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Discover sumo not only as a sport, but as a centuries-old way of life—and experience the food tradition that grew alongside it.
Led by a sumo expert, this small-group tour explores Ryogoku, the heart of Japan’s sumo world. Visit sumo-related landmarks and learn how sumo evolved over more than 1,600 years. See sumo stables from outside and discover how wrestlers train, eat, sleep, and live together under a strict hierarchy.
Then experience this unique stable culture through chanko-nabe. More than a meal for building wrestlers’ bodies, this hearty hot pot is traditionally prepared and shared within the stable. Cooking and eating together reflect its hierarchy, discipline, teamwork, and communal bonds.
Enjoy chanko-nabe at a renowned Ryogoku restaurant, connecting what you have learned about sumo with the everyday lives of its wrestlers.
*This tour does not include watching actual sumo bouts.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting place is Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Sta. (E12) A3 Exit on the ground. Please note that there are two Ryogoku Stations: Toei and JR. It should be Toei but NOT JR. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toei_%C5%8Cedo_Line
The tour will end at the chanko-nabe restaurant.
Itinerary
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1
Drop in for a short visit at the famous stable, and look at the sumo stable from outside where sumo wrestlers live and train.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Nominosukune Shrine
Visit this shinto shrine where the founder of sumo is enshrined. Learn from the guide how he instigated sumo 1500 years ago; how the sumo rules have been refined to take a form as of now over years; how a ring entering ceremony is held here when a new grand champion (Yokozuna) comes into being; that Japan Sumo Association visits it to pray for a successful tournament 3 times a year.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Ryogoku Kokugikan
View the sumo arena from outside, a mecca of sumo where the Grand sumo tournaments are held three times a year. Learn from your guide lots of interesting stories this sumo-dedicated arena has including its overall structure, drum tower, and banners.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Ryogoku Edo Noren
Feel the atmosphere of old Edo (as Tokyo was called before). See a full-scale sumo ring. Learn from the guide so many stories about sumo observing the ring up close.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Sumo Museum
Located at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo’s main sumo arena, the museum focuses on preserving and presenting the history and traditions of sumo. * The sumo museum is not open to visitors during the grand sumo tournaments and while its exhibits are changed. During that period, the guide will take you to alternative sumo-related landmarks.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Kasuganobeya
Kasugano Stable (Kasugano-beya) is one of the most historically significant sumo stables. A sumo stable is a communal home where wrestlers train, eat, and live together according to the customs and strict hierarchy of professional sumo. Even seeing this stable from outside helps understand that sumo is not simply a sport performed in an arena, but a way of life lived every day.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Ekoin Temple
See the venue of the sumo tournaments held during the edo (samurai) period. Learn the social status of wrestlers; how the tournaments were held and looked like during the pre-modern era.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
We will take you to one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in town. Enjoy this nutrient hot-pot dish which is in the centerpiece of sumo wrestlers’ diet to gain weight and muscles to build their bodies. Learn from your guide all about sumo while having the lunch.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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