Tokyo · Ryogoku
How to watch sumo in Tokyo
An independent, unofficial guide for first-time visitors: when the tournaments are, how to get tickets, and what to expect on the day.
When are the Tokyo tournaments?
Grand sumo holds six 15-day tournaments a year. Three are in Tokyo, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.
| Tournament | Dates | Tickets on sale |
|---|
| January (Hatsu) | Jan 10 – 24, 2027 | Dec 5, 2026 |
| May (Natsu) | May 9 – 23, 2027 | Apr 10, 2027 |
| September (Aki) | Sep 12 – 26, 2027 | Aug 7, 2027 |
The other three tournaments are in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July) and Fukuoka (November). Dates can change, so confirm on the official schedule before you book flights.
How to buy tickets
- Official sales site (sumo.pia.jp). The Japan Sumo Association's primary route. It has English content. Create your account before sale day.
- English-language resellers. Several licensed sellers ship or e-deliver internationally. Expect a service fee on top of the face value.
- Box office on the day. Same-day seats are sometimes available on quieter weekdays. Do not count on this for weekends or for the January tournament.
January tournaments frequently sell out on the first day of public sale. Online orders are often collected at a convenience store in Japan, so check the pickup method on your confirmation. Tickets generally cannot be changed or cancelled.
Which seat should you pick?
| Seat type | What it is | Rough price |
|---|
| Arena (chair) seats | Western-style seating in the upper level. Best value, good view of the whole ring. | about ¥3,500 – ¥10,000 |
| Box seats (masu-seki) | Floor cushions in a four-person box. Shoes off. Comfortable only for people who sit on the floor easily. | from about ¥40,000 per box |
| Ringside | Rare, no eating or drinking. | varies |
Prices are indicative and change by day and row. Check the official site for the exact figure.
Not in town during a tournament?
Morning practice at a sumo stable is the main alternative between tournaments. Most stables require a reservation in advance, and turning up without one will usually get you turned away, so many visitors join a guided visit. Group tours with an English guide are listed from around ¥15,000 per person on specialist sites.
Morning practice etiquette
- Be quiet. Talking is not allowed while the wrestlers train.
- Take off hats and sunglasses and stay in the spot you are shown.
- Sit as asked. Many stables seat visitors on cushions on the floor, and some ask for a formal kneeling position.
- Photos depend on the stable. Some forbid them during practice. Ask your guide before you lift a camera.
- Timing. Visits are usually possible from around 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning, and some stables do not accept visitors just before a tournament.
Rules are set by each stable and can change. Follow the instructions of your guide or the stable.
Getting to Ryogoku
The Kokugikan arena is in the Ryogoku district of Sumida ward. The nearby Edo-Tokyo Museum lists a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Ryogoku Station (7 minutes from the East Exit) and a 1-minute walk from Exit A3/A4 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line. Check the museum's own site for opening days before you plan a visit.
On the day
- The lower-ranked wrestlers fight in the morning, and the top division comes on in the late afternoon. If you want the top division, arrive by mid-afternoon.
- The arena stands in the Ryogoku district. Allow extra time on tournament days, when the station and streets are busy.
- Bring cash for food and souvenirs, and check the arena's bag and seating rules at the gate.
Disclosure. This site is independent and not affiliated with the Japan Sumo Association or any ticket seller. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Information was last checked on November 12, 2026; always confirm dates, prices and rules on the official site.