Experience Japan's National Sport at Ryogoku Kokugikan: Tokyo's Premier Sumo Hall and Cultural Hub
Japan, surrounded by seas on all sides, has nurtured a unique culture while being influenced by continental cultures through sea routes. Japan's national sport, sumo, is one such example.
Additionally, Japanese culture is characterized by its strong tendency to carefully preserve its traditional forms, even while being influenced by modernization and globalization. Sumo has also been performed in virtually the same format for hundreds of years.
This time, we'll provide detailed information about sumo and the venues where sumo is held. Furthermore, we'll introduce tours where you can fully immerse yourself in the charm of sumo in Japan, as well as tours where you can actually experience the power of Sumo Wrestlers and the difficulty of sumo, so please participate in whichever ones interest you.
Table of Contents
-Sumo: Japan's National Sport Established During the Edo Period (1603-1867)
-Ryougoku Kokugikan Operates Even When Events Aren't Being Held! 3 Must-See Attractions in the Area During Event Periods
-During Sumo Tournament Season, You Can Enjoy Powerful Sumo at Its Best
-Extremely Rare Experience! Thrilling Tours to Watch Sumo Wrestlers' Practice Up Close
Ryougoku Kokugikan: An Event Arena in Ryogoku Primarily Used for Sumo Matches
Sumo tournaments are held six times a year, but three of these tournaments held in January, May, and September take place at the magnificent Ryougoku Kokugikan. Each tournament spans two weeks, and Ryougoku Kokugikan shows tremendous excitement with nearly sold-out crowds almost every day.
Moreover, with excellent accessibility and the capacity to accommodate approximately 10,000 people, Ryougoku Kokugikan occasionally hosts martial arts matches and concerts other than sumo. For example, it has served as a venue for boxing and wrestling matches, as well as "Love Live!" concerts.
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Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Phone Number: 03-3623-5111 (Japan Sumo Association)
Official Website: https://kokugikan.sumo.or.jp/
Sumo: Japan's National Sport Established During the Edo Period (1603-1867)
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport known as Japan's national sport.
It's a type of martial art performed one-on-one within a circle called a "dohyo" with a diameter of 455cm. Victory is achieved by either pushing your opponent outside the dohyo or making any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground.
In sumo, massive bodies often exceeding 150kg collide with full force. The loud sound of bodies clashing can echo throughout the venue, allowing spectators to enjoy tremendous excitement.
Another characteristic of sumo is the brevity of each match. Most matches are decided in less than a minute, allowing you to enjoy the peak excitement from start to finish.
History of Sumo
Sumo has a long history, appearing even in "Kojiki," Japan's oldest written work believed to have been written in 712. Initially, sumo was a ritual to predict agricultural harvests, but from around the 12th-13th centuries when warriors became active, it began to be practiced as combat training.
After the Warring States period ended, people who made sumo their profession appeared, and sumo became beloved as entertainment for common people. During the Edo period, it's said that sumo was performed with rules and forms almost identical to today's.
Around 1909 (there are various theories), sumo began to be called Japan's national sport.
Ryougoku Kokugikan Operates Even When Events Aren't Being Held! 3 Must-See Attractions in the Area During Event Periods
"Sumo Museum" Where You Can Experience Sumo History and the Greatness of Wrestlers
Source:Japan Sumo Association
The Sumo Museum preserves and displays nishiki-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints) featuring sumo themes, kesho-mawashi (special costumes worn by high-ranking Sumo Wrestlers during their entrance), and other items.
The Sumo Museum has no permanent exhibitions, with display items being changed three times a year according to themes. Past exhibitions have focused on the competitive careers of popular Sumo Wrestlers and ring names (sumo wrestlers' professional names). Regardless of when you visit, you'll feel that sumo is one of Japan's traditional cultures beloved by many people.
Additionally, you can purchase charms, amulets, and fortune slips from Nomino Sukune Shrine, which has connections to sumo and will be introduced later.
