Japan and around the world come to watch the matches and enjoy this traditional sport.
Watching sumo is not just a match between two wrestlers. Before each match the wrestlers perform traditional rituals. These rituals have been followed for hundreds of years. They throw salt into the ring to purify it before every match begins. The competition between the players may last only a few seconds or minutes but it takes many years for the players to train.
If you are thinking about where to watch Sumo in Tokyo, there are many options depending on your travel dates and budget.
The Best Place to Watch Sumo is Ryogoku Kokugikan
The most famous place to watch professional sumo in Tokyo is Ryogoku Kokugikan which is also known as the National Sumo Stadium. This stadium is located in the Ryogoku district which is often called the heart of Japanese sumo. Almost everything in this area is related to sumo. You will find statues of famous sumo wrestlers, traditional restaurants, museums and shops selling traditional sumo items. It is a great place to experience Japan’s sumo culture even when there are no matches.
This is the main place to watch professional sumo in Tokyo. It has three official grand sumo tournaments every year in the months of January, May and September. You can watch sumo matches for 15 days during the tournament, with many matches held every day.
This venue can hold around 11,000 people and creates an exciting atmosphere from morning to evening. If you are thinking about where to watch sumo in Tokyo then this is the first place you should visit for the best experience.
Watch Official Grand Sumo Tournaments
The official sumo tournaments are called Honbasho and they are the biggest and most important sumo events that are held in Japan.
On tournament days, the matches start in the morning with less experienced wrestlers. The top players’ matches will usually be held between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM. These are the most exciting matches of the day, and many people arrive during lunchtime so they can see the complete event and watch the most famous wrestlers compete.
Watching an official sumo tournament is the best way to experience sumo. You can see the traditional rituals performed before each match, watch the top wrestlers compete, enjoy food from the nearby stalls and buy sumo gifts. The amazing atmosphere and the fans cheering for their favourite player make it a memorable experience. This is one of the best answers to Where to Watch Sumo in Tokyo if you are planning your trip during tournament days.
Watch Sumo Wrestlers During Morning Practice
If there is no sumo tournament happening during your trip, you can still enjoy watching sumo by visiting a training centre. This is the place where sumo wrestlers live, train and practice every day. The morning practice normally starts between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and visitors can quietly watch the wrestlers train, do their exercises and practice their techniques. It is the best option to see the hard work and dedication the wrestlers put into the sport.
Many sumo training centres are located in Ryogoku, Sumida and Koto. Some training centres allow visitors to watch, but you need to book in advance. If you are visiting Tokyo when there is no tournament, this is one of the best ways to experience the traditional sumo game.
Best Time to Watch Sumo in Tokyo
It has three official grand sumo tournaments held every year and they are:
January Tournament
The January tournament starts in the second week of January. It is the first official sumo tournament of the year and a great time to watch live sumo in Tokyo.
May Tournament
The May tournament is one of the most popular sumo tournaments. The pleasant weather in this season makes it a great time for people to visit Tokyo and enjoy a live sumo match. It is mostly considered the best time to visit.
September Tournament
The September tournament starts in autumn. During this tournament there is a huge crowd and the hall is completely packed.
So these are the times you should consider if you are planning where to watch Sumo in Tokyo.
How to Buy Sumo Tickets
It is a good idea to buy your tickets for a sumo match in advance because tickets for these popular matches sell out quickly. You can buy tickets from the official ticket website, travel agencies or some hotels, or at the ticket counter if tickets are still available. Book your tickets a few weeks before the tournament to get the best seats.
Types of Sumo Seats
There are different seating options available:
Box Seats
Box seats will give you a traditional Japanese experience. You will sit on soft floor seats instead of chairs so it is a great choice for families or a small group of friends.
Chair Seats
Chair seats are the most comfortable option. They are similar to regular stadium seats and are the most popular choice for many visitors. The ticket price depends on how close you want to sit to the ring.
Ringside Seats
Ringside seats are the closest to the sumo ring so you can watch the match very closely. Sometimes the players may fall out of the ring so these seats come with some safety rules but these are not recommended for young children.
The ticket price depends on the seating you choose. Mid-range seats still offer an amazing experience, while ringside seats are the ultimate way to watch the match up close. Matches held on weekends may cost a little more than those held on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it worth watching sumo in Tokyo?
Ans. Yes, watching professional sumo is one of the best cultural experiences in Japan.
Q. Can tourists attend sumo tournaments?
Ans. Yes, thousands of international visitors attend tournaments every year.
Q. How long should I stay?
Ans. Most visitors spend between three and five hours at the tournament, and you can also stay for a full day if you want to watch every match.
Q. Can I watch sumo if there is no tournament?
Ans. Yes, many visitors enjoy watching morning practice sessions at some sumo training centres with advance booking.
Q. What should I wear?
Ans. There is no dress code for sumo matches, but comfortable clothing is recommended.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Japan and thinking about where to watch Sumo in Tokyo, you can watch an official tournament or visit a sumo training centre to see the wrestlers practice. Both options are good for experiencing this traditional Japanese sport.
Sumo is not just a sport. It is an important part of Japan’s culture and history. From the traditional rituals they follow before every match, every moment is special. If you book your tickets early, you can enjoy one of the most memorable experiences in Tokyo.
Whether you are a sports fan or simply want to learn more about Japanese culture, watching sumo in Tokyo is an amazing experience you will always remember.
