Meet at Ryogoku View Hotel (*The meeting location is not Ryogoku Kokugikan.)
Please show your reservation confirmation sheet at reception.
[Access to Ryogoku View Hotel]
- 1 min on foot from Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line)
- 7 min on foot from Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line)
After exiting from the JR Ryogoku Station West Exit ticket gate, cross the pedestrian crossing immediately on the left and it will be just ahead (opposite direction of Ryogoku Kokugikan).
Please arrive by 10 minutes before departure. The tour will walk to Ryogoku Kokugikan.
14:00
Lecture About Sumo
The National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will conduct a lecture about sumo at Ryogoku View Hotel.
14:20
Head to Ryogoku Kokugikan on foot
14:30
Watch Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Enjoy the thrilling sumo matches from 2nd floor B-class seating. Time Schedule:
15:40 - Makuuchi Wrestler Ceremonial Entrance, Yokozuna Grand Champion Ring Entrance (will not take place if there are no Yokozuna present) The crowd comes alive at the sight of their favorite wrestlers and cheers them on. The atmosphere in the arena brightens instantly.
16:00 - Makuuchi Division Wrestlers' Sumo Matches
18:00 - Bow-twirling Ceremony
Things to Do:
1. Check out the arena entrance lobby to look at the championship flags and other items given to champion sumo wrestlers. The lobby is also a popular spot for photo taking. *Not available on the last tournament day due to award ceremony preparations for the concluding program.
2. The arena houses a Sumo Museum where important sumo-related items such as woodblock prints, folding screens and ceremonial aprons from as far back as the Edo period are on display. Check out the exhibit during a break in the sumo matches.
3. There are shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of the arena. Enjoy shopping for fans, stationery, sweets, and other sumo-related merchandise. *Bringing food and drinks including alcohol into Kokugikan is prohibited.
4. Visitors can also enjoy chanko hot pot, the traditional meal of sumo wrestlers, at the large hall on the arena basement floor (additional charges apply).
*All tour participants will receive "The Sumo," a booklet about sumo (in English); and Banzuke-hyo, a table of rankings, as a gift (1 per person).
18:00
Tour ends.
Please head to your next destination on your own after the tour. The whole area around Ryogoku Station is filled with the atmosphere of the Grand Sumo Tournament. There are also many chanko hot pot restaurants run by former sumo wrestlers in this area.