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-Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Kokugikan 1st Floor)
-Operating Hours:
-Regular period: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Last admission 3:45 PM)
-Tokyo tournament period: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM Admission ticket required
-Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays (some opening days available), year-end and New Year holidays
-Phone Number: 03-3622-0366
-Official Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/KokugikanSumoMuseum/
※Temporary closures are very frequent, so please check the opening schedule on the official website in advance.
"Shop" Selling Sumo Goods Perfect for Souvenirs
At the Ryougoku Kokugikan shop, you can purchase various sumo-related goods. You can buy everything from cute goods for daily use like towels, masking tape, and dishes, to goods you can display permanently like figures, and even food items.
Additionally, collaboration goods with Hello Kitty, a popular Japanese character, are also sold. There are many items perfect for travel memories and souvenirs.
My top recommended souvenir is "Kakuriki (sumo) Chocolate," which features carved Sumo Wrestlers. This cute and slightly amusing chocolate is sure to delight friends and family back home.
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-Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, inside Ryougoku Kokugikan
-Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
-Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, temporary closures
-Phone Number: 03-3625-2111
-Official Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/Kokugikan/shop/
Two Shrines Inside the Venue
Within the grounds of Ryougoku Kokugikan, there are two Inari shrines: Toyokuni Inari Shrine and Shusse Inari Shrine. These two shrines standing side by side are identical in every detail, like twins from corner to corner.
These shrines were built to pray for the success and victory of sumo wrestlers, as well as the success of sumo tournament promotions. Many sumo wrestlers come to worship at these shrines for themselves and their industry. These shrines are places that have supported and watched over Japan's sumo culture.
Toyokuni Inari Shrine
Source:Tripadvisor
When you enter through the Inari Gate of Ryougoku Kokugikan, you'll see two shrines on your left. Of the two shrines standing side by side, the one on the left is Toyokuni Inari Shrine.
Actually, Ryougoku Kokugikan was not originally located in its current location, and has been relocated several times. This shrine, along with Shusse Inari Shrine which we'll introduce later, has moved together with each relocation.
While detailed stories about its founding do not remain and the detailed origins of Toyokuni Inari Shrine are unclear, there's no doubt that it has long been an important place for people involved in sumo culture and their fans.
Shusse Inari Shrine
Source:Google Maps
Shusse Inari Shrine is located immediately to the right of Toyokuni Shrine, which we introduced earlier. It's a type of shrine called an Inari shrine, where a deity that uses foxes as messengers is enshrined. Therefore, there are two fox statues sitting in front of the shrine building.
Also, the detailed origins of this shrine are not well understood. However, the word "shusse" in this shrine's name means "to attain a high social position or status." Therefore, some people come to worship at this shrine with this wish in mind.
For Those Interested in Shrines and Temples, "Nominosukune Shrine" Within Walking Distance is Also Recommended
Source:Wikipedia
Located 10-15 minutes on foot from Ryougoku Kokugikan is Nominosukune Shrine. As we mentioned that sumo appears in Japan's oldest written records, this shrine enshrines Nominosukune, who is said to have won victory in that battle. Nominosukune is now worshipped as the founder of sumo, a god of sumo, and a god of victory.
One of the highlights of Nominosukune Shrine is the memorial monument to past yokozuna. The names of past yokozuna (the highest rank among sumo wrestlers) are carved into stone monuments.
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-Address: 2-8-10 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
-Operating hours: All day
-Regular holidays: None
-Official website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/KokugikanSumoMuseum/nominosukune/
During Sumo Tournament Season, You Can Enjoy Powerful Sumo at Its Best
What gets most exciting at Ryougoku Kokugikan is definitely the sumo tournaments. The sumo industry has shown particularly great excitement in recent years, with tickets for all matches throughout 2024 being completely sold out.
Sumo is a very beautiful sport. From before the match to after the match, history can be felt in every movement, and every movement is refined. Additionally, this sport where fighters battle using only their trained bodies is full of power and intensity.
However, deep knowledge is essential to truly enjoy sumo. For example, the ways sumo matches are decided are finely categorized into patterns.
