About SUMO
When and Where to see Sumo in Japan?
Sumo…..?
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan with a history spanning several centuries. It is played by two sumo wrestlers who try to force one another out of the ring or push the other player to the ground in order to secure a win. It is a tremendously popular sport in Japan with a selection of tournaments spread out throughout the year.
Where to view the tournaments?
There are six Grand Sumo tournaments held during the year with three in Tokyo and one in Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. The tournaments held in Tokyo are located at the Ryogoku Hall, which is the most famous sumo hall in Japan and even has a museum dedicated to the sport.
When is the Sumo season?
The Sumo tournaments are held for 15 days for each session and are at the following times of year:
- New Year Grand Sumo Tournament
(1st or 2nd Sunday in January, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo) - Spring Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka basho)
(2nd Sunday in March, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) - Summer Grand Sumo Tournament
(2nd Sunday in May, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo) - Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament
(1st or 2nd Sunday in July, Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium) - Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament
(2nd Sunday in September, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo) - Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament
(2nd Sunday in November, Fukuoka Convention Center)
How to book seats?
If you are interested in booking seats to see a Sumo event during your stay in Japan, we can organise these for you. However, we only have prices and seat availability information for the next tournament only, and do not have details for any later tournaments. Please contact us via email or our enquiry form (below) if you would like to organise any Sumo Tournament seats.
Related Pages:
- Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama
- Excluded JR lines, sleeper cars and journey times with JR Pass
- Japan Rail Pass to travel to and from Narita Airport
- About Japan Rail Pass
- About SUMO
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