Tokyo Sumo Grand Tournament Guide 2025: Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors
The shout of "Oshidashi!" echoes through the Kokugikan. I still get goosebumps every time I see the powerful collision of those massive bodies.
Recently, sumo wrestlers from Mongolia and Eastern Europe have been achieving remarkable results in sumo. While it's a bit sad that there are no Japanese yokozuna, it's also true that foreign wrestlers are carrying on the Japanese tradition and creating new appeal.
In fact, the essence of sumo isn't just about the matches. The wrestlers' unique topknots, colorful ceremonial aprons, and the dignified attire of the referees. From the ring-entering ceremony to the wrestlers' pre-bout rituals, there's so much to see. Even if it's your first time watching sumo, I'm sure you'll quickly find yourself thinking, "Ah, this is interesting!" and become totally absorbed.
You don't need to overthink sumo. Using this article as a reference, just enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Kokugikan and the powerful bouts to your heart's content!
By the way, to help you feel closer to the world of sumo, we at MagicalTrip have prepared special tours like the "Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku" and "Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary". If you want to enjoy sumo culture without feeling the language barrier, please consider using these tours.
Table of Contents
・Tokyo Sumo Grand Tournament 2025 Schedule
・How to Purchase Tickets
・Viewing Methods and Experience
・Sumo Experience Tours for Foreigners
・Frequently Asked Questions
Tokyo Sumo Grand Tournament 2025 Schedule
Sumo tournaments, called "honbasho", are held six times a year, once every two months. In Tokyo, they are held three times a year in January, May, and September at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Each tournament lasts for 15 days, with wrestlers engaging in heated bouts every day.
The 2025 schedule is as follows. Each tournament starts on a Sunday and lasts for two weeks until the following Sunday.
The January tournament will be held from January 12 to January 26, 2025, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. The March tournament will be held from March 9 to March 23, 2025, at the EDION Arena in Osaka. The May tournament will be held from May 11 to May 25, 2025, again at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The July tournament will be held from July 13 to July 27, 2025, at the IG Arena in Nagoya, and the September tournament will be held from September 14 to September 28, 2025, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Finally, the November tournament will be held from November 9 to November 23, 2025, at the Fukuoka International Center.
I especially recommend the Tokyo tournaments. The Ryogoku Kokugikan is called the sacred ground of sumo, a special space where traditions from the Edo period still live on.
How to Purchase Tickets
There are two ways to purchase tickets: online and on-site. For first-timers, I recommend online purchase as it ensures you secure your seats. You can purchase tickets on the official website of the Japan Sumo Association or on the websites of major travel agencies.
There are mainly two types of seats. First, the "masu" seats are traditional Japanese-style seats used by four people, priced from 34,000 to 52,000 yen for four people. You can enjoy the authentic viewing style of sitting on cushions on tatami mats.
On the other hand, chair seats are typical seats you often see at sports events, priced from 3,500 to 11,000 yen. I recommend these chair seats for those who find it difficult to sit in the formal seiza position for long periods.
Popular dates, especially the opening day and the final day (senshuraku), sell out very quickly. Therefore, I recommend that those planning to watch check the general sale date for tickets carefully and purchase early.
Furthermore, if you use a guided viewing tour, ticket arrangements are included, so you can rest assured.
Japan Sumo Association Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/
Viewing Methods and Experience
I'll introduce the points I always tell my foreign friends when I guide them to the Kokugikan. To fully enjoy watching sumo, it's important to know some basic rules and manners.
First, please arrive according to the opening time. While there are special tours where you can observe morning practice, for regular viewing, I recommend arriving at the opening time of 8:00 AM. By arriving early, you can reach your seats with plenty of time and also have time to learn about sumo rules and manners before the start.
I also highly recommend using guided tours. Specialized guides will carefully explain the history and techniques of sumo, allowing even first-timers to understand the deep appeal of sumo.
There's also a sumo museum in the Ryogoku area, where you can gain a deeper understanding of sumo culture. It's full of highlights, including the ceremonial aprons of past yokozuna and nostalgic footage of past bouts.
When you get hungry, I recommend enjoying chanko nabe, a staple dish of sumo wrestlers. There are many shops around Ryogoku that offer authentic chanko nabe, which will enrich your sumo viewing experience.
Regarding photography, it's generally allowed during the tournament except when the venue is full. However, note that flash photography is prohibited. In my experience, I've been able to take wonderful photos of various scenes, such as the ring-entering ceremony and the expressions of wrestlers during waiting times.
Sumo Experience Tours for Foreigners
For those who want to understand sumo more deeply and experience traditional Japanese culture, I recommend specialized tours. These tours offer luxurious experiences such as observing sumo practice, interacting with wrestlers, and sumo explanation services in foreign languages.
In particular, the opportunity to learn about the life of sumo wrestlers and traditional culture is a valuable experience that can't be gained through regular viewing.
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku
This 2.5-hour tour provided by us at MagicalTrip combines morning practice observation with a walk around sumo-related spots in the Ryogoku area. Meeting at Ryogoku Station, it's a fulfilling program where you can learn extensively about sumo culture.
