【Outline of Sumo】

Sumo is a Japanese traditional sport dating back some 1500 years. You can get basic information about Sumo is in the booklet provided by Nihon Sumo Kyokai; such as Origin of Sumo, Rules, Banzuke or Sumo rankings, Sumo Ceremonies, The Gyoji and the Judges, The Shikiri or the preparation before the fight.

Grand Sumo Tournaments are held 6 times a year, January, May and September in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya and November in Kyushu. Tokyo’s Tournaments are held in Ryogoku Kokugikan, which has a permanent tower for the drum roll signifying the start of a sumo tournament. When the tournament is held, colorful flags of each Sumo wrestlers are also fun to see. Next to the Kokugikan, there’s the Sumo Museum where you can learn a bit more about Sumo.

【Ticket for the Grand Sumo Tournament and alternatives】

Tease years, Sumo becomes more and more popular. It would be hard to get the ticket if you miss the advanced ticket reservation. Don’t miss the ticket starting date for each tournament.

In case that you can’t get the ticket, an alternative way to watch Sumo fighting is to visit Sumo stable. There are 44 sumo stables as of September 2024. Some of the stables allow you to observe the Sumo practice.

Or, if you just want to enjoy Sumo atmosphere, visit Ryogoku, the Sumo town. You can find how big and tall Sumo Wrestlers (Rikishi in Japanese) are, some hand-prints of Yokozuna (the highest rank of Rikishi) and the same size of real Dohyo (sumo wrestling ring) in JR Ryogoku station. Outside of the station, you can also find some statue of Rikishi.