Sumo, an ancestral sport and a true pillar of Japanese culture, is fascinated by its unique blend of brute force and traditional rituals. More than just a confrontation between two colosses, the sumo embodies deep values of discipline, respect and spirituality. For those who are passionate and curious, Japan offers several ways to dive into this universe: to attend an official tournament, to observe morning training in a heya (sumo stable) or even to try the life of a sumotori for a day.
Attend a sumo tournament: The ultimate experience
Honbasho, a great sumo tournament, is the perfect opportunity to admire the best wrestlers in action. These events take place six times a year in different cities in Japan, offering an impressive spectacle where physical power meets Shinto traditions.
Major tournaments and their calendar
January: Tokyo (Ryogoku Kokugikan)
March: Osaka (Edion Arena)
May: Tokyo (Ryogoku Kokugikan)
July : Nagoya (Dolphins Arena)
September: Tokyo (Ryogoku Kokugikan)
November: Fukuoka (Fukuoka Kokusai Center)
Each tournament lasts for 15 days, with a gradual rise in intensity, with the most expected fighting taking place at the end of the afternoon.
How to get tickets for a tournament
Tickets are available online via platforms such as Ticket Oosumo and the official website of the Japan Sumo Association. It is advisable to book in advance, as the best places leave quickly.
Types of tickets available:
Ringside places: close to the dohyo, ideal for an immersive experience.
Box seats (masu-seki): sitting on tatami, perfect for a group.
Seats in the gallery: more affordable, with a high view.
Attending Sumo Training: Diving in the Rikishi Daily
If the tournaments show the size of the sumotoris, the morning trainings offer a unique immersion in their daily rigor. Heya (sumo stables) are located mainly in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo and sometimes open their doors to visitors.
How to attend sumo training
Training takes place early in the morning, usually between 6am and 10am. It is essential to book in advance and comply with the strict rules imposed by the heya.
Heya reputedly open to visitors:
Arashio-beya: known for its large windows allowing external observation.
Musashigawa-beya: accessible via reservation.
Rules to be followed
Silence is imperative during training.
It is forbidden to move or leave before the end of the session.
Photos are sometimes banned or limited at the end.
Seeing these wrestlers train, chaining force exercises and training battles, allows to better understand the requirement of their lifestyle.
Living the Sumo of the Interior: Trying the Lifestyle of a Sumotori
For an even more immersive experience, some heyas and specialized establishments offer to initiate the world of sumo.
Participate in a sumo training for amateurs
Places like the Sumo Museum or some sports centers offer sessions where visitors can put on a mawashi (sumo belt) and try at the basics of this sport under the supervision of former wrestlers.
Sumo Museum
Hours: 12:30 to 16:00 (entry until 15:30)
Closed: weekend, national holiday and between exhibitions
Admission: FREE
This small museum is located inside the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. It houses rotating exhibitions on the sumo, including a collection of past and current Yokozuna portraits, images of important events in the history of the sumo, and ceremonial aprons worn by distinguished retired wrestlers. During Tokyo tournaments, the museum is open every day only to tournament ticket holders.
Ekoin Temple
Before the first Sumo stadium was built in 1909, Sumo tournaments were held outside the Ekoin temple, a short walk from Ryogoku station. Today, visitors to the temple can see a stone monument on the temple ground that honours the stable wrestlers and masters.
Proposed activities:
Learning postures and basic techniques.
Simulation of fighting with a sumotori.
Discover the rituals and the meaning of the sumo.
It is a fun and physical way to better understand the efforts needed to become a professional wrestler.
Tasting the canko nabe : The soupori meal
No immersion in the world of sumo is complete without the tasting of the canko nabe, emblematic dish of rikishi. This hyperprotein stew, consisting of meat, fish, vegetables and tofu, is the main food for wrestlers to maintain their imposing body mass.
Best addresses in Tokyo :
Chanko Tomoegata: held by former wrestlers, renowned for its authenticity.
Yoshiba: restaurant installed in an old heya, with a sumo ring in decoration.
Chanko Kirishima: managed by an ex-yokozuna, known for its traditional recipes.
Best cities for a sumo immersion
If Tokyo remains the capital of the sumo with its Ryogoku neighbourhood, other cities allow a total immersion in this universe.
Osaka: Hosts an annual tournament and has specialized restaurants.
Nagoya: His tournament in July attracts a crowd of enthusiasts.
Fukuoka: The November tournament is renowned for its festive atmosphere.
Tips for a successful experience
Get up early to attend training.
Book tournament tickets in advance.
Respect traditions and silence during visits.
Taste the canko nabe for a complete immersion.
Living the sumo experience in Japan is much more than just a sporting spectacle. It is a dive into a universe where physical strength meets discipline and spirituality. Whether by attending a tournament, observing a training session, or initiating combat techniques, each interaction with the Sumo world helps to better understand its importance in Japanese culture. A fascinating and unmissable adventure for any traveller seeking authenticity.
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