With an affordable price of $97.70, it's a popular tour that has already been attended by over 4,000 people. It's for those aged 12 and above, and basically involves sitting on cushions for observation. Depending on the sumo stable's decision, there may be opportunities for photo-taking and commemorative photos with the wrestlers.
Since talking is prohibited during practice, you can learn about the basics and history of sumo through the provided guidebook. An English-speaking guide will carefully guide you, allowing you to enjoy sumo culture without feeling any language barrier.
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
The feature of this tour by us at MagicalTrip is that you can experience practice with active wrestlers in a real sumo stable that was actually used until 2022. It's a precious opportunity to actually learn the basic movements of sumo and even experience a match with a wrestler.
An experienced bilingual Japanese-English guide will explain in detail about the history and traditions of sumo, and the lifestyle of wrestlers.
You can also visit the dining hall and bathhouse of the sumo stable, getting a glimpse into the living spaces of wrestlers that are usually off-limits. Furthermore, participants can make chicken meatballs that will be ingredients for chanko nabe with the wrestlers, and then enjoy the meal at the same table as the wrestlers, which is a special experience.
Women and children can also participate, and can take part in the sumo experience and matches with wrestlers, which is very attractive. All participants receive an original T-shirt (sizes available from 100cm to 3L) as a souvenir.
Access is convenient, located 20 minutes from Tokyo Station and 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station, allowing for an authentic sumo culture experience in 4 hours. As it's a small-group tour, a deeper experience is possible.
For more details: Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats
This tour, also provided by us at MagicalTrip, is focused on observation, with the main feature being the ability to watch morning practice up close from special seats next to the ring. Unlike regular observation tours, there's no need to sit on cushions, making it suitable for those with difficulty sitting on the floor.
The duration is compact at 2 hours, with a reasonable price of $92.42. While there's no chanko nabe experience or sumo experience, you can concentrate more on observing the morning practice.
It's a tour limited to those 12 years and older, with strict rules to avoid disturbing the practice. Photo-taking at the sumo stable and commemorative photos with wrestlers may not be allowed depending on the stable's decision, but you can firmly imprint the practice scenes in your memory.
Meeting at Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station, an English-speaking guide will explain in detail about the history and traditions of sumo. An original sumo guidebook is also provided, allowing you to deepen your understanding of sumo culture.
For more details: Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats
Frequently Asked Questions
From my years of experience watching sumo and guiding many foreign tourists, I'll introduce the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Where Can I Buy Tickets?
You can purchase tickets on the official website of the Japan Sumo Association or on the websites of major travel agencies. I especially recommend the official website of the Japan Sumo Association. It's available in foreign languages and you can check detailed seat information. General sales start about a month before the tournament, but popular dates sell out quickly, so it's important to check the sale date and time carefully.
Day tickets are also available, but they are limited in number and there may be lines from early morning. If you want to watch for sure, I recommend purchasing online in advance.
What Should I Wear When Watching?
Casual clothing is fine, but I recommend choosing attire that's mindful of the fact that sumo is Japan's national sport and a traditional competition with a long history. In particular, I recommend avoiding clothing that's too revealing or has flashy colors.
You also need to consider the temperature management of the venue. Even during the summer tournament, the inside of the building is air-conditioned, so it's convenient to have a light jacket. For the winter tournament, I recommend coming in warm clothing. Especially for those watching from masu seats, choose comfortable clothing as you'll be sitting on cushions for a long time.
Shoes are also an important point. For masu seats, you'll be watching with your shoes off, so I recommend shoes that are easy to take on and off. Also, wear clean socks.
Can Children Enter?
Yes, entry is possible regardless of age. However, the type of seat affects how comfortably you can watch. For infants and lower elementary school children, I recommend chair seats rather than masu seats which require sitting in the formal seiza position for a long time.
As it will be a long viewing session, I also recommend preparing snacks and quiet toys to prevent your children from getting bored. Also, considering bathroom breaks, I recommend choosing seat positions that are easy to enter and exit.
Is Eating and Drinking Allowed During Viewing?
Yes, eating and drinking are allowed, although it varies depending on the type of seat.
However, consideration for surrounding guests is necessary. Avoid eating loudly or bringing in food with strong smells. Also, make sure to take your trash home or dispose of it in the designated trash bins inside the venue.
If you're purchasing food inside the venue, I recommend using break times or intervals between bouts as the venue's shops can get crowded.
Sumo is one of the sports where you can most experience traditional Japanese culture. Not only the powerful bouts of the wrestlers, but you can also fully enjoy the beauty of Japanese tradition, including rituals and etiquette. If you're watching for the first time, I highly recommend using a tour guide to enjoy watching while understanding the depth of sumo.
Also, take advantage of the Ryogoku area and visit the nearby sumo museum and chanko restaurants. I'm sure it will become a wonderful memory.
When planning to watch sumo, I hope you'll use this article as a reference to prepare in advance. Enjoy an irreplaceable Japanese cultural experience in the world of sumo!
