Sumo, Japan's national sport, is more than just a sport.
It is a sacred traditional culture with a history of more than 1,500 years and has its origins in Shinto rituals.
The fierce clashes between rikishi on the ring overwhelm the audience, and once experienced, the intensity is unforgettable.
This article provides complete information on how to get the most out of your visit to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sacred site of sumo.
To ensure that even international visitors who are new to sumo can enjoy the sport with ease, we provide detailed explanations of the basic rules, how to obtain tickets, gourmet food in the Kokugikan, spectator etiquette, and even a practice tour to get a feel for the daily lives of the sumo wrestlers.
- No worries even for beginners! Basic Rules and Fun of Sumo
- How to purchase tickets to a Sumo match
- How to enjoy Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sacred site of sumo wrestling, 120%
- Not Just for Watching the Games! Introducing Sightseeing Spots in Ryogoku Area
- Get a glimpse into the daily life of a sumo wrestler! Observe morning practice in a sumo stable
- Check before you travel! Manners and dos and don'ts for watching sumo
- Enter the world of sumo, where tradition and power are woven together.
No worries even for beginners! Basic Rules and Fun of Sumo
Even if you are a newcomer to sumo, just a few basics will make the experience many times more enjoyable.
Winning and losing is very simple
The rules of sumo are very clear.
- Move the opponent out of the ring (a circle with a diameter of about 4.55 meters)
- Letting the opponent touch any part of your body except the soles of his feet on the ring
Either of these will determine the winner.
However, there are also "forbidden" foul acts, such as grabbing an opponent by the hair or attacking a vital point.
The highlight of the event, "Tachiai
The moment at the start of a match when both rikishi face each other and clash simultaneously is called "tachiai.
This standoff lasts only a moment, but it is an important phase that greatly determines the outcome of the game.
This is the most exciting moment when the spirits of the rikishi collide.
Individuality of rikishi and variety of "cliches
There are no weight classifications in sumo.
The matchup of a smaller wrestler against an opponent larger than himself is like a "David vs. Goliath" match.
Rikishi have their own specialties, such as "yotsumo," in which they fight by grabbing the opponent's mawashi (sash wrapped around the waist), and "tsuki oshizumo," in which they decide the match by thrusts and pushes.
There are 82 official "kurimete," which indicate what technique was used to decide the match, with "oshidashi" and "yori-kiri" being the most common. The real appeal of sumo is to pay attention to who won and by what technique.
How to purchase tickets to a Sumo match
Sumo tournaments are held six times a year in odd-numbered months. The Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo is held in January, May, and September. They are also held in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July), and Fukuoka (November).
Seat type
There are several types of seating, each with different attractions.
- Sunakaburi Seats: The most powerful seats, right next to the ring, where you can feel the breath of the rikishi.
- Masu-seki: A traditional Japanese style of spectating where a group of about four people sit on cushions to watch the game.
- Chair Seats: Relatively inexpensive seats for casual spectators.
Where to buy tickets
Due to the popularity of the event, early purchase of tickets is recommended. Check the official website in advance for on-sale dates.
- Tickets Ozumou (official sales site)
- Ticket Oosumo (official English website)
- Various play guides (Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, etc.)
How to enjoy Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sacred site of sumo wrestling, 120%
On the day of the event, get to the venue early to enjoy the atmosphere of the Kokugikan.
Access
Access to Kokugikan is very convenient.
- 2 minutes walk from West Exit of Ryogoku Station on JR Sobu Line
- 5 min. walk from Exit A3 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line
Discover history at the Sumo Museum
On the first floor of the Kokugikan is the Sumo Museum, which offers free admission.
The museum displays valuable materials on the history of sumo, and stopping by before a match begins will further deepen your understanding of the sport.
Exquisite! Taste the Kokugikan Gourmet
Inside the Kokugikan, you can enjoy gourmet food that is the perfect accompaniment to watching sumo.
- Chanko-nabe: A nutritious nabe dish famous as a meal for wrestlers. At Kokugikan, you can enjoy authentic chanko-nabe easily.
- Yakitori: Known as a specialty of Kokugikan, yakitori has a reputation for being delicious even when cold.
- A variety of bento boxes and snacks: Sushi and a wide variety of bento boxes are available.
- Matcha soft serve ice cream: The rich matcha flavor is perfect for those who want to experience the taste of Japan.
Enjoy picking out souvenirs!
The museum's souvenir store offers a wide variety of unique goods related to sumo.
- Tenugui (hand towel) or yunomi (teacup) with rikishi's names on it
- Figures and clear files of popular wrestlers
- Limited edition goods only available here
Not Just for Watching the Games! Introducing Sightseeing Spots in Ryogoku Area
There are also attractive spots around Kokugikan where visitors can experience Japanese culture.
- Edo-Tokyo Museum: A popular museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Edo/Tokyo. (*The museum is currently closed for major renovation. Scheduled to reopen in FY2025)
- Sumida Hokusai Museum: Enjoy the works of world-famous ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai.
- Sumida River Terrace: A walking path along the Sumida River. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Get a glimpse into the daily life of a sumo wrestler! Observe morning practice in a sumo stable
The source of the wrestlers' strength is their rigorous daily training. There are also tours that allow visitors to observe this up close and personal.
Sumo wrestlers live together in a "sumo stable" and train hard every day.
From basic movements such as shiko and teppo to the fierce practice of rikishi clashing with each other, the seriousness of the training is a sight to behold.
How to make an appointment for a practice visit and what to expect
It is generally advisable to refrain from contacting sumo stables directly and use official tours organized by tourist associations and other organizations.
- Reservations:.
Tours are available for reservation on the Sumida City Tourist Association website and other websites. - Notes:.
Practice is a sacred event. Observe quietly and refrain from private conversation so as not to disturb the concentration of the rikishi. Flash photography is prohibited. Please do not use perfume. It is important to always follow the instructions of the staff and observe with respect.
Check before you travel! Manners and dos and don'ts for watching sumo
To ensure that everyone can enjoy watching the games in a pleasant atmosphere, there are a few manners to be aware of.
- Cheering: Cheering with applause is welcome. However, loud shouting or yelling that interferes with the effort should be avoided.
- Photography: Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is strictly prohibited. It interferes with the concentration of the rikishi and is extremely dangerous.
- Seating: Shoes must be removed in the square seats. Space is limited, so please leave large items in a coin locker or other container to avoid disturbing others.
- Food & Beverage: All food and beverage purchased on site must be disposed of in designated areas.
Enter the world of sumo, where tradition and power are woven together.
Sumo is a powerful competition in which the well-trained bodies and skills of sumo wrestlers collide.
At the same time, the long history and culture of Japan is embedded in each of these gestures.
There are endless ways to enjoy the event, such as finding your favorite rikishi, paying attention to the variety of clincher moves, and enjoying the atmosphere of the Kokugikan.
We hope that this article will help you experience the profound world of sumo.
An unforgettable sensation and excitement will surely await you.
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