Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament & Dinner with Local Sumo Expert
- Join-in Standard – B-class or C-class reserved seats
- Private Premium – S-class or A-class reserved seats
- English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
- Sumo information and/or pamphlet
- 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 sukiyaki, 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.
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What to expect
The Sumo Tournament Experience is a 4-hour experience at the official basho (sumo tournament) with a group of up to 20 people (requires minimum number of 15 guests). On this tour, not only will you learn about many ancient Japanese traditions that have been preserved in sumo, including ritual elements such as the use of salt purification, you’ll also get to cheer on and greet the most famous sumo wrestlers in Japan as they are entering the stadium for their big match. Once you are inside of the stadium, you’ll be seated at B-class reserved seats (or C-class in some cases), which has the a great overview of the match with chair seatings in the stadium.
Good to know
- 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.
- What if I’m late? We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time. Since this is a group tour, we may not be able to wait for you if you are late. The tour will begin without the late guests and you can meet the rest of the group at the next location. Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need to meet the group in the next location.
Reviews
Our first-ever sumo experience was made even better thanks to Koji Kodaka. He spoke English and shared history and fun facts throughout the day. Even though our seats were high up, it was still incredible - just being inside the stadium was an experience in itself. Watching sumo live is truly a once-in-a-lifetime must-do.
Hiroyuki Kinoshita was the greatest tour guide ever, he is super knowledgeable, explained every information of Sumo Tournament, he patiently answered any question, So kind and so polite. To be honest he was the one who made this experience incredible, it's highly recommend.10/10
My husband and I enjoyed the Grand Sumo Tournament. The tournament was fun to watch and much bigger than we thought it was going to be. The guide explained the rules and gave us insight into the Sumo .
Mr. Shun was very informed and shared his knowledge about sumo wrestling and the wrestlers in a very clear and logical way. We learned a lot about the culture and history, which helped to appreciate it more.
We had a really great time on our tour. We had a guided tour of grand sumo and our guide was Machiko. She was super knowledgeable and explained everything that was happening during the matches through individual headsets. She purchased towels of some of the well-known high ranking wrestlers and when their match was up we'd count to 3 and yell their name really loud. She took lots of pictures of us and was really helpful. There was also 1 1/2 hrs that we got to explore the arena on our own and she reccomended that we eat the traditional chanko that the wrestlers eat. There was plenty shops for souvenirs and snacks and drinks if you were hungry or thirsty 😋. I would like to go again now that I know what to expect.
14 September 2024 - Toshi-san was our guide and he was really diligent in explaining every single detail about sumo wrestling, from its origins/history before the match started to the fun facts about each wrestlers during the matches. I really learnt a lot from him! He was also really patient when we asked him tons of questions. You can definitely feel his passion for sumo and get drawn into it too!
We had an incredible experience with our tour guide, Takuzo Muneshige (Taku). From the moment we met Taku at the meetup location, he was welcoming and organized, immediately providing us with headsets to clearly hear his commentary throughout the tour. He also handed out an informative fact sheet about sumo wrestling, including details about the ring size, traditions, and rules. Taku then guided us through the stadium and the museum inside, sharing fascinating insights about the sumo wrestlers and their rich traditions. After the tour, Taku escorted us to our seats and gave us a fun fact sheet to help us better understand the matches we were about to watch. His commentary through the earpiece was fantastic, making the experience both engaging and educational. Taku also went above and beyond by taking photos of our group and pairs, creating great memories. The tour started at 1:40 PM and ended around 6 PM. It was an amazing experience that we would definitely do again! Thank you, Taku!
A must do if you are in Tokyo for the Sumo Tournament Season. It was an exciting and informative afternoon.
Great guide: warm welcome, well organised, huge willgness to share his in knowledge on the tournament and the Japanese culture. Great experience to see the tournament with our own eyes and to fill it from the inside. Definitely a recommendation
Great experience. the tour guide was very informative and had commentary during the event which was so helpful! I would highly recommend using this service and going to sumo in general if you get the chance!
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