Sumo Wrestlers Morning Practice Tour – Tokyo Sumida District

Tokyo , Japan

Sumo Wrestlers Morning Practice Tour – Tokyo Sumida District

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(54 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

If you want to watch the Sumo wrestlers up close, this is one of the closest you can get! And in this tour, we could talk with stable master. So you could ask some questions directly.
Let’s watch the wrestler’s morning practice right next to the ring and feel the intense and serious atmosphere. The sound of wrestlers colliding to each other, their breath and the scent of the fragrance they wear are something that you can never feel by watching any videos.

You will meet with your knowledgeable tour guide at the station and walk to the stable(15 to 20 mins walk).Your guide will explain you about Sumo, its history, rules and regulations before entering the stable and then watch it together. You will see the unique traditional sports which is at the same time religious rituals, originally started to entertain the Shinto deities.

If you are lucky, you will get to take photos with the wrestlers after the practice!

Available options

Sumo Wrestlers Morning Practice Tour – Tokyo Sumida District

What's included

Sumo stable entrance

Local Professional and knowledgeable guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at 7:30am at the nearby train station before making your way to the sumo stable. Get ready to get some amazing insight into this unique Japanese sport that originated from the religion of Shintoism. Learn from your guide about how the origin of sumo dates back at least 1500 years, and about how it preserves rituals and traditional aspects of Shinto while also being a major spectator sport in Japan. Before you take your seat on the ground in the sumo stable, learn about the six annual Grand Tournaments that all go on for 15-days. Three of them are in Tokyo, and one in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka respectively.

Watch quietly and respectfully as the sumo wrestlers go through their daily routine. You are sure to be in awe as you see them going through their rigorous training, and you will gain a newfound insight into this ancient art.

At the end of the practice, your guide will walk you back to the train station where you will part ways.

Take a photo with the sumo wrestlers and finish the tour
*Please note that the practice may end earlier than usual, meaning the tour will be shorter than mentioned depending on the day

Stop 4 Pass by

We start from the foot of Tokyo Skytree and back to Skytree after the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

13 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

41 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

NO CHAIRS in the sumo stable. Please note, if sitting cross-legged on the ground for approximately 1.5-hours is not doable for you, we recommend you not booking this tour

Please be at the meeting point at 7:10am. We will leave at 7:30 AM sharp, so please make sure to be there on time!

In the case that you are late and will not make it to the meeting place on time, please send us a message. Then please go to the sumo stable by yourself. You will not be able to enter the stable without contacting us.

No shoes on the raised wooden floor in the stable. Please take your shoes off as soon as you get into the stable.

Please sit on the floor (cross-legged) and do not stretch your legs toward the ring. It is considered impolite to show the soles of feet to the wrestlers.

No food, No chewing gum and candies, No smoke. You can bring and drink water.

Please do not step down on the ring or the sandy ground. The ring is a sacred place for the wrestlers.

Sunglasses and hats are not allowed in the stable

Cellphones must be on silent. Photos are OK but only without the flash or shutter sounds

You may take videos, but you cannot upload photos and videos on any social media platforms

The practice/tour may be a bit shorter or longer than expected depending on the content of the practice

For tournament season, the tour time would be different. So please check our direct message.

Please watch the practice silently and respectfully

Modest clothing only

Do not stand up or move around during the practice.

Minimum age is 6 years old(If your kids are noisy, move around, or cannot watch the practice quietly, you will be asked to leave the sumo stable during the tour.)

Please follow the guide's instructions during the tour.

Please try to use the restroom before joining the tour.

It is about a 15 minute walk to the stable from the meeting point, so please bring a towel to wipe off your feet if you think your feet will get wet in the rain on the way there.

Meeting point

[Meet up time]7:15AM
Tokyo Metro Oshiage (Skytree Mae) Station, Toei-Asakusa Line Oshiage Station A1 Exit (ground floor). A1 Exit (ground floor, outside)
*The tour starts at 7:30am.

Important notes

[Meet up time]7:15AM
Tokyo Metro Oshiage (Skytree Mae) Station, Toei-Asakusa Line Oshiage Station A1 Exit (ground floor). A1 Exit is in front of FamilyMart Sumida Oshiage Station. (Please note that there are 3 Family Marts at the Station)
*The tour starts at 7:30am.
*15-20mins walk from the meeting point to the sumo stable.

In the case that you are late and will not make it to the meeting place on time, please send us a message. We will send you the address of the sumo stable.
Then please go to the sumo stable by yourself.
**IMPORTANT**　Please DO NOT enter the sumo stable by yourself, wait outside until your guide comes to meet you outside. Never ring the doorbell. This is to avoid disturbing the wrestlers' concentration.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.