Sumo Morning Training Visit

If this had the option to give ten stars, i would have given it. One of the most amazing things i have EVER seen. My partner and I both felt like we had been given the opportunity to witness something incredibly sacred and deeply routed in history, religion and cultural practice. I cannot recommend this highly enough. I would book to go again for sure! The Sumo wrestlers were all incredibly friendly at the end and took photographs with us and thanked us for coming to watch them.

We absolutely loved viewing the morning sumo practice! If you’re interested in sumo and are visiting during a month where there are no big tournaments (as we did), this is a great way to experience the sport. Make sure you know what you’re getting, and you won’t be disappointed. You are essentially paying for access to the sumo stable. From my understanding, you can technically view sumo practices for free if you speak Japanese and are able to call the stables to see if they’re having practice on a special date. The sumo stables are not tourist attractions, and they rightfully do not want to waste their time trying to explain things to non-Japanese speakers. So if you don’t speak Japanese, this tour is a perfect way to get access. There is no explanation or description of anything you are seeing, so make sure you spend a little time reading up on sumo so you know what to expect. We received an email a few days before the tour letting us know which stable we would be going to. We were also instructed to bring masks and given a list of basic rules to follow while viewing the practice. The location was easy to get to via the metro, and we were greeted outside by the guide. He showed us the list of rules again and confirmed we understood. Once inside the stable, we were seated on small cushions on the floor on a little raised platform. Practice was fascinating! I loved being a fly on the wall for the interactions between the wrestlers. It was really interesting to see how they worked with the the younger, less experienced wrestlers. Practice lasted a little over an hour. At the end, the wrestlers approached the platform and each group was given an opportunity to get their photo taken with the wrestlers. It was a very seamless and easy experience, and we loved it! It was not touristy in the sense that this is a real sumo practice, not a performance. You are just there to observe and see what it’s like. Would definitely recommend!

Highlight of our trip such an amazing experience Recommend getting early so you can sit at front and be up close

I wasn’t really that interested in going on this excursion but my wife really wanted to do it. We arrived at the location early and waited but we were brought in right on time. The Sumo wrestlers were already warming up which they did for quite awhile. Their level of fitness was amazing and surprising. They continued their workout and sparring (I don’t know if that’s the right word) and it was amazing how physical it is. After their workout, the wrestlers posed for pictures and we left. Even though I wasn’t that interested to go on the tour I was still impressed with the workout. My only criticism is that I don’t really know about Sumo and I thought maybe someone would give a little talk about the sport and what we would be watching but there was absolutely no talk prior. We walked in, watched the workout, and left.

Although it was a fair distance to get to the stable early by 8am from where we were staying at Shirokitazawa, the experience was so worth it. A wonderful insight to an ancient cultural practice. It was easy to identify their style of warm ups, cool downs, stretches and other drills. Sumos are incredibly fit and flexible despite their bulk and contrary to general perceptions. Everything about Japan and the Japanese is about respect. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

It was a wonderful experience. 2 hours and a lot of rules but you take pictures with the wrestlers at the end. Not a show but a practice.

I had 2 elderly, 2 adults and 2 kids in my party. Everyone was amazed by the sumo wrestlers at training. This activity left a huge impression on us as this is not a popular activity with South East Asians in general, but we were so glad we signed up for this. Highly recommended.

Absolutely worth the early start. A really unique experience handled with a lot of care and very strict rules to ensure the experience is truly authentic. Joined with my two kids (ages 4 and 7) and they both really enjoyed. Mind you for the 4 year old it was a bit too long. Got there 45 mins early and got front row seats...so well worth it!

My goodness, what an experience! We have the utmost respect for these guys after seeing their training and their matches. Bloody nose? Just stick tissue up there and carry on. Broken fingers? Tape ‘em up, let’s go. I squeezed my husbands leg through some of the matches - so intense! We absolutely loved this experience. Just a side note - there were some rude people watching who did not follow any of the rules and kicked up a stink when they were kicked out. They had a kid who could not sit still (I get it, but then make arrangements so he doesn’t have to endure it) and they all ultimately disrespected the wrestlers and organisers. A real shame. The experience is not suitable for fidgety children, those allergic to wearing a mask, and those whose lives depend on Instagram

Very cool experience! My partner was especially excited since he practices BJJ. I know lots of reviewers say to get there early to get front row seats, but we were quite satisfied with the back row. It allowed us to stand every now and then to stretch our legs as it is 2 hours long. There were local press there as well. It did take some time from where the bus dropped us off so take that into consideration. There’s a 711 close by as you head back to the bus station so stop by for breakfast/pit stop.