September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo) 2026

• September 13, 2026 at 11:51 pm
  Event date:
• September 27, 2026 at 11:52 pm
  Event end:

As summer fades into autumn, sumo returns to Tokyo for one of the most important tournaments of the year. The September Basho, also called the Aki Basho (Autumn Tournament), is held at the legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan—sumo’s most iconic arena and spiritual home.

Event Details

• Event Name: September Grand Sumo Tournament 2026 (Aki Basho)
• Dates: September 13 (Sunday) to September 27 (Sunday), 2026
• Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
• Start Time:
  • Morning: Matches begin at 8:30 AM with lower-ranked divisions
  • Afternoon: Top-division bouts take place between 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Tickets: Reserved seating available in box and chair formats. Tickets go on sale several weeks prior and sell out fast—especially for weekends and the final days.

What to Expect

• Crucial Rankings Shifts: This tournament often sets the tone for the year-end sumo landscape. Wrestlers are pushing hard to lock in promotions, avoid demotions, and sometimes even chase a rare promotion to Yokozuna. Expect every bout to carry serious weight.
• Hometown Advantage: Held in Tokyo’s Sumida ward, the event attracts dedicated sumo fans, local families, and international visitors. Many top-ranked wrestlers call Tokyo their base, adding extra energy to the matches.
• Tradition and Ceremony: Like all sumo tournaments, the event is packed with ritual—from the powerful dohyō-iri (ring-entering ceremonies) to the salt-throwing purification before each bout. The atmosphere inside Ryogoku Kokugikan is electric, blending reverence with crowd excitement.
• The Venue – Ryogoku Kokugikan:
  • Known as the heart of sumo
  • Features a small museum inside, showcasing sumo history, famous wrestlers’ handprints, and ceremonial attire
  • Stalls inside sell sumo-themed goods, traditional snacks, and ekiben (bento boxes)
  • Visitors may even see rikishi walking through the concourse on their way to the ring

Venue & Access

• Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan Address: 1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015
• Getting There:
  • Just outside Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line
  • Also accessible via the Toei Oedo Line
  • Easy connections from major Tokyo hubs like Ueno, Akihabara, and Shinjuku

Visitor Tips

• Tickets: It’s recommended to book early, especially for the final weekend. Box seats provide the traditional tatami mat experience, while chair seating is more convenient for most visitors.
• Cultural Tips: Arrive early to explore the venue and watch the lower-division matches—you’ll see younger wrestlers who may be future stars. Stay for the yūshō (championship) ceremony on the final day, a unique cultural spectacle.
• Things to Do Nearby:
  • Visit Sumo Museum inside the Kokugikan
  • Explore the nearby Edo-Tokyo Museum or stroll along the Sumida River
  • Try Chanko Nabe (sumo stew) at one of the local restaurants, many run by former rikishi
• Language Support: English programs and translations are available. The event is very foreigner-friendly, with announcements often shown in multiple languages.

The September Grand Sumo Tournament is a must-see event for anyone in Tokyo during autumn. It’s more than a sport—it’s a living tradition where strength, ritual, and history collide. Whether you’re a devoted sumo follower or a curious traveler, this tournament offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s soul.

Location