Tokyo , Japan

Ultimate Sumo Tournament: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka

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About this experience

The Sumo Tournament Experience with Japan Awaits offers a rare chance to witness Japan’s national sport live at one of six official Grand Sumo Tournaments held yearly in Tokyo (January, May, September), Osaka (March), Nagoya (July), and Fukuoka (November).

Each tour option provides a chance to join a group (15–20 guests) with seat types range from S-class, A-class, to B and C-class, depending on the tour option; and enjoy the matches with expert commentary from an English-speaking guide. Learn about sumo traditions, rituals, and the wrestlers’ lives. A minimum of 15 guests is required to run the tour; if not met, a full refund will be provided.

Off-Season Experience:
Visit a sumo stable to observe morning practice up-close. Use audio headsets to learn about training techniques, then meet the wrestlers, enjoy tea with them, and end the experience with a hearty chanko nabe lunch.

Available options

Tokyo Premium Sumo + Dinner

Chanko Dinner: Includes dinner at a chanko hot pot restaurant

Tokyo Standard Sumo

Duration: 4 hours Standard Sumo Tournament : Join-in group with B-class or C-class reserved seat

Tokyo Standard + Dinner

Tokyo Sumo Tournament + Dinner: Tokyo Standard Sumo Tournament: Join-in group with B-class or C-class reserved seat + Add-on Dinner

Fukuoka Private Sumo

S-class or A-class reserved seats Duration: 4 hours

Nagoya Premium Standard

Duration: 4 hours Nagoya - Premium Join-in Tour : Join-in Premium: A-class Seats

Osaka Standard Sumo

B-class Seats or C-Class Seats Duration: 4 hours

Fukuoka Standard Sumo

B-class Seats or C-Class Seats Duration: 4 hours

Osaka Standard + Dinner

Duration: 5 hours Osaka Standard + Dinner |: B-class Seats or C-Class Seats

Tokyo Private + Dinner

Tokyo Private Sumo + Dinner: Tokyo Private Sumo Experience + Add-on Dinner

Osaka Private Sumo

S-Class seats or A-Class Duration: 4 hours

Tokyo Private Sumo

Tokyo Private Sumo Experience: Tokyo Private Sumo Experience for your group only

What's included

Optional dinner at a local chanko hot pot restaurant (Vegetarian option available)

Service fee for ticket arrangement and seating allocation

Sumo info pamphlet and ranking table (banzuke-hyo)

English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)

Off-season Only: Morning sumo stable visit (with guide & headset)-not the tournament seat ticket.

• Private Tour: S-class or A-class seats (closer to ring)

• Standard Tour: B-class or C-class seats (2nd floor)

Audio headset

Reserved seat ticket for the sumo tournament

Available in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka, depending on the season

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tokyo Sumo Tournament:
Join us in Tokyo for the Sumo Tournament Experience — a 4-hour guided tour at Japan’s official sumo tournament (basho). This exclusive experience is available for groups of up to 20 people, with a minimum of 15 required to operate the tour.

The sumo tournament happens six times a year, and Tokyo hosts it three times — in January, May, and September. During the tour, you'll witness powerful matches live, with real-time explanations from your expert guide. Feel the excitement as you cheer alongside devoted local fans and dive into the traditions and rituals that make sumo Japan’s most iconic sport.

Osaka Sumo Tournament:
Experience the thrill of sumo in Osaka during the March tournament. Join us in Osaka for a 4-hour guided visit to Japan’s official sumo tournament (basho). This tour is available for groups of up to 20 people, with a minimum of 15 required to operate.

The Osaka tournament takes place every March, attracting fans from across the country. During the tour, you'll watch live matches while your expert guide explains sumo rules, fighting styles, and rituals. Feel the intense atmosphere as you cheer alongside dedicated local fans—it’s an energetic and cultural experience you won’t forget.

Nagoya Sumo Tournament:
Experience the thrill of sumo in Nagoya during the July tournament. Take part in this 4-hour guided experience at the official sumo basho in Nagoya. This tour is designed for groups of up to 20 people, with a minimum of 15 participants required.

Nagoya hosts its annual tournament in July, offering a summer experience full of action and tradition. With your expert guide by your side, you’ll learn about sumo’s deep history and watch the intense matches unfold. Join local fans and feel the excitement build with every bout.

