How to Get Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets in 2025: A Complete Guide for Foreign Tourists

Sumo, a symbol of traditional Japanese culture, has been rapidly gaining popularity among foreign tourists in recent years. Tickets, especially for the Tokyo tournament, are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Watching sumo is a valuable opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese culture all at once - from the powerful bouts of the wrestlers to the unique atmosphere of the venue, the chanko cuisine, and even the sumo jinku (folk songs).

However, the process of purchasing tickets and choosing seats can be surprisingly complex, and the language barrier often confuses foreign tourists. In fact, tickets for popular weekend days and the latter half of the tournament often sell out as soon as they go on sale.

In this article, I'll explain in detail the types of Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025 and how to purchase them for foreign tourists planning to watch sumo in 2025.

For those who find it difficult to watch the main tournament, I also recommend MagicalTrip's "Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku". These tours allow you to observe the wrestlers' rigorous training up close, experience sumo yourself, and some even include enjoying chanko hot pot with active wrestlers. Participating in such tours is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of sumo culture.

Now, let me introduce you to the information you need to enjoy watching sumo in 2025!

Table of Contents
・Overview of Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025
・Types and Prices of Tickets
・How to Purchase Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets
・Recommended Tours to Deeply Understand Sumo Culture in Tokyo
・Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025

Sumo is a traditional sport that has long been enjoyed as Japan's national sport. I'll explain the basic information about its appeal and how to watch it.

Six full-scale tournaments, called "basho," are held throughout the year. Three are held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo (January, May, September), one in Osaka (March), one in Aichi Prefecture (July), and one in Fukuoka (November). Each tournament lasts for 15 days, with exciting bouts taking place every day from the first day to the final day (senshuraku).

Tickets usually go on sale about a month before the event. It's particularly noteworthy that tickets for Saturdays, Sundays, and the latter half of the tournament (from the 13th day onwards) are extremely popular and often sell out immediately after going on sale. In recent years, interest from foreign tourists has been increasing, and the competition for reservations, especially for the Tokyo tournament, has been rising year by year.

Types and Prices of Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025

There are various types of seats for watching sumo, each with its own characteristics. You can choose the best seat according to your budget and viewing style.

Box seats (masu-seki) are Japanese-style seats for four people and are the most popular type of seat. This traditional style of viewing, sitting on cushions placed on tatami mats, allows you to fully experience the authentic sumo atmosphere. They range from S seats to C seats, priced from 60,000 yen to 38,000 yen on weekends and holidays, and from 56,000 yen to 34,000 yen on weekdays. Sometimes, special box seats for two people are also available. The price per person is calculated by dividing the total price by four.

Chair seats are typical Western-style seats that allow for comfortable viewing even during long sessions. They range from SS seats to C seats, with prices ranging from 11,000 yen for SS seats (all days) to 3,500 yen for C seats (weekdays). These can be purchased as single-person tickets and allow you to enjoy the sumo atmosphere comfortably. However, please note that visibility may vary depending on the seat location.

Tamari seats are the special seats closest to the ring, offering an immersive experience where you can even hear the wrestlers' breathing. They cost 20,000 yen for all days and have an age restriction of 16 years and older for safety reasons.

Wheelchair seats are also available as a barrier-free option, allowing people with disabilities to watch comfortably.

How to Purchase Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025

There are multiple ways to purchase tickets, but I especially recommend secure and safe methods for foreign tourists. I'll explain in detail the features and precautions for each purchase method.

The most reliable method is to purchase from the official website of the Japan Sumo Association. It's available in English, allowing for secure reservations from overseas. The specific purchase procedure is as follows: First, access the official site and select your desired location and date. Then, specify the seat type and number of tickets, enter your credit card information, and complete the payment. Once the reservation is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email, which you should keep safe.

Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/

If you're in Japan, you can also purchase tickets at Seven-Eleven convenience stores. Major ticket sites like Ticket Pia also handle sumo tickets.

For overseas visitors, there's also the option of pre-booking through a travel agency. If it's a reliable travel company, they may offer packages that include not only ticket arrangements but also support on the day of viewing.

Same-day tickets are also sold, but the competition is very high, and you need to queue for a long time, so I don't recommend this for tourists visiting Japan. If you want to watch for sure, I strongly advise pre-purchasing.

Recommended Tours to Deeply Understand Sumo Culture in Tokyo

In addition to watching the main sumo tournament, I'll introduce various tours that allow you to understand and experience sumo culture more deeply. These tours provide valuable opportunities to learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects and traditions of the sumo world that you can't experience just by watching the main tournament.

Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku

This is a 2.5-hour tour offered by us at MagicalTrip. You'll meet at Ryogoku Station, observe morning practice, and then take a walk around sumo-related spots in the Ryogoku area. Priced at an affordable $97.70, it's a popular tour that has already attracted over 4,000 participants.

