Considered the heart of the Japanese tradition of sumo wrestling, the Ryogoku Kokugikan is a multifaceted venue with a museum and a fighting area. It has a capacity of more than 10,000 and hosts some of the most important sumo tournaments in the world. Get a glimpse into the national sport in this exciting arena.
Learn about the rules, facts and history of the sport in the Sumo Museum. Notice the old banzuke ranking lists and check out the costumes worn by the great wrestlers of yesteryear.
Purchase tickets to one of the tournaments held in January, May and September. During a honbashi (sumo event), the arena is usually packed with passionate fans. Revel in the electric atmosphere and spot the traditional Shinto roof floating above the sumo area. The fight consists of a combat between two large men wearing colorful mawashi loincloths, each attempting to push the other from inside a marked circle to the outside.
Book in advance and go with a Japanese-speaking guide for a chance to see the sumo stables in the district. As the place where the wrestlers live and practice, these stables provide a fascinating insight into their world.
Note that the Ryogoku area has long held a connection to sumo wrestling, which was historically practiced in the outdoor settings of temples. The first sumo venue in the neighborhood was constructed in 1909, before this arena was set up in 1985. Attend one of the many other events that take place here throughout the year, including wrestling, boxing and music recitals.
The museum opens Monday through Friday from morning to afternoon and is free to enter. The Ryogoku Kokugikan lies on the eastern side of the Sumida River in the Yokoami district of northeastern Tokyo. Ride the train to the Ryogoku Station that marks the southern side of the venue, in the Sumida ward. While you’re in the area, see nearby sights such as Theater X, the Kyu Yasuda Garden and the Sumida Hokusai Museum.
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