Experience Authentic Sumo Stable Tours in Tokyo: Exclusive 2025 Activities and Insights
Japanese culture is known for its uniqueness and distinctiveness. This is said to be due to the unique way of thinking in Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, and because as an island nation, Japan has received fewer influences from other cultures, allowing it to cultivate its own unique culture.
One of these distinctive cultural elements is Sumo, Japan's national sport. Sumo is a sport where two wrestlers stand in a ring called a "dohyo," and victory is determined by pushing the opponent out of the ring or throwing them to the floor.
Sumo is not merely a sport but also has aspects of being a Shinto ritual dedicated to the gods. In this article, we'll introduce tours where you can learn about the history and culture of Sumo and fully immerse yourself in its appeal. For tourists interested in Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025, there are valuable opportunities to observe training sessions and even participate in actual practice, experiencing the power of Sumo Wrestlers and the difficulty of sumo firsthand. If you're interested in Sumo, please use this article as a reference and join one of these tours.
What is Sumo: Japan's National Sport Established in the Edo Period (1603-1867)
Among the many sports, Sumo is designated as Japan's national sport.
Sumo took its current form during the Edo period, which spanned from the 17th to 19th centuries. The attire and manners of Sumo Wrestlers, called "rikishi," incorporate various aspects of traditional Japanese culture.
The professional Sumo tournaments known as "Grand Sumo" are held six times a year in Japan, with each tournament lasting 15 days. The rankings of the wrestlers are determined by their performance, and the strongest Sumo Wrestler is called "Yokozuna."
History of Sumo
The history of Sumo is ancient, having been practiced among the Japanese people since ancient times. Back then, it was not only practiced as a sport but is believed to have been performed for religious purposes such as praying for a bountiful rice harvest or divining the future.
During the medieval era when samurai flourished, they practiced Sumo to train their bodies. The nobles and emperors of Kyoto also watched Sumo for entertainment and as part of annual events based on Shinto traditions.
In the 17th century, Sumo began to be held as major entertainment events to collect money. Various competition rules and the Sumo Stable system were established, and as mentioned earlier, the form established at this time continues to be the basis of Sumo today.
What is a "Sumo Stable" Where Sumo Wrestlers Belong?
Sumo has a system called Sumo Stables. Sumo Wrestlers belong to these stables where they live together with a coach called "oyakata" and other wrestlers referred to as "brother disciples."
They not only practice together but also eat, sleep, and live as a family. This tradition of Sumo, which has continued since the 17th century, aims to deepen the bond between coaches and athletes to become excellent Sumo Wrestlers.
A popular dish eaten in Sumo Stables is a hot pot called "chanko nabe." Since many wrestlers live in Sumo Stables, hot pot dishes that are easy to prepare and nutritionally rich are commonly eaten. The standard version contains plenty of chicken, seafood, and vegetables, with each stable having its own traditional flavor.
Today, "chanko nabe" is so popular in Japan that there are restaurants specializing in this dish.
Sumo Stable Tours Where You Can Observe Training Up Close! 5 Recommended Sumo Stable Tours That Excited This Writer
While sumo wrestlers' training is sacred and normally closed to the public, through these special tours, you can observe their practice sessions up close!
Tours in Ryogoku
Ryogoku is home to the Ryogoku Kokugikan hall where the official sumo tournaments called "honbasho" are held. The area is the sacred ground of sumo with many famous Sumo Stables nearby where active sumo wrestlers live. Here are tours that allow you to witness real Sumo Stable training in Ryogoku, the heart of sumo culture.
Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Tokyo: Watch Real Sumo Wrestlers Train
Source:japan wonder travel.com
Meet your guide at 7:30 AM at Ryogoku Station, located in the sacred sumo district of Ryogoku. You'll head to a Sumo Stable where active sumo wrestlers train and observe their rigorous morning practice up close. After the training session, you'll even have a chance to take photos with the sumo wrestlers!
The highlight of this tour is being able to see sumo wrestlers much closer than during an official match. When attending tournaments, the ring is quite distant from the spectator seats. Apart from Sumo Stable tours like this, there are few opportunities to see sumo wrestlers from such proximity.
This was my first time seeing them this close, and I was amazed by the massive size of the sumo wrestlers and the intensity of their matches. The experience was so powerful that I could hear their breathing and sense their sweat, feeling the serious passion that filled the room.
This is a precious opportunity to witness sacred training sessions. If you want to experience authentic Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 has to offer and see real sumo up close, this tour is highly recommended.
