Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum

Overview

Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum is a premier destination for sumo wrestling enthusiasts. It hosts major tournaments and offers a museum showcasing the sport's rich history and traditions.

Kokugikan is the main venue for professional sumo tournaments in Japan, and the museum provides an in-depth look at the history and traditions of this ancient sport.

Sports Cultural

Location

Address

1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo

Neighborhood: Ryogoku

Coordinates

35.702200, 139.810300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

¥2,000

Children

¥1,000

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

January-May

Best Time of Day

Mid-morning

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Grand Sumo Tournament
• Cherry blossoms

summer

Hot and humid

• Extended museum hours

autumn

Cool and comfortable

• Autumn Tournament
• Fall colors

winter

Cold

• New Year's events
• Winter Tournament

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance for tournaments
Bring ID
Check tournament schedule

What to Bring

essential

ID Tournament tickets Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket in winter Umbrella in rainy season

not allowed

Large bags Food and drinks during matches

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Large crowds during tournaments

Medical facilities: First aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Japanese Yen

Typical Costs

entry ¥2,000

tournament ticket ¥3,000-¥15,000

food ¥1,000-¥3,000

souvenirs ¥500-¥10,000

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable and respectful attire, Comfortable shoes for walking, Inappropriate clothing for cultural events

Booking Tips

• 1-2 months for tournaments
• Official website or ticket agencies
• Varies by ticket type
• Available for museum entry

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Kokugikan Official Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Tournament schedule, Museum map, Audio guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Narita International Airport

Distance: 60 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

taxi

¥25,000 1 hour 30 min

public_transport

¥3,000 1 hour 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

¥200 15 min

bus

¥210 20 min

taxi

¥1,500 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Kokugikan is a symbol of Japanese tradition and cultural pride

Historical Significance: Hosts major sumo tournaments for over 100 years

Insider Tips

Best seats for photography are in the upper sections
Local restaurants offer sumo-related menus

Local Recommendations

• Try chankonabe (sumo stew) at nearby restaurants
• Ask for English-speaking guides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Konnichiwa

thank_you Arigato gozaimasu

where_is Doko desu ka

how_much Ikura desu ka

beautiful Utsukushii

ticket Chokoku

Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the traditional architecture

Result: Great shot of the iconic entrance

#sumo #Kokugikan #Tokyo

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Museum

prohibited areas During active matches

flash photography Not allowed during matches

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Restricted

selfie sticks Allowed in designated areas

Nearby Attractions

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

Sumida Aquarium

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Aquarium

Ryogoku Edo no Shitamachi Museum

Distance: 400m

Walking: 6 min