Sumo Practice Viewing Guided Tour and Photo with Sumo Wrestlers

Tokyo , Japan

Sumo Practice Viewing Guided Tour and Photo with Sumo Wrestlers

Active

(27 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This rare tour takes customers to a sumo stable where sumo wrestlers live and train every day. Get an up-close look at the morning practice, where sumo wrestlers fiercely collide with each other. The tour will visit a sumo stable where active Makuuchi Division wrestlers belong. The tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter who will provide basic information about sumo and introduce the wrestlers of Tatsunami-beya, the sumo stable that the tour will be visiting. Whispering and talking are strictly prohibited while watching the practice, but an audio guide service is available. After watching, customers can look forward to taking photos with the wrestlers and even seeing some personal belongings. Includes JTB Sunrise Tours original merchandise exclusive to this tour! Customers will be able to take home a souvenir from the tour.

Available options

2025 Tours

2026 Tours

What's included

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter

JTB Sunrise Tours original merchandise

Audio guide service

Sumo stable practice viewing

Commemorative photo with sumo wrestlers

Detailed itinerary

This rare tour takes you to a sumo stable where sumo wrestlers live and train every day. This remarkable stable holds a unique distinction in the world of sumo: it is the one in Tokyo that currently houses an active Yokozuna, the highest and most prestigious rank in professional sumo wrestling. *Please note that the Yokozuna does not appear at every practice session.

Viewing Lecture: To ensure that customers can enjoy watching the practice while observing proper etiquette, the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will provide basic information about sumo and the Tatsunami Stable, as well as important points to follow when watching the practice. Those who do not agree to the terms and conditions may not be allowed to watch the practice. The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter will give explanations about the audio guide service. Whispering and talking are strictly prohibited while watching the practice, but customers can listen to commentary from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, allowing them to enjoy watching with a deeper understanding.

Practice Viewing with Audio Guide: Get an up-close look at sumo wrestlers as they train for the Grand Sumo Tournament, which is held 6 times a year. Customers will watch seated on a wooden floor, but cushions will be provided. Chairs will be provided for customers who have difficulty sitting. Please make a reservation in advance. While whispering and talking are strictly prohibited during the practice, an audio guide service is available, allowing customers to listen to explanations from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, gaining a deeper understanding and making the practice viewing more enjoyable. Depending on the number of wrestlers practicing on the day, the time for practice viewing may be shorter than 45 minutes. In this case, the tour may end earlier than the indicated time, but refunds will not be issued. Furthermore, depending on the number of wrestlers, the time for practice viewing may be longer.

Commemorative Photo with Sumo Wrestlers & Personal Belongings Viewing and Q&A Corner: After the practice, customers can take a commemorative photo with the wrestlers. Customers can also check out personal belongings such as sumo-sized yukata and bath towels, as well as the training equipment used during practice, giving a glimpse into the life of a sumo wrestler. There will also be a Q&A corner where customers can ask questions to the sumo wrestlers. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to converse with an active sumo wrestler!

What's not included

Food and drink

Fees other than those listed in Includes

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The training hall is a sacred place where sumo wrestlers train hard every day in order to obtain the highest rank of yokozuna. Please be sure to understand and follow the precautions when watching to avoid distracting the wrestlers and preventing injury

Please stay quiet as whispering and talking are strictly prohibited / Do not stand up or move around / It is strictly forbidden to step on the ring or touch the wrestlers without permission / When seated, do not stretch your legs out towards the sumo wrestling ring (It is considered impolite to show the soles of the feet to sumo wrestlers) / Excessive perfume or fabric softener scents are strictly prohibited / Eating and drinking are not allowed / Please keep your mobile phone on silent mode or turned off, and do not use flash photography / Please refrain from leaving midway / During the visit, please take off your shoes. Please keep shoes neatly in place / The restroom may be used, but due to limited availability, customers are advised in general to use a restroom prior to entry / In addition, strollers and large baggage such as suitcases cannot be brought

Please note that times listed on the itinerary are estimates. Depending on the number of wrestlers practicing on the day, the time for practice viewing may be shorter than 45 minutes. In this case, the tour may end earlier than the indicated time, but refunds will not be issued. Furthermore, depending on the number of wrestlers, the time for practice viewing may be longer. In this case, the tour may end later than the indicated time

Children 0-3 years old may not join this tour

Please refrain from bringing food and drinks into the sumo stable

Please remove sunglasses and hats inside as it is considered rude

While whispering and talking are strictly prohibited during the practice, an audio guide service is available, allowing customers to listen to explanations from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and make the tour more enjoyable

While watching the practice, experience Japanese culture with the provided cushion seating on tatami mat flooring. Chairs will be provided for customers who have difficulty sitting. Please make a request in the Remarks in advance

Please note that the Yokozuna does not appear at every practice session

Tatsunami Stable entrance is located approximately 30 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Toei Line, Tokyo Metro Line, Tobu Railway.) It can also be accessed by taking the Toei Bus East 42-Ko route bus or the Taito Ward Kita-Megurin loop bus

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Tatsunami Stable entrance. To easily identify your guide, look for someone wearing a blue happi coat — a traditional Japanese jacket — with the Sunrise Tours logo printed on the back.

Important notes

If you arrive at the meeting point but have trouble locating your guide, please call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours at +81 3 5796 5454 (available 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.