Experience Japan's Sumo Culture in 2025: Top Tours, Tournaments, and Activities
For foreigners, Japanese culture is filled with uniqueness and distinctiveness. One of these is "Sumo," Japan's national sport. Many people likely think of "Sumo" as a symbol of Japanese culture.
The district known as Tokyo's Sumo town is Ryogoku in Sumida Ward. Ryogoku has not only the venue for Sumo tournaments but also many Sumo stables, allowing visitors to experience Sumo up close.
This time, we will introduce Sumo Tours & Activities 2025 that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Sumo in Japan, as well as tours where you can actually experience the strength of sumo wrestlers and the difficulty of Sumo.
Sumo is Japan's National Sport Established During the Edo Period (1603-1867)
Sumo is a traditional martial art known as Japan's national sport, established during the Edo period (1603-1867). In Sumo, two wrestlers called rikishi wear mawashi (loincloths) made of silk or canvas and fight one-on-one on a ring called a dohyo.
From here, we will explain the history of Sumo and about Sumo wrestlers.
History of Sumo
Sumo is a martial art with ancient history, said to have been practiced since the Heian period over 1,000 years ago. Eventually, during the samurai era, it began to be held as commercial entertainment and became popular among common people as mass entertainment.
Early Sumo was called Kanjin Sumo, where Sumo wrestlers traveled around the country holding tournaments. Later, during the Meiji era, Tenran Sumo was held where the Emperor watched Sumo, taking a form close to the current style.
Subsequently, in 1925, the Japan Sumo Association was established, and Sumo established its current tournament style.
Sumo Wrestlers Belong to Sumo Stables and Practice from Morning to Night Every Day
Sumo wrestlers belong to Sumo stables and live together with fellow Sumo wrestlers, practicing from morning to night every day. To become a Sumo wrestler, one must belong to some Sumo stable.
Sumo stables have professionals called Oyakata, who are former Sumo wrestlers, and they teach active Sumo wrestlers Sumo techniques and Sumo etiquette.
The food that Sumo wrestlers make and eat is called Chanko, and particularly the hot pot dish called Chanko Nabe is highly nutritious and essential for building Sumo wrestlers' bodies.
Tokyo's Sumo Pilgrimage Site is "Ryogoku"
Tokyo's Sumo pilgrimage site is the district called Ryogoku in Sumida Ward. Ryogoku has the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena where Sumo tournaments are held three times a year, and there are many Sumo stables in the surrounding area, making it beloved as a Sumo pilgrimage site.
Since there are many Sumo stables in Ryogoku, if you're lucky, you can see real Sumo wrestlers walking around. Also, at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Sumo Museum is a popular spot where you can view Sumo-related history and materials.
3 Sumo Tours & Activities 2025: Experience Japan's National Sport While Learning About Sumo's Deep History, Traditions, and Highlights
Here we introduce three tours where you can enjoy Japan's national sport while learning about Sumo's deep history and traditions. If you want to enjoy Sumo in Japan, definitely consider participating in these Sumo Tours & Activities 2025.
※Due to ticket sales rule changes, you may not be able to purchase from the following at this time.
[Sumo Tournament / 【S】Seat] Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Tour with Premium Ticket
The Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Tour with Premium Ticket is a tour where you can watch the Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the holy ground of Sumo. The seats are S-rank 2nd floor seats, so you can see the ring and Sumo Wrestlers up close.
In this tour, you'll explore Ryogoku's famous spots with a Japanese guide fluent in English, and learn about Sumo's cultural and historical background. Walk through Ryogoku's streets to visit Sumo-related sites and enjoy Sumo souvenir shops and traditional Wagashi confectionery stores.
Afterwards, you'll watch Sumo from premium seats and thoroughly enjoy the experience. This is not just about watching Sumo, but also learning about Sumo's history and having various conversations with the guide - it's an excellent tour that I highly recommend.
Meeting Point: JR Ryogoku Station
Tour Area: Ryogoku
Start Time: 13:30
[Tokyo Tournament] Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Tour with Light Snack & Cheering Goods (2nd Floor A-class Chair Seat)
Source:Sunrise JTB
This is a tour hosted by JTB, a major Japanese travel company, where you can watch the Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The seats are 2nd floor A-class seats, allowing you to enjoy watching Sumo Wrestlers engage in serious matches from a close distance.
The tour includes, in addition to the seat fees, Kokugikan's famous Yakitori and drinks, as well as cheering towels. Before watching the matches, there will be a lecture about Sumo by an English-speaking interpreter guide at the meeting point, Ryogoku View Hotel, so even first-time viewers can fully enjoy the experience.
The Grand Sumo Tournament is held six times a year, with Tokyo hosting only in January, May, and September. For those who visit during other times but still want to enjoy Sumo, consider participating in Sumo Stable tours.
Meeting Point: Ryogoku View Hotel
Tour Area: Ryogoku Kokugikan
Start Time: 12:30
Sumo Tournament Tour in Osaka with Chair Seat Tickets
Source:japan wonder travel.com
While Tokyo tournaments are held in January, May, and September, Osaka holds its tournament in March. The seats offer a close view of the ring, and during the viewing, professional guides will explain Sumo rules.
The tour fee includes tickets along with an English guide booklet containing Sumo rules and customs, as well as English pamphlets. While Sumo Tournament tickets are difficult to obtain, participating in this tour allows you to secure seats where you can enjoy powerful Sumo matches.