- Meeting point: JR Ryogoku Station West Exit, 1-3 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo
- Tour area: Ryogoku
- Start time: 7:30
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku
First, meet your guide at Ryogoku Station. While walking to the Sumo Stable, your guide will explain sumo rules and the lifestyle of sumo wrestlers. After observing the valuable morning practice session up close, you'll explore sumo-related spots around Ryogoku.
The highlight of this tour is not only the rare opportunity to observe practice but also the chance to explore Ryogoku and deepen your understanding of sumo. Ryogoku is called the sacred ground of sumo because of its history and the presence of the Ryogoku Kokugikan hall.
The tour takes you to sumo-related spots such as the Sumo Museum in the Kokugikan hall, with the guide sharing interesting history and episodes about sumo along the way. After seeing the practice up close, I found the historical and cultural explanations even more fascinating and relatable, making it an enjoyable experience.
This tour is recommended for those who want to observe sumo practice and explore Ryogoku, the town where sumo flourished. Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 offers visitors this unique cultural immersion experience.
- Meeting point: Re.Ra.Ku Ryogoku Station Store, 1-3-5 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo, JR Ryogoku Station East Exit Underpass
- Tour area: Ryogoku
- Start time: 7:30
Around Skytree
Tokyo Skytree, the new landmark tower in Tokyo, is located in Sumida Ward. It's in an area very close to Ryogoku where the culture of the Edo period from the 17th to 19th centuries remains strong. Here are two sumo tours in Sumida Ward that allow you to visit Skytree after the tour.
[Tokyo Skytree Town] Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage
![[Tokyo Skytree Town] Watch Sumo Wrestler's Morning Practice in Oshiage](https://res-3.cloudinary.com/dbm1qiew0/image/upload/q_auto/v1/blog-images/--Tokyo-Skytree-Town--Watch-Sumo-Wrestler-s-Morning-Practice-in-Oshiage.png)
Oshiage is the neighborhood where Tokyo's landmark tower, Skytree, is located. This area is close to Ryogoku, and in this historically rich district, you can find Sumo Stables with a sacred atmosphere. On this tour, after meeting your guide at Oshiage Station, you will visit the morning practice at a historic Sumo Stable.
What I personally appreciated was receiving a special explanation sheet that helps you understand sumo better. Since talking is prohibited while visiting the sacred Sumo Stable, the guide provides explanations before entering the stable. If you want to know about rules and etiquette during practice, check the sheet distributed to everyone.
Being able to immediately confirm any questions that arise during the visit is very convenient, and I was able to enjoy my visit without getting bored.
Near Oshiage Station is Skytree, and the beautiful Sumida River also flows through Tokyo. If you want to observe sumo in a traditional downtown Tokyo area, be sure to join this tour in Sumida Ward as part of your Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 itinerary.
- Meeting point: Taxi stand in front of Oshiage Station, 1-1 Oshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (inside the station rotary)
- Tour area: Oshiage
- Start time: 8:00
Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Tokyo, Sumida City
Source:japan wonder travel.com
This tour also allows you to observe morning practice at a Sumo Stable in Sumida Ward, where Skytree is located. Meet your guide at 7:30 AM at Oshiage Station near Skytree, and walk about 15 minutes to the Sumo Stable. Depending on the practice schedule, you will observe the entire morning practice for about 2 hours.
What impressed me about this tour was the friendly atmosphere. While the practice itself was very serious, afterward the Sumo Wrestlers were friendly and posed for photos. Also, there were moments when the coach, called "Oyakata," answered participants' questions.
Additionally, I recommend visiting Skytree after the tour. The tour starts at 7:30 AM and ends near Skytree. By participating in this tour, you can wake up early, spend a meaningful morning, and make effective use of your day as you explore more Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 has to offer.
- Meeting point: Tokyo Metro Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station, Toei Asakusa Line Oshiage Station, Exit A1 (ground floor), 1-8-21 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Oshiage
- Start time: 7:30
Other Areas
Besides Ryogoku and Sumida Ward, there are areas with Sumo Stables throughout Tokyo and its vicinity. We will introduce various tours, including visits to stables with particularly strong Sumo Wrestlers and entertaining tours that feel like shows, as part of the upcoming Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 season.
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats (Kiyosumi-Shirakawa)
For this tour, you meet at Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station, in the area right next to Ryogoku. First, the guide explains the history of sumo and etiquette in the sumo stable. Then, you head to the Sumo Stable to quietly observe the sacred practice.
What I appreciated about this tour was being able to sit in chairs while observing practice at the sumo stable. Normally, Sumo Stables are small and not designed for visitors, so you need to stand or sit on the floor.
However, on this tour, there are chairs right next to the ring, allowing you to sit comfortably throughout the practice. Also, depending on the progress of the practice, there may be a photo opportunity with the wrestlers at the end of the tour.
