Non Refundable
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
Non Refundable
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Please select a travel date and travelers to show booking options.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Sumo information and pamphlet
Standard Tour (Join-in small group): B-class reserved seats or C-class reserved seats
If selected, Sukiyaki or vegetarian option is available upon request (at least one week in advance).
English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
Service Fee for Getting the Ticket
Private Tour: A-class reserved seats or sometimes B-class reserved seats
If selected, dinner at a local chanko hot pot restaurant to experience what sumo wrestlers eat.
Hotel pick-up not included
Meals and drinks are not included (unless dinner option is selected at checkout).
Overview
The Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo with Japan Awaits is an experience at the famous Grand Sumo Tournament that occurs only three times a year in Tokyo (January, May, and September). The experience allows guests to learn about sumo traditions and culture with an English-speaking tour guide (expert in sumo wrestling) while watching one of the most exciting sports in Japan. This is a join-in group experience with about 15 - 20 guests (minimum of 15 people is required to operate this tour; if we do not have enough bookings, the tour will be canceled and the guest will receive a full refund).
Itinerary
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Chanko nabe, also known as “sumo stew”, is a Japanese stew (hot pot) that contains chicken stock as the soup base with various vegetables. Chanko originated from the Ryokoku area and sumo wrestlers are known to eat a lot of it because a large amount of chanko can be cooked at once and many people can eat at the same time, perfect for sumo wrestlers who are hungry from training.
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.
There is no age requirement. Children must be accompanied by adult (18 or older). Adult pricing applies to all guests of any age, except infants and toddlers between age 1 and 3, which are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat (infants must sit on parents’ laps).
Before the tour, please notify us if you or someone in your group will be in a wheelchair. Please note that there is a wheelchair storage area on the first floor of the stadium; however, your seats will be on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb up the stairs on their own (or with the help from a family member) as staff from Ryogoku Kokugikan will not be able to assist guests.
No outside food or drinks are allowed in the arena, but food is available for purchase from vendors within the arena.
The seats will be on the second floor B chair seats (from rows 7 to 11) or C chair seats. The tour will have a maximum of 20 people sitting in the same location with the English-speaking tour guide.
Please note that there may be a wait prior to seating, as we must wait for all sumo matches to end before entering. There may also be congestion at the Sumo Museum, in which the tour guide may ask guests to visit on their own since it would be difficult to walk around with a large group in a congested area.
When do the sumo tournaments take place in Japan?
The official basho (tournaments) take place six times a year at various locations with each tournament lasting 15 days (start date and end date both land on Sundays). The exact dates vary, but takes place on the same months each year:
January Tournament: Tokyo
March Tournament: Osaka
May Tournament: Tokyo
July Tournament: Nagoya
September Tournament: Tokyo
November Tournament: Fukuoka
Sumo originated in Japan and is one of Japan’s most well-known sports. It is considered as a gendai budo (Japanese martial art) with a history spanning many centuries. The sport is known for its highly regimented rules and strict traditions for its wrestlers. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal heya (sumo training stables) with all aspects of their daily lives, including their meals and how they dress, closely monitored.
How far in advance should I book?
Preparing an event requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. We may not be able to arrange your event in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?
Organizing and planning a trip or event requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc.
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.
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.
The meeting point will be included in the tour details sent to your email at least one week before the tour date.
Non Refundable
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
257 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
231
4 stars
18
3 stars
4
2 stars
3
1 star
1
We perform checks on reviews
We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference.It's Easy To Do
Gather your information
Assemble your Viator Booking Number or Itinerary Reference Number and the proof of the lower price you found.
Send it to us
Email connect@travelone.io with the documents, your name, and your home address.
We'll review
We'll examine your materials and get in touch as soon as we can.
Receive your refund
If everything checks out, we'll refund you the difference between the two prices.
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.
Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?
What is your destination?
Are you visiting Japan for the first time?
Travel Date
What is your general interest for this trip?
City Breakup
Travelers Details
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Accommodation Preferences
Preferred Star Rating?
Property Preference?
Property Location?
Preferred Hotel Chain?
Meal At The Hotel?
Dining Preferences
Which meal package would you like to choose?
What are your meal preferences?
Dining Style Preferences?
Cuisine Preferences?
Dining Atmosphere Preferences?
Preferred Meal Times?
Transportation
What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?
What are your preferences for internal transfers?
Guide Support
What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?
Preferred Language for Guide?
Preferred Type of Guide?
Group Size for Tours with Guides?
Desired Role of the Guide?
Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?
Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?
Flights Preferences
What are your preferences for onward and return flights?
Cabin Class
Preferred Departure Time
Preferred Arrival Time
Preferred Airlines
What are your preferences for internal flight?
Cabin Class
Preferred Departure Time
Preferred Arrival Time
Preferred Airlines
What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?
Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
Airboat ToursFlyboardingJet Boat RentalsJetpacks
Climbing & Vertical Challenges
CavingClimbingIce ClimbingRock ClimbingSea Caving
High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
Air ToursHang GlidingHeli-HikingHelicopter ToursHelicopter TransfersParaglidingParasailingSkydivingZiplining
Eco ToursNature and Wildlife ToursWildlife EncountersWildlife Watching
Protected Natural Areas
Involves AnimalsInvolves Poverty Stricken CommunitiesNational ParksNature Parks
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Sustainable ToursVolunteer Tours
Culinary Classes and Workshops
Candy Making ClassesChocolate ToursCocktail TastingsMixology ClassesOlive Oil TastingPaella Making ClassesPasta Making ClassesPizza Making ClassesWine Making Workshops
Dining Experiences and Meals
BreakfastBrunchDinnerDinner and Show TicketsLunchRestaurants
Once in a Lifetime ExperiencesPrivate and LuxuryViator Exclusive ToursViator Experience Award 2022Viator Experience Award 2023Viator Experience Award 2024Viator VIP Tours
Private & Personalized Travel
Private Day TripsPrivate DriversPrivate Sightseeing Tours
Romantic & Scenic Experiences
Helicopter ToursLimousine ToursLuxury Car ToursPhoto ShootsRomantic ToursSunset Cruises
English 
Spanish 
French 
German 
Italian 
Chinese 
Free Cancellation