The Sumo Tournament venue is located in Namba, Osaka's entertainment district. Therefore, after watching Sumo, you can savor delicious cuisine while basking in the afterglow, which is another strength of this tour.
Meeting Point: In front of Namba Post Office
Tour Area: Osaka Namba
Start Time: 14:30~
Experience the Dynamic Energy of Sumo Wrestlers Up Close! 5 Sumo Stable Tours That Greatly Excited Even This Writer
In Tokyo, Sumo Stable Tours are also held where you can experience the dynamic energy of Sumo Wrestlers up close. I myself participated in these tours and was greatly excited to rediscover the charm of Sumo through these Sumo Tours & Activities 2025.
If you're interested in Sumo Stables, please use this as reference.
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku
In this tour, you can visit a Sumo Stable in Ryogoku with a local guide to observe Sumo practice. The tour allows you to step into the Sumo Stable and learn about Sumo, Japan's traditional culture, while watching actual Sumo Wrestlers engage in practice.
In the quiet environment, you'll surely be excited watching Sumo Wrestlers silently but intensely clash with each other. However, making noise during practice is against etiquette, so please quietly observe the practice during your visit.
After observation, you'll walk through Ryogoku's streets with the guide and visit spots related to Sumo's history. Since the guide provides detailed explanations about Sumo's history and culture, this tour is recommended for those who want to become knowledgeable about Sumo.
Meeting Point: Right outside JR Ryogoku Station East Exit, in front of Re.Ra.Ku
Tour Area: Ryogoku
Start Time: 8:00
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats
In this tour, you can visit a Sumo Stable in Tokyo's Kiyosumi Shirakawa and observe real Sumo Wrestler practice up close. During the tour, a guide knowledgeable about Sumo provides explanations in English, so you can fully enjoy the experience even without knowledge of Sumo.
The tour visits the Sumo Stable in the morning, where you can observe intense practice while sitting on chairs prepared right in front of the ring. Being able to watch Sumo Wrestlers' intense practice from close range, even those unfamiliar with Sumo will surely become captivated.
After observation, you can take commemorative photos with real Sumo Wrestlers. Since you can sit on chairs throughout the practice observation, this tour is recommended for those with weak legs or those who are uncomfortable sitting on cushions.
Meeting Point: Kiyosumi Shirakawa Subway Station
Tour Area: Kiyosumi Shirakawa
Start Time: 8:30
[Tokyo Skytree Town] Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage
Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage is a tour that allows you to visit a sumo stable located in the Oshiage district where Tokyo Sky Tree stands. The tour is accompanied by an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about sumo and will provide detailed explanations of sumo terminology.
Watching sumo wrestlers clash in an actual sumo stable offers many times more intensity than what you see on video. After practice ends, you can take commemorative photos with the sumo wrestlers who belong to the sumo stable.
Practice is conducted in a quiet atmosphere, so please observe proper etiquette such as not talking. The ring where practice takes place is considered a sacred space, so visitors wearing revealing clothing or overly casual attire cannot observe.
Meeting Point: Oshiage Station B3 Exit (Subway)
Tour Area: Around Oshiage, Sumida Ward
Start Time: 8:00
Visit Yokozuna Stable: Watch Sumo Morning Practice and Learn About Sumo
Source:japan wonder travel.com
This tour hosted by Japan Wonder Travel allows you to actually visit a sumo stable and observe the intense training of sumo wrestlers up close. The tour includes an accompanying guide, so even first-time sumo viewers can become immersed in sumo.
The sumo stable visited on this tour is a famous stable that has produced many strong sumo wrestlers over the years. If you're lucky, former sumo champions may visit the sumo stable, giving you opportunities for photo-taking and conversation.
When observing practice, you need to sit cross-legged on the ground, so this tour is not recommended for those who find the cross-legged position difficult. During practice, refrain from talking and observe quietly.
Meeting Point: Sumiyoshi Station B2 Exit (Toei Subway)
Tour Area: Sumiyoshi, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Start Time: 10:00
Tokyo: Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo
Source:Getyourguide
If you want to enjoy sumo more casually, join the "Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo" tour.
This tour takes you to a restaurant called Asakusa Sumo Club in Asakusa, where you can savor delicious chicken hot pot (torinabe) while watching sumo shows performed by former sumo wrestlers. Before the sumo performance, beautiful Japanese dance by geisha is also presented, which is a must-see.
While watching serious sumo matches, you can listen to English sumo commentary by a bilingual host, so even first-time sumo viewers can enjoy every detail. Please savor this ultimate experience of enjoying sumo while tasting exquisite Japanese cuisine.
Meeting Point: Asakusa
Tour Area: Asakusa
Start Time: 12:00/15:00/18:00
For Those Who Want to "Actually Experience Sumo!", Tours Where You Can Have Sumo Matches Are Recommended
If you come to Japan and want to actually experience sumo, try participating in the "Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary" tour where you can actually compete in sumo with real wrestlers. By participating in this tour, you can easily experience sumo.
On the tour, you'll visit a building that was used as an actual sumo stable until 2022 and learn about sumo stable life and sumo history. After that, you'll observe practice, and those who wish can actually step into the ring and experience sumo.
Sumo experience is possible not only for men but also for women and children. After the experience, you can taste delicious chanko nabe that sumo wrestlers eat. If you want to learn about the appeal of sumo, please join this tour.
Meeting Point: In front of JR Shin-Kawasaki Station
Tour Area: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Start Time: 9:30
