Tokyo Half Day Guided Bus Tour Sumo Chopsticks and Shrine

Discover Tokyo beyond the modern cityscape through Japanese craftsmanship, Shinto culture, and the world of sumo. Start in Ginza with a hands-on chopstick-making experience. Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks and take them home as a unique souvenir. Next, visit Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, a historic shrine with a deep connection to the history of sumo. Learn about the origins and traditions of sumo while exploring the shrine with your English-speaking guide. The highlight is an authentic sumo experience inside a former sumo stable. Unlike typical sumo experience venues, this location was actually used as a professional training ground. Learn about sumo’s history, rules, and techniques, watch a live demonstration, and even try basic sumo techniques alongside a real sumo wrestler! Experience Japanese culture through hands-on activities, history, and Japan’s traditional sport—all in one memorable day.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   1 hour

   Discover the art of Japanese craftsmanship through a hands-on chopstick-making experience. During this 60-minute workshop, learn about the care and attention to detail that go into making Japanese chopsticks, then create your own unique pair. Personalize them with your name, a favorite design, or a unique meaning that is personal to you and make it a one-of-a-kind souvenir. You’ll leave with a pair of chopsticks that you made and personalized yourself — a meaningful keepsake from your time in Japan. The experience introduces the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship, known as “Monozukuri” — the art of making things with care, skill, and attention to detail. Children are welcome to join the experience. Parents or accompanying adults are kindly asked to assist them when needed.

2. 2

   Tomioka Hachimangu

   30 min

   Visit Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, home to one of Japan’s largest mikoshi (portable shrines) and known as the birthplace of Edo Kanjin Sumo, an important chapter in the history of professional sumo in Edo. Before experiencing sumo as a uniquely Japanese sport, take a step back in time and discover its rich history, traditions, and cultural roots at this historic shrine.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   45 min

   Learn the history, traditions, and basic rules of sumo, Japan’s traditional sport, before stepping into an authentic sumo environment. This unique venue was once Kitanoumi Stable, where legendary Yokozuna Kitanoumi served as stablemaster and trained wrestlers. Today, it is described as the only venue in Japan that uses an actual former sumo stable. After discovering the traditions behind the sport, get closer to the action with a hands-on sumo experience alongside a real sumo wrestler—an opportunity to experience the strength, technique, and spirit of sumo for yourself.

• 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
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Wear Comfortable clothes (also the sumo area requires you to take the shoes off)

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