Witness Grand Sumo in Nagoya
Nagoya hosts the Grand Sumo Tournament once a year in July. During this 4-hour guided experience, an English-speaking guide who is an expert in the sport will introduce you to the traditions, culture, and rituals surrounding an official sumo tournament.
Sumo is one of Japan’s most iconic sports, with roots going back centuries. Classified as a gendai budo (modern Japanese martial art), it is more than a competition — it is a living tradition shaped by rituals and customs that reflect Japan’s history and culture. Sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, lead highly disciplined lives, with many living and training together in communal stables called heya.
At the official basho (tournament), your guide will explain traditions such as the ritual use of salt for purification while you watch Japan’s top wrestlers compete at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Reserved seating provides a comfortable view of the ring, while personal audio headsets allow you to clearly hear your guide’s explanations of sumo history, culture, and wrestlers past and present.
Feel the excitement of each match, the energy of the crowd, and the atmosphere of witnessing Japan’s national sport alongside passionate local fans.
Experience Sumo Beyond the Matches
Official Grand Tournament
Attend an official basho at Ryogoku Kokugikan and experience the atmosphere of Tokyo’s Grand Sumo Tournament.
Expert Sumo Guide
Learn about sumo traditions, culture, rituals, and history with an English-speaking guide who is an expert in the sport.
Reserved Seating
Enjoy reserved seating inside Ryogoku Kokugikan according to the experience option you select.
Hear Every Detail
Personal audio headsets help you clearly hear your guide explain the traditions, culture, and stories behind sumo.
Choose Your Experience
Choose between a join-in or private experience, with Standard or Premium reserved seating.
B-class or C-class reserved seats (Join-in)
B-class or C-class reserved seats (Private)
A-class or S-class reserved seats (Premium)
Private Premium seating becomes available closer to the tour date.
Included & Not Included
Included
- • Reserved Seating: Reserved seat according to your selected experience option.
- • Sumo Information: Sumo information and/or pamphlet.
- • Banzuke-hyo: A table of sumo rankings.
- • English-Speaking Guide: A local sumo expert who will guide you through the experience.
- • Audio Headset: Personal audio headset to clearly hear your guide inside the arena.
Not Included
- • Hotel pick-up
- • Meals and drinks
Good to Know
Afternoon Session · 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Available on selected tournament dates at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena in Tokyo. Directions to the meeting point will be provided after booking.
Up to 20 participants
Participants are seated in the same area with the English-speaking tour guide.
There is no age requirement.
Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Adult pricing applies to guests of all ages except infants and toddlers aged 1–3, who are free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat and sit on a parent’s lap.
You may be required to show ID as proof of age at the venue.
Please notify us before the tour if a wheelchair will be used.
A wheelchair storage area is available on the first floor, while the reserved seats are on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb the stairs independently or with help from a family member.
Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena staff are not able to assist guests with the stairs.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the arena. Food is available for purchase from vendors inside.
There may be a wait prior to seating as the group must wait for the sumo matches to end before entering.
The Sumo Museum may also become congested. In this situation, the guide may ask guests to visit the museum independently if moving through the area together as a large group is difficult.
Booking & Cancellation
Please review the ticketing, cancellation, and confirmation information below before booking.
The Sumo Association does not release tickets until 4–7 weeks before the tournament. If we are unable to secure tickets, we will notify you at least 4 weeks in advance and offer another date or a full refund.
The join-in group experience requires a minimum of 15 confirmed guests to operate. If the minimum is not met, the tour will be canceled and you will receive a full refund.
Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.
30 days or less before the event: 25% cancellation fee
21 days or less before the event: 50% cancellation fee
14 days or less before the event: 100% cancellation fee