The strategic aspect of not letting opponents get into their preferred patterns while getting into your own preferred patterns is somewhat difficult for first-time viewers to understand, but that's also what makes it fascinating. It's most enjoyable to watch while listening to explanations from knowledgeable people.
For First-Time Visitors, Tours Where You Can Watch Sumo Tournaments While Listening to Explanations from Guides Who Know Sumo Inside and Out Are Recommended
The Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Tour with Premium Ticket is a 1.5-hour tour where you can become knowledgeable about sumo. In this tour, you'll stroll through Ryogoku, considered the holy land of sumo, while learning sumo rules and having guides teach you how sumo developed in the Ryogoku district.
The biggest attraction of this tour is that premium tickets to sumo matches are included as a set. Since this tour ends at Ryougoku Kokugikan, you can watch matches up close immediately after learning about sumo in the tour.
I participated in this tour knowing absolutely nothing about sumo, but because I gained knowledge about sumo's history, rules, highlights, and the rigorous training of sumo wrestlers during the tour, I was able to enjoy the matches 120%.
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-Meeting point: In front of Seven-Eleven Convenience Store next to Ryogoku Edo NOREN, located right outside West Exit of JR Ryogoku Station
-Tour area: Ryogoku
-Start time: 13:30
※Currently Unavailable
Extremely Rare Experience! Thrilling Tours to Watch Sumo Wrestlers' Practice Up Close
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku
The Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku is a 2.5-hour tour where you can observe sumo wrestlers' practice sessions and visit famous sumo-related sites. Sumo wrestlers, who fight using only their physical strength, undergo rigorous daily training, and this tour allows you to witness their morning practice sessions.
The appeal of this tour lies in being able to actually feel the intense atmosphere during practice and experience the overwhelming power from the uniquely close distance that only a sumo stable can offer. Additionally, visiting sumo landmarks after experiencing sumo up close will provide you with much deeper emotions than if you had visited them without this background knowledge.
If you're lucky, you might be able to take photos with the sumo wrestlers. I was able to stand beside them for photos, and I particularly felt their impressive physique and aura. The proximity to the legendary Ryougoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's premier sumo venue, adds an extra layer of authenticity to this incredible experience.
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-Meeting point: In front of Re.Ra.Ku, located right outside East Exit of JR Ryogoku Station
-Tour area: Ryogoku
-Start time: 8:00
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary is a 4-hour tour where you can experience part of the sumo wrestlers' lifestyle. You can experience practice sessions at a real sumo stable and eat meatballs from "chanko nabe," the standard meal of sumo wrestlers. Furthermore, those who wish can participate in a special match with professional sumo wrestlers.
This tour is recommended for those who want to experience the strength of sumo wrestlers and discover the secrets behind their power. The instruction is gentle and fun, so women and children can also enjoy participating. This authentic experience brings you closer to the spirit that fills the Ryougoku Kokugikan during official tournaments.
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-Meeting point: Shin Kawasaki Station
-Tour area: Kawasaki
-Start time: 9:30
[Tokyo Skytree Town] Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage
Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage is a 2-hour tour where you can learn about sumo from a guide and observe actual sumo wrestlers' morning practice sessions.
The appeal of this tour is that you can become thoroughly knowledgeable about sumo. The guide teaches you various things through quizzes, including not only sumo rules and traditions but also winning techniques and the dietary lifestyle that sumo wrestlers maintain to keep their physique.
You can also observe the morning practice sessions up close, which can be considered part of the secret to sumo wrestlers' strength. You can feel the vibrations caused by their massive bodies moving and even hear the breathing of the sumo wrestlers. The knowledge gained here enhances your appreciation when visiting the magnificent Ryougoku Kokugikan for official matches.
This tour is recommended for those who want to become knowledgeable about sumo or those who want to witness the powerful morning practice sessions.
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-Meeting point: In front of Oshiage Taxi stop on the ground in front of Exit B3 in Oshiage station
-Tour area: Oshiage
-Start time: 8:00