Sumo Wrestling in Japan 2025 - When, Where and How to Experience

Sumo is a form of wrestling unique to Japan, which is the only country where it is practiced professionally and regarded as a national sport.

There are six annual tournaments held each year, taking place in the odd-numbered months. Each tournament lasts for 15 days, with matches held daily. The events are hosted in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with Tokyo hosting three of the tournaments, making it the most important venue for sumo wrestling.

If your travel schedule doesn't align with the sumo tournament dates or if you're having difficulty buying tickets, we can book a local sumo experience for you.

When to See Sumo Tournaments 2025

Tokyo hosts tournaments in January, May, and September, while Osaka holds its tournament in March. The tournaments in Nagoya and Fukuoka take place in July and November, respectively. For specific dates, please refer to the table:

How to Buy the Tickets for Sumo Tournaments 2025

You can buy the tickets on the official website: Ticket will start to be sold at least a month in advance. Book as early as possible, as tickets may sell out one or two days after they are released.

Tickets price

Tip: Box and Chair Seats are arranged by distance from the ring: S ＜ A ＜ B ＜ C ＜ D.

If tickets on the official website are sold out, consider purchasing from third-party websites, although prices are typically higher than those listed above.

The dates for these events vary each year, so it's important to regularly check the website for updates.

Where to See Sumo Tournaments in 2025

Official large-scale tournaments are typically held at fixed times and last for 15 days, with matches taking place daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. While the format of the events is largely consistent, there are subtle differences.

Sumo Wrestling Tournaments in Tokyo: Ryogoku Kokugikan (January, May, September)

Tokyo is the primary location for top-tier events, hosting three of the six major tournaments each year. This venue offers the highest probability of witnessing matches featuring yokozuna, the highest-ranking wrestlers.

During the tournaments, you could experience the full range of sumo rituals, such as the entrance ceremony and the salt purification of the ring.

The area around the venue also offers numerous sumo cultural experiences, including sumo-themed streets, statues of wrestlers, and a sumo museum. After the matches, you could tour the training stables known as "beya."

This is the only venue with a "Emperor's Viewing Seat," where members of the imperial family may attend during major events.

Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo

Sumo Wrestling in Osaka: Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium / Expo '70 Commemorative Park (March)

The sumo tournament in March is typically held in Osaka, and if you attend the matches at the end of March, you might also experience the cherry blossom season.

Outside the venue, you can participate in local festival activities. Namba is Osaka's entertainment and leisure hub, so after enjoying the sumo matches, don't forget to explore the surrounding area and savor the local cuisine and drinks.

In 2025, the tournament will take place at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, and some seats will come with exclusive commemorative gifts.

Address: 3-4-36 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Sumo Wrestling in Nagoya: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium (July)

The summer tournament in Nagoya has a relaxed atmosphere, with many wrestlers from the central region competing for higher rankings. The audience support is exceptionally high, and the smaller venue allows for closer seating to the ring, enhancing the immersive experience.

After watching the sumo matches, be sure to try Nagoya's famous chicken wing rice bowl.

Address: 1-chōme-2-2 Meijō, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846,

Sumo Wrestling in Fukuoka: Fukuoka International Center (November)

The Fukuoka tournament often has new wrestlers who are competing for the first time, and this venue uniquely allows spectators to bring small cheering flags into the free seating area, creating an electrifying atmosphere comparable to a concert.

After the matches, you can enjoy Kyushu's specialty sumo hot pot, typically made with a rich tonkotsu broth. In Fukuoka, known for its culinary delights, the fun continues with "hashi-shita" — hopping from one restaurant to another to sample various dishes and drinks.

Address: 2-2 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka

How to Experience Sumo Wresting as a Traveler

If you're in Japan when there are no sumo matches, or if it's hard to get tickets and fit the match times into your travel plans, you can still experience sumo culture.