Fukuoka Sumo Tournament:
Experience the thrill of sumo in Fukuoka during the November tournament. This 4-hour guided tour brings you right into the heart of sumo’s year-end competition. It’s available for groups of up to 20 people, with a minimum of 15 required to operate.

Held each November, the Fukuoka tournament is famous for its dramatic showdowns and final rankings of the year. Your guide will walk you through each match, explaining traditions and wrestler profiles so you don’t miss a moment. Surrounded by passionate fans, this is a perfect way to end the sumo season in style.

Sumo Stable Intimate Morning Practice: Meet our guide at the meeting point. The directions to the meeting point will be provided 1 week before the tour date.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up or transportation

Meals and drinks (unless dinner add-on is selected at checkout)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

162 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

287 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Chanko nabe, also known as “sumo stew”, is a Japanese stew (hot pot) that contains chicken stock as the soup base with various vegetables. Chanko originated from the Ryokoku area and sumo wrestlers are known to eat a lot of it because a large amount of chanko can be cooked at once and many people can eat at the same time, perfect for sumo wrestlers who are hungry from training.

If dinner option is selected at checkout, the chanko hot pot dinner without drinks will be the default meal (please let us know if you would prefer vegetarian, or if you have any other special dietary requirements on the “Special Requirements” field at checkout. Please note that traditional chanko nabe broth is typically made with pork or chicken, but the restaurant may substitute the broth for those who prefer vegetarian option. Please understand that once we have accepted your dinner request, changes cannot be made one week before the tour date.

There is no age requirement. Children must be accompanied by adult (18 or older). Adult pricing applies to all guests of any age, except infants and toddlers between age 1 and 3, which are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat (infants must sit on parents’ laps).

Before the tour, please notify us if you or someone in your group will be in a wheelchair. Please note that there is a wheelchair storage area on the first floor of the stadium; however, your seats will be on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb up the stairs on their own (or with the help from a family member) as staff from Ryogoku Kokugikan will not be able to assist guests.

No outside food or drinks are allowed in the arena, but food is available for purchase from vendors within the arena.

For Standard Tour (Join-in group option), the seats will be on the second floor B chair seats (from rows 7 to 11) or C chair seats. The tour will have a maximum of 20 people sitting in the same location with the English-speaking tour guide.

Please note that there may be a wait prior to seating, as we must wait for all sumo matches to end before entering. There may also be congestion at the Sumo Museum, in which the tour guide may ask guests to visit on their own since it would be difficult to walk around with a large group in a congested area.

When do the sumo tournaments take place in Japan? The official basho (tournaments) take place six times a year at various locations with each tournament lasting 15 days (start date and end date both land on Sundays). The exact dates vary, but takes place on the same months each year: January Tournament (Tokyo), March Tournament (Osaka), May Tournament (Tokyo), July Tournament (Nagoya), September Tournament (Tokyo), and November Tournament (Fukuoka).

How far in advance should I book? Preparing an event requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. We may not be able to arrange your event in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

Please also note that group tickets are released by the Sumo Association about 4 – 7 weeks before the tour date; if we are unable to obtain the tickets, we will notify guests within 4 weeks before the tour and will offer an alternative tour date or full refund.

Using audio headsets, you’ll clearly be able to hear the expert guide explain the history and culture of sumo wrestling, as well as learn about some of the most famous sumo wrestlers throughout history and today in Japan. Enjoy the intense matches with explanations from your expert guide and cheer on your favorite sumo wrestlers along with dedicated local fans.

The meeting point will be included in the tour details sent to your email at least one week before the tour date.

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.

For Sumo Stable experience (during off-season of Sumo Tournament): Join the Sumo Stable Morning Practice Tour (during off-season of Sumo Tournament) at a sumo stable near Warabi Station (30 min. from Tokyo), in a join-in group (8 - 16 people). Watch sumo wrestlers train at an authentic stable while an expert guide shares insights via audio headsets and enjoy the chanko lunch after the session. Location is at the Sumo Stable near Warabi Station (30 min from Tokyo Station) from 8 AM - 12:00 PM. Please note that with this option, you will only visit a sumo training stable (with guide and headset) but you will not have a seat ticket for a sumo tournament, because this date is off-season and no tournaments are taking place on this date.

Important notes

Meet our tour guide at the meeting point to get the ticket. The directions to the meeting point will be provided 1 week before the tour date.

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.