Sumo Tournament Experience in Fukuoka
4 reviews
50+ booked
Fukuoka Kokusai Center
- Join-in Standard – B-class or C-class reserved seats
- Join-in Premium – A-class reserved seats
- Private Premium – S-class or A-class reserved seats
- English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
- Sumo information and/or pamphlet
- Audio headset
- If selected, dinner without drinks at a local chanko hot pot restaurant to experience what sumo wrestlers eat (with explanations from tour guide). Sukiyaki or vegetarian option is available upon request (at least one week in advance).
What to expect
The Sumo Tournament Experience is a 4-hour experience at the official basho (sumo tournament), available as a private tour or as a join-in tour with up to 20 guests (minimum 15). 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), 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 designated location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time. 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.
- 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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