This tour is recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength or who want to observe sumo as comfortably as possible. It's one of the most accessible options in the Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 lineup.
- Meeting point: Tokyo Metro Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station, Toei Asakusa Line Oshiage Station, Exit A1 (ground floor), 1-8-21 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Oshiage
- Start time: 7:30
Visit Yokozuna Stable: Watch Sumo Morning Practice and Learn About Sumo (Sumiyoshi)
Source:japan wonder travel.com
In this tour, you'll meet your guide at Sumiyoshi station in Koto Ward. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the Sumo Stable where you can observe the morning practice. You'll get to see the wrestlers' serious training and even watch them pray after practice.
The highlight of this tour is visiting a vibrant sumo stable that houses some of the strongest wrestlers. Sumo Wrestlers' ranks are determined by their performance in tournaments held six times a year. The Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 focus on visiting stables with high-ranking wrestlers, ensuring that the practice sessions are filled with serious energy.
While the practice is intense, it's impressive how friendly the Sumo Wrestlers are afterward. Depending on the practice schedule, young Sumo Wrestlers might serve chanko nabe (hot pot).
Observation takes place sitting cross-legged on the floor in a corner of the stable. Since you'll need to maintain this position throughout the viewing, please consider this when participating.
- Meeting point: Sumiyoshi Station B2 exit (ground floor), 2-23 Sumiyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Sumiyoshi
- Start time: 10:00
Tokyo: Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo (Asakusa)
Source:Getyourguide
This tour takes place at a Sumo Stable in Asakusa, a tourist spot where Sensoji Temple is located. After watching performances by former Sumo Wrestlers and sumo matches, interested participants can try sumo themselves.
This plan offers more tourist-oriented entertainment than other tours. Before the sumo matches begin, enjoy dances performed by geisha wearing beautiful kimonos. You can then watch entertaining matches between Sumo Wrestlers similar to a show, enjoying the excitement of the bouts.
The atmosphere is lively and fun when eating "chanko nabe," a chicken hot pot, after the matches. There's also ample time for photos with the Sumo Wrestlers. The commemorative photos can be made into merchandise and taken home with a gift bag.
If you're interested in sumo and want to have an entertaining time watching performances, be sure to join this tour in Asakusa as part of your Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 experience.
- Meeting point: Varies depending on booking options
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start times: 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM / 8:30 PM
Recommended Tour for Those Who Want to Not Only Observe at a Sumo Stable but Also Face Off Against Sumo Wrestlers
In this tour, you'll visit a Sumo Stable in Kawasaki, a town near Tokyo, which was used until 2022. While heading there, your guide will explain the history of sumo and the daily lives of Sumo Wrestlers. Afterward, you'll observe morning practice, and those interested can participate in training. After practice, enjoy chanko nabe with the Sumo Wrestlers.
This tour is especially recommended for those who want to experience sumo, not just observe it. Those interested can participate in the same training as real wrestlers. Furthermore, the Sumo Wrestlers will perform matches right in front of you after training. If desired, you can even compete against the wrestlers according to official rules.
Experiencing firsthand how powerful real wrestlers are will be a fascinating experience. Women and children can also participate with peace of mind. If you want to experience sumo yourself rather than just watching, be sure to join this tour as part of the Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 program.
- Meeting point: Shin-Kawasaki Station, 1-2 Kashimada, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa
- Tour area: Shin-Kawasaki
- Start time: 9:30
For Those Who Want to See an Actual Sumo Tournament, It's Recommended to Watch with Commentary from a Guide Who Knows Sumo Inside Out!
This tour is recommended for those who want to watch an actual tournament, "Honbasho," rather than practice. In Tokyo, Honbasho is usually held for 15 days in January, May, and September at Ryogoku Kokugikan hall.
After meeting your guide, you'll first explore the Ryogoku area. Visit sumo-related places and listen to interesting guides about sumo history, competition rules, and etiquette. At 3:00 PM, you'll enter Ryogoku Kokugikan hall and watch the powerful Grand Sumo from S-rank seats on the second floor.
By booking this tour, you'll secure valuable viewing tickets and enjoy sumo for three hours. Matches start at 3:00 PM, with stronger Sumo Wrestlers competing later in the day.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of sumo viewing seats, where you can relax while eating food and get excited by joining in the cheering.
This tour is highly recommended for those with a strong interest in sumo whose travel schedule coincides with the tournament period. Make watching a real sumo match a memorable part of your trip to Japan through the Sumo Stable Tours & Activities 2025 program.
- Meeting point: In front of Seven-Eleven next to JR Ryogoku Station West Exit Edo NOREN, 1-3-20 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Ryogoku
- Start time: Currently undetermined
