Guided Tours

Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Sumo Stable

Get ready for a "larger than life" experience as you watch the sumo wrestlers train during their morning practice session with an expert guide.

Highlights

Perfect for sports and culture enthusiasts, witness the fascinating world of sumo wrestling during an exclusive morning practice at a local stable.
Gain deeper insights into sumo with your expert guide, who will share stories and traditions of this ancient Japanese sport as you observe the training.
Watch as these powerful athletes go head-to-head in practice matches, testing their strength, speed, and skill in an intense training environment.
Observe the sumo wrestlers' daily regimen, from warm-up routines to full-contact sparring, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a future champion.
Fun fact: Sumo wrestlers in training aren’t allowed to bathe or eat until their senior wrestlers have finished. It's all part of the strict hierarchy!

Inclusions

Entry to the sumo stable
Expert local guide
Sumo practice session viewing
Photos with the wrestlers (subject to the day)

Exclusions

Transportation

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

The art of sumo

Begin your journey into the fascinating world of sumo wrestling by meeting your expert guide. Your guide will share the rich history and cultural significance of sumo, tracing its origins back to ancient Shinto rituals where matches were held to entertain the gods and ensure bountiful harvests. You’ll gain insights into the unique customs that have shaped the sport, including the strict hierarchy within stables and the elaborate dohyō-iri (ceremonial ring entrance) performed by wrestlers during tournaments. Learn about the six major tournaments held annually across Japan, each steeped in tradition and drawing massive crowds, showcasing the pinnacle of sumo competition.

Enter the house of warriors

Walk through the stable entrance and prepare for a captivating experience as you quietly witness the wrestlers’ morning practice. This is a time of intense focus, where you can observe the athletes engaging in their keiko (training) sessions. The atmosphere is palpable, with the wrestlers performing powerful warm-ups like shiko (leg stomping) and executing techniques during practice matches. The silence allows you to fully appreciate the discipline and dedication of the wrestlers. If you're lucky (depending on the day), you'll even get to take pictures with the sumo wrestlers and exchange pleasantries with them as you reflect on your new knowledge of this ancient sport. You might also get to stop at the Sumo Museum and walk past Ryogoku Kokugikan – the venue of the Grand Sumo Tournament.

Know before you go

What's not allowed

Keep in mind food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue. Furthermore, please ensure that the shutter sound is turned off on your device.
Videos are not allowed on this experience.
Sunglasses and hats are not allowed in the stable.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

Please watch the practice silently and respectfully. Be very careful not to interfere with the sumo wrestlers' concentration. Cellphones must be on silent throughout the experience.
Please do not step down onto the ring or the sandy ground area. The ring is a sacred place for the wrestlers.
Please do not stretch your legs toward the ring. It is considered impolite to show the soles of feet to the wrestlers.
You cannot ask wrestlers to take a photograph with you while the practice is still going on.
Once you leave the sumo stable, you cannot re-enter. Please do your best to NOT leave the sumo stable in the middle of the practice, and try to stay and watch the practice until the very end.
The practice/tour may be a bit shorter or longer than expected depending on the content of the practice.
Unauthorized use of the photographs taken is strictly prohibited. Please be aware of image and privacy rights violations.
During the summer months, guests are allowed to drink water and sports drinks inside the stable.
Please ensure that you dress modestly for the experience.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.