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Offered languages
- English
Experience the thrill of Japan’s national sport at Ryogoku Kokugikan with an exclusive one‑day viewing of grand sumo matches and a rare retirement ceremony. Witness powerful bouts from the Juryo to Makuuchi divisions, enjoy a traditional sumo folk song performance, and observe the emotional hair‑cutting ritual that marks a wrestler’s new beginning. A National Government Licensed English Guide shares insider knowledge, enriching your understanding of sumo culture. Choose between S‑class seats for a closer, more immersive view or B‑class seats offering excellent value without missing any action. All participants receive The Sumo booklet and can explore unique arena‑only souvenirs and local chanko hot pot spots after the event.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign at JR Ryogoku Station West Exit Ticket Gate. The meeting point is NOT Ryogoku Kokugikan. Once everyone is present, a lecture about sumo will be given.
The tour ends at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Please head to your next destination on your own. The Ryogoku Station area features chanko hot pot restaurants run by former sumo wrestlers and other attractions.
Ticket Redemption Point
RYŌGOKU STATION
Itinerary
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1Ryogoku Kokugikan
Enjoy watching a grand sumo exhibition and retirement ceremony from 2nd floor main side S- or B-class seating. In addition to sumo matches from Juryo to Makuuchi divisions, a sumo folk song performance and hair-cutting ceremony will also be held, allowing the audience to fully experience the culture of sumo. All tour participants will receive "The Sumo," a booklet about sumo (in English) as a gift (1 per person). [Program] 11:30 Juryo Division Wrestlers' Sumo Matches 12:45 Sumo Folk Song 13:00 Hair-cutting Ceremony (where the topknot, a symbol of sumo wrestlers, is cut) 14:30 Makuuchi/Yokozuna Ring Entering Procession 14:45 Makuuchi Division Wrestlers' Sumo Matches 16:00 Bow-twirling Ceremony [Things to Do] There are shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of the arena. A range of sumo merchandise different from the usual such as stable master-supervised gourmet food and commemorative goods exclusive to the retirement ceremony are available.
4 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is not a Grand Sumo Tournament viewing tour. It is a tour to observe a sumo wrestler’s retirement ceremony. In addition to the hair-cutting ritual and sumo bouts, several other programs are scheduled
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is not a Grand Sumo Tournament viewing tour. It is a tour to observe a sumo wrestler’s retirement ceremony. In addition to the hair-cutting ritual and sumo bouts, several other programs are scheduled
- There are shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of the arena. A range of sumo merchandise different from the usual such as stable master-supervised gourmet food and commemorative goods exclusive to the retirement ceremony are available. Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited
- The number of customers for 1 group booking for this tour is 1-19. If booking for a group of 20 or more customers, please note that the group will be divided
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance
- Spectator Etiquette: Please refrain from moving around the venue while a sumo match, ring entering procession of Makuuchi/Yokozuna division wrestlers, or another program event is underway. Also, the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will not be able to provide explanations or other guidance during these events
- Children up to 3 years of age may also join, but must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian while watching. If the child requires a seat, please make a booking at the adult rate
- Stroller storage areas are available on the 1st and 2nd floors. However, please note that we take no responsibility in case of theft, etc. in the arena. Strollers cannot be brought inside the arena area (spectator seating area)
- Meals are not included
- Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited. Please purchase food and refreshments from the vendors inside the arena
- To vegetarian customers: Please be aware that vegetarian meals are not available at Kokugikan. Having a meal prior to participating in the tour is recommended
- Customers will watch from 2nd floor main side S- or B-class seats (chair seating). Specific seat numbers may not be requested. This information will be provided on the day of the tour
- Groups may be seated separately in Kokugikan
- For those participating in a wheelchair, please indicate so in the remarks entry field when booking
- As Ryogoku Kokugikan's wheelchair storage area is on the 1st floor, please go to the 2nd floor spectator seating area on your own or with the help of an accompanying group member. When heading to the spectator seats, there are stairs and escalators going up and down. Assistance will not be provided by the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
- Suitcases and other large pieces of luggage cannot be brought into the spectator seating area. Please make sure to store luggage at another location on your own in advance (coin lockers, etc.) or at your accommodation
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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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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