Enjoy a unique experience that's simply not possible by just watching on TV! Come face to face with Japanese culture that has been kept alive through many years, such as the presence of a referee which began in the Sengoku period (about 1467-1603), and the use of vivid 'kesho-mawashi' ceremonial aprons and the ring entering procession which have continued from the Edo period (1603-1868), on this tour guided by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter knowledgeable about sumo wrestling. Watch sumo, Japan's national sport, from comfortable 2nd Floor chair seats. All tour participants will receive "The Sumo," a booklet about sumo (in English); and Banzuke-hyo, a table of rankings, as a gift! It has easy-to-understand explanations about the origins of sumo wrestling, match rules, reading the banzuke list, enjoying the ceremony, and more, so feel free to use it during the sumo viewing.

Copyright : Nihon Sumo Kyokai all rights reserved

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

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photo courtesy of ©Nihon Sumo Kyokai all rights reserved.

The number of customers for 1 group booking for this tour is 1-19 for A-class and B-class seats or 1-9 for S-class seats. If booking for a group of 10 or 20 or more customers, please note that the group will be divided

Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance

Spectator Etiquette: Please note that you will have to wait to be seated if one of the following events is underway at the time: a sumo match, a speech by the Sumo Association (on the first and the last tournament day), the ring entering procession of the Makuuchi division wrestlers (dohyoiri), the ring entering procession of the Yokozuna, or the ritual stomping ceremony (on the last tournament day). In such a case, please wait until the event is over before proceeding to spectator seating. Also, the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will not be able to provide explanations or other guidance during these events

Children up to 3 years of age may also join, but must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian while watching. If the child requires a seat, please make a(typically for ages 4-11)

Stroller storage areas are available on the 1st and 2nd floors. However, please note that we take no responsibility in case of theft, etc. in the arena. Strollers cannot be brought inside the arena seating area

Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited. Please purchase food and refreshments from the vendors inside the arena.

[ONLY for S seats and A seats] At Kokugikan, customers on this tour will be provided a light snack (Kokugikan specialty yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) and drink) (1 per person). As there are no additions to be provided, customers who would like additional food and drink may purchase on their own at the shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of Kokugikan. Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited

[ONLY for S seats and A seats] Vegetarian options are not available. Please be aware that should a customer choose not to eat the Kokugikan specialty yakitori, this shall be considered a waiver of rights

[ONLY for S seats and A seats] Each customer on this tour will be given 1 cheering towel in Kokugikan. Please bring it home as a souvenir from sumo viewing. Requests for specific colors or wrestler names, etc. are not accepted

[ONLY for S seats] Customers will watch from 2nd floor S-class seats (chair seating). Also, seats may not be designated. This information will be provided on the day of the tour

[ONLY for A seats] Customers will watch from 2nd floor A-class seats (chair seating). Also, seats may not be designated. This information will be provided on the day of the tour

[ONLY for B seats] Customers will watch from 2nd floor B-class seats (chair seating). Also, seats may not be designated. This information will be provided on the day of the tour

Please note that you may have to wait to be taken to your seat or listen to explanations by the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter if one of the following events is underway at the time: a sumo match, a speech by the Sumo Association (on the first and the last tournament day), the ring entering procession of the Makuuchi division wrestlers (dohyoiri), the ring entering procession of the Yokozuna, or the ritual stomping ceremony (last tournament day only)

If your group is divided into multiple reservations, please be sure to input information on accompanying group members in the Remarks field for each reservation

Groups may be seated separately in Kokugikan. Seating may be spread across the main, opposite, east, and westsides

For those participating in a wheelchair, please indicate so in the remarks entry field when booking

As Ryogoku Kokugikan's wheelchair storage area is on the 1st floor, please go to the 2nd floor on your own or with the help of an accompanying group member. When heading to the seats there are stairs and escalators going up and down. Please note that the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter cannot provide assistance or help

Suitcases and other large pieces of luggage cannot be brought into the seating area. In addition, baggage cannot be stored at Ryogoku View Hotel, the meeting location. Please make sure to store luggage at another location on your own in advance (coin lockers, etc.) or at your accommodation

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour