Enjoying Sumo in Ryogoku: Grand Tournament Tickets, Morning Practice, and Chanko

Known as the heartland of sumo, Ryogoku is an appealing area where you can experience the culture of Japan’s national sport in depth. In addition to watching a Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, you can observe morning practice up close and feel the wrestlers’ intensity, then enjoy nutritious chanko hot pot—a trio of uniquely Ryogoku experiences. This article provides the latest information (as of 2026年7月) on enjoying sumo in Ryogoku, including Grand Sumo Tournament tickets, visits to morning practice at sumo stables, and recommended chanko restaurants.

Ryogoku Kokugikan and Grand Sumo Tournaments

Ryogoku Kokugikan is the “home of sumo,” hosting the major Grand Sumo Tournaments. Of the 6 tournaments held each year, 3 take place in Tokyo: January (the New Year Tournament), May (the Summer Tournament), and September (the Autumn Tournament). The wrestlers’ intense bouts and the electric atmosphere in the arena captivate visitors.

Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Dates and Ticket Sale Dates for 2026年 and 2027年

The planned Tokyo tournaments as of 2026年7月 are listed below. Tickets are highly sought after and becoming more difficult to obtain each year, so booking early is recommended.

How to Buy Grand Tournament Tickets

Tickets for Grand Sumo Tournaments can mainly be purchased through the following channels.

1. The Japan Sumo Association’s official “Ticket Oosumo”
   • Advance lottery sales and general sales are held through the official ticketing site.
   • Identity verification by phone-number authentication is now required for purchases, so registering in advance is recommended.
2. Sumo information offices
   • These primarily handle box seats and may offer plans that include bento boxes and souvenirs.
3. Ticket agencies (various ticketing websites)
   • Tickets are also sold through major ticket agencies, but popular seat types often sell out quickly.
4. Viewing tours offered by travel companies
   • If arranging tickets is difficult, or if you would like to combine the tournament with meals and sightseeing, consider a viewing tour offered by a travel company.

Seat Types and Price Guide (as of 2026年7月)

Ryogoku Kokugikan offers a variety of seating options, including tamari seats close to the dohyo (ringside seats), masu box seats for groups, and chair seats for a more casual viewing experience. You can choose according to your preferred style of watching and your budget.

Masu box seats are especially popular because they offer a traditional Japanese way to watch sumo. They are generally sold for groups of 4, but 1-person, 2-person, 3-person, 5-person, and 6-person boxes are also available.

Estimated Masu Box Seat Prices for the 2026年 September Tournament

※The prices above are estimates for masu box seats and do not include chair-seat prices. ※Prices are subject to change, so be sure to confirm them when purchasing.

For ticket purchases, also check the Book sightseeing tickets and passes page. You can reserve admission tickets and passes for a wide range of events.

Visiting Morning Practice at a Sumo Stable

Morning practice offers sumo fans a valuable opportunity to watch the wrestlers’ serious training up close—an experience quite different from attending a tournament. Ryogoku is home to many sumo stables, where rigorous practice begins early in the morning.

How to Watch Morning Practice

It can generally be difficult for individuals to make appointments directly with a sumo stable. If you would like to visit, the following options are recommended.

1. Join a practice-viewing tour
   • The most common and reliable option is to join a morning-practice viewing tour offered by a travel company or experience-tour operator.
   • Tours often include a knowledgeable sumo guide, transportation or directions to the stable, explanations of sumo history and etiquette, and commemorative photos with wrestlers after practice.
   • Many tours with English-speaking guides are also available.
2. Through a sumo stable supporters’ association
   • If you know someone connected to a stable’s supporters’ association, it may be possible to visit through an introduction.

【As of 2026年7月】Estimated Prices for Morning-Practice Viewing Tours

※Prices vary depending on the tour’s content and provider.

Etiquette and Important Notes for Visitors

Morning practice at a sumo stable is a solemn setting where wrestlers train with complete focus. Be sure to observe the following rules when visiting.

• Watch quietly: Refrain from chatting and avoid making loud noises.
• Photography and video: Flash photography and video recording are prohibited. Some stables may not allow photography at all.
• No eating or drinking: Food and drinks are not permitted in the practice area.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and remove hats and sunglasses.
• Visiting during tournaments and regional tours: Many stables restrict visits during Grand Sumo Tournaments and regional tours. Check in advance.

Examples of Sumo Stables That Are Relatively Easy to Visit

Examples of stables that generally accept visitors or have a record of hosting tour groups include Kokonoe stable, Arashio stable, Takasago stable, Kasugano stable, and Sakaigawa stable. Takasago stable is particularly known as a prestigious stable that has produced many yokozuna and ozeki.

As a special Ryogoku experience, you can also look for tours that include a visit to a sumo stable on the See day tours departing from Tokyo page.