What sets this tour apart is its focus on the origins, history, and culture of sumo, combined with real-time commentary during the matches. This small-group tour (maximum 10 participants) is led by a sumo expert guide and has two parts:
1. Ryogoku Walking Tour
Explore Ryogoku, the heart of sumo culture, and visit historical sumo landmarks. You will also see sumo stables from outside, where wrestlers live and train. The guide provides insights into sumo traditions, history, and customs, helping you gain a deeper understanding before entering the arena.
2. Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing
Watch live tournament matches with real-time commentary from your guide, enhancing your appreciation of the action and rituals taking place in the ring.
For those interested only in the tournament experience, a viewing-only option is also available.
You may also choose to add a chanko dinner, a nutritious hot-pot dish traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers to build strength and maintain their physique.
13:00 - 15:00 This part (optional) is to deepen knowledge about sumo history and culture to enhance joy of watching sumo later in the arena. Toward that end, you will visit historical sumo landmarks and sumo stables. Major must-see landmarks the guide will take you to are: 1) Hakkaku-beya Sumo Stable (15min) 2) Nomi no Sukune Shrine (15min) 3) Ryogoku Kokugikan (30min) 4) Ryōgoku Edo NOREN (30min) 5) Ekō-in (15min) 6) Kasugano-beya Sumo Stable (15min)
15:00 - 18:00 Viewing bouts at the arena 1.The guide will walk you through inside the arena to see 1) Murals (10m) 2) Championship prizes (10m) 3) Sumo museum (15min) 4) Paintings / photos of successive Yokozunas (15min) 2.You will receive (see the photo section): - A special pamphlet showing photos and profiles of wrestlers with English translation. The guide will walk you through it as you watch fights so that you can watch them with background information. - A cheer-up towel for a particular wrestler. The guide will teach you how to use it when the wrestler is going to fight. Join the enthusiam of the arena by cheering-up the wrestler.
18:00 - Chanko-nabe dinner (Optional) The guide will take you to one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants near the arena. Enjoy the nutrient hot-pot dish eaten by sumo wrestlers to build their bodies and muscles. ; drinks are not included.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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