If you are planning a trip to Japan then watching a live sumo match should be definitely 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 place 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 there are several official tournaments that will be conducted every year and also it gives opportunities for people 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 visit the game and useful tips that help you to enjoy your first time sumo experience.
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 is going to happen then thousands of people from Japan and all 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 some traditional methods. These methods 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 happen only for a few seconds or minutes but it takes so many years for the players to train.
If you are thinking about where to watch Sumo in Tokyo there are so many choices to watch depending on the dates you travel and your 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 mostly 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 sumo’s traditional items. It is a great place to experience Japan’s sumo culture even when there are no matches happening.
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 and many sumo matches will be conducted every day.
This place can have around 11,000 people and this 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 the tournament days the matches start in the morning with less experienced wrestlers. The top players match will usually be held between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM. The matches are the most exciting matches that many people visit during lunchtime so that they can see the complete event and also they can watch the most famous wrestlers competition.
Watching an official sumo tournament is the best way to experience sumo. You can see the traditional methods that have been followed before each match, to watch the top wrestlers competition, 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 but 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 training, the exercises they do and practice their techniques. It is the best option to see the hard work and dedication that the players are doing for the game.
Many sumo training centres are located in Ryogoku, Sumida and Koto. Some training centers will give permission for visitors to watch but you need to book in advance. If you are visiting Tokyo when there is no tournament then 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 that are held every year and they are:
January Tournament
The January tournament will start 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. Mostly it is considered the best time to visit.
September Tournament
The September tournament will start in the autumn. During this tournament there will be so much crowd and the hall will be completely busy.
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 game in advance because the tickets for these popular matches will sell out more quickly. You can buy tickets from the official ticket website, travel agencies, some hotels or at the ticket counter if tickets are still available but book your tickets a few weeks before the tournament so that you can get the best seats.
Types of Sumo Seats
In this they have different seating options they are:
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 it is 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 will have some safety rules but these are not recommended for young children.
The ticket price depends on the seating you choose. The middle range seats can have an amazing experience and the ring side seats are ultimately the best experience to watch sumo players match very closely. Matches that were conducted on weekends may cost a little more than the matches held on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth watching sumo in Tokyo?
Yes, watching professional sumo is one of the most beautiful cultural experiences in Japan.
- Can tourists attend sumo tournaments?
Yes, thousands of international visitors attend tournaments every year.
- How long should I stay?
Most of the 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.
- Can I watch sumo if there is no tournament?
Yes, many visitors enjoy watching morning practice sessions at some sumo training centres with advance booking.
- What should I wear?
There is no dress code to see sumo matches but you can wear comfortable and formal clothing.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Japan thinking about where to watch sumo in Tokyo. You can watch an official tournament or you can go to a sumo training center to see the players 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 methods they follow before every match every moment is special. If you book your tickets early to see the match so that 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 then watching sumo in Tokyo is an amazing experience you will always remember.