The tour is for those aged 12 and above, and viewing at the sumo stable is typically done sitting on cushions. There may be chances for commemorative photos with the wrestlers, but this depends on the sumo stable's decision. A guidebook is provided, and since talking is prohibited during practice, it's designed for you to learn about sumo basics and history in advance.

Please note that the tour is shared with other tour companies, so seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're late, you might end up in the 2nd or 3rd row from the front, but cancellations are fully refundable up to 72 hours in advance.

For more details: Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku

Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary

This is a valuable tour where you can experience authentic training with active wrestlers in a sumo stable that was actually used until 2022. You can learn basic sumo movements and even compete with a wrestler at the end.

Our bilingual Japanese-English guides from MagicalTrip will explain in detail about sumo history, traditions, and the lifestyle of wrestlers. You can also visit the dining room and bathhouse of the sumo stable, and the proximity to the wrestlers is a unique feature.

Participants can make chicken meatballs for chanko hot pot with the wrestlers, and then enjoy the meal at the same table as the wrestlers. Women and children can also participate, and you can experience sumo training and compete with wrestlers.

An original T-shirt (available in sizes from 100cm to 3L) is included as a souvenir. With convenient access - 20 minutes from Tokyo Station and 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station - you can experience authentic sumo culture in a fulfilling 4-hour tour.

For more details: Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary

Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats

This tour, offered by us at MagicalTrip, focuses on observation and features the ability to watch morning practice up close from special seats beside the ring. The main advantage is that there's no need for cushion sitting, which is required in regular observation tours, making it suitable for those with leg difficulties.

The tour lasts 2 hours and is reasonably priced at $92.42. While it doesn't include chanko hot pot experience or sumo training, it's more focused on observing morning practice.

Limited to those 12 years and older, there are strict rules to avoid disturbing the practice. Taking photos in the sumo stable or commemorative photos with wrestlers may be allowed depending on the stable's decision, but generally, a reserved attitude is expected.

Meeting at Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station, an experienced English-speaking guide will explain in detail about sumo history and traditions. An original sumo guidebook is also provided to deepen your understanding of sumo culture. However, as other tour companies use the same sumo stable, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so I recommend arriving at the meeting time with plenty of time to spare.

For more details: Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats

Frequently Asked Questions

I'll introduce answers based on experience to questions frequently asked by foreign tourists.

When can I purchase Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025?

General sales usually start about a month before the event. There may also be pre-sales, so I recommend checking the official website for information.

Especially for popular days like weekends or dates close to the final day, tickets often sell out on the day of release, so it's important to make purchase plans early.

Is it easy for foreigners to purchase tickets?

The official website is fully available in English, allowing smooth purchases from overseas. Credit card payments are also possible.

Many travel agencies also arrange tickets as part of tours, so it's possible to book as part of a travel package. Even when purchasing same-day tickets, there are often English-speaking staff at the ticket windows, so there's no need to worry about language barriers.

Which seats are most recommended?

Box seats are the most popular and allow you to experience the traditional Japanese style of viewing, sitting on cushions on tatami mats. However, if you're not used to sitting in seiza or cross-legged for long periods, I recommend choosing chair seats. For first-time viewers, B-class chair seats are recommended for their good balance of price and visibility.

For those with a larger budget, I recommend tamari seats where you can feel the power of the wrestlers up close, right next to the ring. For group viewing, 4-person box seats are ideal for enjoying conversation while watching. Also, chair seats on the second floor have the advantage of being able to see the entire arena and the development of the bouts clearly.

Do tickets include meals or souvenirs?

Regular tickets don't include meals or souvenirs. However, there are plenty of eateries and shops selling sumo goods inside the venue. In particular, meals at the sumo teahouses in the Kokugikan are popular as one of the highlights of watching sumo.

Are cancellations or refunds possible?

Generally, cancellations or refunds of tickets after purchase are not accepted. However, in case of cancellation due to disasters or emergencies, full refunds are made. There are strict regulations regarding the transfer or resale of tickets, so it's important to thoroughly check the schedule when purchasing.

Watching sumo in 2025 requires advance preparation and information gathering for success. By fully understanding the types and prices of Sumo Grand Tournament Tickets 2025 and choosing seats that suit you, a more fulfilling viewing experience becomes possible. In particular, purchasing from the official website is the most reliable and easiest method, and I recommend early planning.

Also, by combining not only watching the main tournament but also morning practice observation tours and sumo experience programs, you can understand Japanese sumo culture more deeply and create precious memories.

Sumo is more than just watching sports; it's a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand. I hope you enjoy watching sumo with perfect preparation.