Tokyo: Grand Sumo January Tournament

What sets this tour apart is its focus on the origins, history, and culture of sumo, combined with real-time commentary during the matches. This small-group tour (maximum 10 participants) is led by a sumo expert guide and has two parts: 1. Ryogoku Walking Tour Explore Ryogoku, the heart of sumo culture, and visit historical sumo landmarks. You will also see sumo stables from outside, where wrestlers live and train. The guide provides insights into sumo traditions, history, and customs, helping you gain a deeper understanding before entering the arena. 2. Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Watch live tournament matches with real-time commentary from your guide, enhancing your appreciation of the action and rituals taking place in the ring. For those interested only in the tournament experience, a viewing-only option is also available. You may also choose to add a chanko dinner, a nutritious hot-pot dish traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers to build strength and maintain their physique.

1. 1

   Ryogoku

   2 hours

   13:00 - 15:00 This part (optional) is to deepen knowledge about sumo history and culture to enhance joy of watching sumo later in the arena. Toward that end, you will visit historical sumo landmarks and sumo stables. Major must-see landmarks the guide will take you to are: 1) Hakkaku-beya Sumo Stable (15min) 2) Nomi no Sukune Shrine (15min) 3) Ryogoku Kokugikan (30min) 4) Ryōgoku Edo NOREN (30min) 5) Ekō-in (15min) 6) Kasugano-beya Sumo Stable (15min)

2. 2

   Ryogoku Kokugikan

   3 hours

   15:00 - 18:00 Viewing bouts at the arena 1.The guide will walk you through inside the arena to see 1) Murals (10m) 2) Championship prizes (10m) 3) Sumo museum (15min) 4) Paintings / photos of successive Yokozunas (15min) 2.You will receive (see the photo section): - A special pamphlet showing photos and profiles of wrestlers with English translation. The guide will walk you through it as you watch fights so that you can watch them with background information. - A cheer-up towel for a particular wrestler. The guide will teach you how to use it when the wrestler is going to fight. Join the enthusiam of the arena by cheering-up the wrestler.

3. 3

   Ryogoku

   1 hour

   18:00 - Chanko-nabe dinner (Optional) The guide will take you to one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants near the arena. Enjoy the nutrient hot-pot dish eaten by sumo wrestlers to build their bodies and muscles. ; drinks are not included.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour comes in several options depending on the combination of the following: 1) Landmark/history tour 13:00 - 15:00 Sumo-related historical landmark guided tour. This is a walking tour around Ryogoku, a sumo town, to increase the joy of watching the tournament by learning a lot about sumo from your knowledgeable guide as you visit many sumo-related must-see spots before you actually view the bouts in the arena. 2) Viewing bouts in the arena 15:00 - 18:00 Enjoy the bouts as you listen to the real-time commentaries from your expert guide, and get excited as you join the excited spectators! 3) Chanko dinner option This nutrient dish is the centerpiece of sumo wrestlers’ diets to gain weight and muscles to build their bodies. 4) Seating You will be seated either in chair B on the balcony in the arena; the seating map in the photo section shows their detailed locations.
• While infants (0 - 3 year old) are free of charge, please let us know how many of them will come if you take any to the tour.
• This tour is available on January 12th and 18th.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.