Sumo Stables in Tokyo:

We can connect with local sumo stables for your visiting where you could watch their daily training sessions. After training, there will be opportunities to interact with the wrestlers, take photos, and engage in conversations. This experience is often more enjoyable, relaxed, and interactive compared to formal matches.

Takasago Stable

Address: 3-5-4 Honjo, Sumida, Tokyo 130-0004

or Arashio Stable

Address: 2-47-4 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo Sumo Wresting Performance in Osaka:

The performances at Nirakuza Sumo Hall combine matches with an introduction to sumo knowledge. The performers are all former sumo wrestlers, allowing you to experience the true power of sumo in a more relaxed and engaging way.

The entire event is conducted in English and lasts 60 minutes. You can enjoy the show while ordering bento boxes (including vegetarian and halal options) and drinks. There's also a chance to be a lucky spectator and apply to experience a match alongside the wrestlers.

Nirakuza Sumo Hall, Osaka

Address: 8th Floor, Namba Park, 2-10-70 Namba Naka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Tips for Watching or Experience Sumo Wrestling Tournament

Matches usually start with lower-ranked wrestlers, with higher-level bouts beginning around 2 PM. Many attendees prefer to arrive during the time when top sumo wrestlers are competing, so it's advisable to arrive early.

If your time is limited, you can arrive around 3 PM to watch the high-level matches scheduled from 3:30 PM to 6 PM.

Photography is Prohibited: Avoid taking photos during the matches, as this may cause distractions.

There are no sumo matches held in Kyoto, but you can easily attend events in Osaka (11 minutes by Shinkansen) or Nagoya (40 minutes by Shinkansen). Therefore, even while in Kyoto, you could enjoy the excitement of sumo wrestling.

Facts about Sumo Wrestling in Japan

How long is a sumo match?

Sumo matches typically last only a few seconds to several minutes. The longest recorded match lasted 4 minutes and 50 seconds, demonstrating the intense physicality and strategy involved.

What is the highest rank in sumo wrestling?

The highest rank in sumo is Yokozuna. The name literally means "horizontal rope," referring to the ceremonial rope worn around the waist, which is the most visible symbol of their rank. Achieving this prestigious title requires not just exceptional skill but also a strong moral character and consistent performance at the highest level.

What is origin of sumo wrestling?

Sumo wrestling has its origins in ancient Japan, dating back over 1,500 years. Initially, it was performed as a form of entertainment for the gods during religious ceremonies.

Over time, sumo evolved into a competitive sport, gaining popularity among the common people and becoming a significant aspect of Japanese culture.

What is the training and lifestyle of sumo wrestlers like?

Sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, live in training stables called heya, where they follow a strict daily regimen that includes intense training, a specific diet (often consisting of a high-calorie stew called chanko-nabe), and adherence to traditional customs and rituals. The lifestyle is highly disciplined, with wrestlers often rising early for training and maintaining a strict hierarchy within the stable.

Why is sumo wresting important to Japan culture?

Sumo is not just a sport; it is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions. The ceremonial aspects of sumo reflect its spiritual origins and the respect afforded to the wrestlers.

While sumo is a traditional Japanese sport, it has gained international popularity over the years. There are sumo clubs and competitions around the world, and many foreign wrestlers have successfully competed in Japan, bringing a diverse range of styles and techniques to the sport.

What are the basic rules of sumo wrestling?

Unlike many other combat sports, sumo does not have weight classes. Wrestlers of all sizes compete against each other, which adds to the unpredictability and excitement of matches. This open competition allows smaller wrestlers to use agility and technique to defeat larger opponents.

Let's Help You Arrange Your Tour in Japan

We offer itineraries for traditional Japanese experiences, including sumo wrestling experience, as well as routes that contain locations of sumo venues.

If needed, we can customize your experience, including ticket arrangements and transportation, based on your schedule. Feel free to contact us, and we'll help you create your Japan itinerary according to your preferences.

Tour recommendations:

• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour: Historical and Lively
• 12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour