Reiwa 7th Winter Tour Kurume Grand Sumo Tournament 2025

• Event date:
  December 7, 2025 at 9:00 am
• Event end:
  December 7, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Background & History

The Reiwa 7th Winter Tour Kurume Grand Sumo Tournament, part of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai’s regional Jungyo (exhibition tours), returns to Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on December 7, 2025, after a seven-year absence. Held at the modern Kurume Arena, this one-day, non-ranking event brings the excitement of sumo to Kyushu, showcasing top wrestlers like yokozuna Hoshoryu, Onosato, or emerging stars in a fan-friendly setting. The Winter Jungyo, following the November Fukuoka Kyushu Basho, features open practice sessions, sumo chants (jinku), technique demonstrations, and exhibition matches, offering an intimate look at Japan’s national sport.

Kurume, known for its historical ties to the Kyushu region, vibrant textile industry, and local delicacies like tonkotsu ramen and Kurume yakitori, provides a rich cultural backdrop. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Kurume Castle ruins, Suitengu Shrine, or the Kurume Ramen Street. This event combines thrilling sumo action with Fukuoka’s unique heritage, making it a must-visit for tourists and sumo enthusiasts seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Why Tourists Visiting Japan Should Attend

• Watch top sumo wrestlers, including yokozuna and ozeki, in exciting exhibition matches and demonstrations.
• Experience unique Jungyo elements like open practice sessions, sumo chants, and fan interactions.
• Enjoy the modern Kurume Arena, a premier venue in Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Explore Kurume’s cultural landmarks, such as Suitengu Shrine, and savor local cuisine like tonkotsu ramen.
• Family-friendly event with free admission for children under 4 on the second floor (on a lap).
• Accessible via public transport (15-minute bus from Kurume Station).
• Affordable tickets and souvenir/lunch box options enhance the cultural experience.

Ticket & Booking Information

Location: Kurume Arena, 1650 Higashikushiharamachi, Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
View on Google Maps

• Access: 15-minute bus ride from JR/Nishitetsu Kurume Station (bus stop: Kurume Arena-mae) or 10-minute taxi ride.

Event Date: December 7, 2025

• Schedule:
  • 09:00: Event starts (doors open TBD, typically 08:00).
  • Morning: Open practice, sumo chants (jinku), technique demonstrations (e.g., shokkiri).
  • Afternoon: Exhibition matches, including top-division bouts.
  • Event ends approximately 15:00 (subject to change).
• Sales Period: General sales ongoing until December 5, 2025, 23:59 JST.

Seating & Pricing

Souvenir & Lunch Box Tickets (Require Separate Admission Ticket)

Ticket Notes

• Sales Schedule: General sales for seat tickets and souvenir/lunch box tickets ongoing until December 5, 2025, 23:59 JST.
• Purchase through official channels (e.g., Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, e+, Nihon Sumo Kyokai) or Jasumo. Avoid secondary resellers like StubHub or Viagogo due to the risk of invalid tickets and Japan Sumo Association’s prohibition on commercial resale.
• Age Policy: All attendees, including infants, require a 1st floor seat ticket; preschool children prohibited in Tamari S seats for safety. Children under 4 free on 2nd floor if seated on an adult’s lap (ticket required for a seat).
• Wheelchair Seats: Not available via Ticket Pia; contact Grand Sumo Tour Ticket Office (0570-05-3366, after June 16, 2025) for reservations.
• Refund Policy: No cancellations or refunds for personal reasons, loss, or event changes.
• Venue Rules:
  • Shoes prohibited on 1st floor; bring slippers.
  • 2nd floor seats do not allow 1st floor access.
  • Alcohol consumption prohibited inside the venue.
  • Souvenir/lunch box tickets not valid for entry; separate seat ticket required.
  • Bath salts and hand & nail cream colors in Sujo set cannot be chosen.
  • Baggage inspections enforced; prohibited items listed on the Nihon Sumo Kyokai website.
• Sumo Bento Exchange: Redeem at designated venue location (check ticket for details).
• ID Verification: May be required (passport or valid ID recommended).

VIP & Premium Options

• Pair Masu Seats (West): Floor seating closest to the dohyo for an immersive experience; bring your own cushion or purchase on-site.
• Arena Seat S (Front/Front Facing): Premium reserved seats with excellent views of the ring.
• VIP Experience: Limited packages may include priority seating, exclusive souvenirs, or fan interactions (details TBD). Contact Jasumo for inquiries.

Event Highlights

• Open Practice: Watch wrestlers train up close, showcasing daily routines.
• Jinku: Traditional sumo chanting performances by wrestlers.
• Shokkiri: Humorous demonstration of forbidden sumo techniques.
• Exhibition Matches: Non-ranking bouts featuring top-division wrestlers, potentially including Hoshoryu or Onosato.
• Fan Interactions: Opportunities for photos or autographs with wrestlers (subject to availability).
• Ring Purification Ceremony: Traditional dohyo blessing with audience explanations.

How to Book Through Jasumo

Book your Japan sports tickets easily with Jasumo.

• Contact us via the Jasumo Contact Form to request your Reiwa 7th Winter Tour Kurume Grand Sumo Tournament 2025 tickets.
• Our team provides bilingual support, group travel bookings, and VIP seat arrangements.
• We assist with complex ticketing, including early reservations and special seating requests.

Inquiries:

• Grand Sumo Tour Ticket Office: 0570-05-3366 (10:00–17:00 JST)

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, helping them access and apply for tickets to various events, including but not limited to sports, festivals, and cultural activities. We are not a reseller of tickets, nor do we sell tickets directly. Our role is to support international customers by guiding them through the official ticket booking process, ensuring they can secure their tickets through recognized platforms and authorized providers.

As a business based in Japan with a bilingual staff and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by non-Japanese visitors, we address common bottlenecks such as:

• Language Barriers: Navigating Japan’s primarily Japanese-language ticketing systems can be challenging for foreign tourists. Jasumo provides bilingual support to bridge this gap and ensure a smooth booking experience.
  
• Access to Japanese-Only Platforms: Many events in Japan require local knowledge to navigate and access, and often these platforms do not offer international payment options or are difficult to use for non-Japanese speakers. We facilitate the booking process by providing guidance and helping with international payment methods where applicable.
  
• Limited Availability & Complex Registration: Events in Japan often have limited capacity, and understanding the timing and process for securing tickets can be confusing for international visitors. Jasumo helps you manage deadlines and requirements, giving you the best chance of securing your entry.
  

Due to high demand and limited capacity (e.g., for team events or specific ticket types), entries may close early. While we facilitate the registration process, availability cannot be guaranteed. Refunds will only be issued if entries cannot be secured through the official channels. We strongly recommend registering early to maximize your chances of attending.

Reviews

• “The Kurume Jungyo was a fantastic way to experience sumo in a relaxed, local setting — the fan interactions were a highlight!”
• “Jasumo’s bilingual support made securing Arena S seats effortless — unforgettable day!”
• “Combining sumo with Kurume’s ramen culture and shrines was the perfect Kyushu adventure!”

Location