The Best Sumo Tournaments to Attend in Japan
Sumo began as a ritual ceremony to predict the year’s harvest and took its current form with established rules and traditions during the Edo period. Today, it remains Japan’s national sport, cherished by many.
For Japanese people, sumo is more than just a sport—it is a cultural tradition. The official sumo tournaments, known as “Honbasho,” offer a great opportunity to witness intense matches up close! This article introduces how to enjoy sumo matches, other sumo-related events, morning practice sessions at sumo stables, and unique sumo-themed accommodations.
What is a Grand Sumo Tournament?
The official sumo tournaments, called Honbasho, are held six times a year, each lasting 15 days. The final day, known as “Senshūraku,” determines each wrestler’s overall performance, making the latter half of the tournament particularly exciting. If your schedule allows and tickets are available, it is recommended to attend in the later days of the tournament.
Schedule of Honbasho:
- January Tournament (Hatsu Basho): Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
- March Tournament (Haru Basho): Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
- May Tournament (Natsu Basho): Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
- July Tournament (Nagoya Basho): Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
- September Tournament (Aki Basho): Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
- November Tournament (Kyushu Basho): Fukuoka Kokusai Center
Rankings and Match Progression in Honbasho
During a tournament, sumo wrestlers compete based on their ranking:
- Yokozuna: The highest rank and the symbol of sumo.
- Ozeki: The second-highest rank.
- Sekiwake & Komusubi: Known as “San’yaku,” often considered candidates for Ozeki and Yokozuna.
- Maegashira: Wrestlers in the top division competing to maintain their status.
- Juryo and below: Wrestlers in lower divisions, including Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonokuchi, striving for promotion.
Each wrestler competes once per day, aiming for a Kachikoshi (a winning record of at least 8 wins out of 15). Some wrestlers may remain undefeated throughout the tournament.
Daily Schedule of a Honbasho
- 8:00 AM: Doors open (Yose Daiko drum performance by the callers)
- 8:25 AM: Mae-zumo (preliminary matches)
- 8:35 AM: Matches begin from Jonokuchi (lowest division)
- 2:14 PM: Juryo ring-entering ceremony
- 2:35 PM: Juryo matches start
- 3:40 PM: Makuuchi ring-entering ceremony
- 3:55 PM: Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony
- 4:10 PM: Makuuchi matches begin
- 5:55 PM: Yumitori-shiki (bow-twirling ceremony)
This schedule may vary slightly. Spectators are free to enter and leave at any time during the event.
The Appeal of Watching Sumo
Watching sumo live offers more than just the matches—it allows fans to experience the unique atmosphere, rituals such as the ring-entering ceremony, the bow-twirling ceremony, and the traditional sound of the Yose Daiko drum.
Ticket Prices and How to Purchase
Tickets for the official tournaments can be purchased from the Japan Sumo Association’s official website.
- Box Seats (Masu-seki): Traditional floor seating in a boxed area.
- Arena Seats: Regular stadium-style chairs.
Approximate Prices for a 4-person Box Seat:
- Box Seat B:
- Weekends & Holidays: ¥42,000 (tax included)
- Weekdays: ¥40,000 (tax included)
- Box Seat C:
- Weekends & Holidays: ¥38,000 (tax included)
- Weekdays: ¥34,000 (tax included)
Arena Seat Prices:
- Chair Seat B:
- Weekends & Holidays: ¥5,500 (tax included)
- Weekdays: ¥5,000 (tax included)
- Chair Seat C:
- Weekends & Holidays: ¥4,000 (tax included)
- Weekdays: ¥3,500 (tax included)
Prices may vary depending on the venue, and additional service fees may apply. Always purchase tickets through the official website to avoid scams.
Other Sumo Events Beyond Honbasho
Apart from official tournaments, sumo fans can enjoy regional tours and morning training sessions at sumo stables.
Regional Tours
During non-tournament months, regional tours (Jungyo) are held across Japan, providing fans with a closer look at wrestlers. Some events even allow photo opportunities and autographs. There are also rare international tours, such as the upcoming London tour in October 2025.
Visiting Morning Training Sessions at Sumo Stables
Sumo wrestlers belong to training groups called sumo stables (heya), where they live and train together like a family. Some sumo stables allow visitors to watch their morning practice (asageiko). Some are open to the public, some require membership, and others can only be visited through a tour.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Morning Practice:
- Be quiet—turn off phones and avoid talking.
- Some stables allow viewing from outside the building. Be mindful of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Check photography rules—some stables prohibit photography.
Example Sumo Stables Open for Visit:
- Arashio Stable
- Website
- Viewing hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: 2-47-2 Nihonbashi-Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (3 min walk from Hamacho Station)
- Tokitsukaze Stable
- Website
- Viewing hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: 3-15-4 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (3 min walk from Ryogoku Station)
- Isenoumi Stable
- Website
- Viewing hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: 1-22-2 Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (near Sengoku Station)
Recommended Sumo-Themed Hotels
- Stay SAKURA Tokyo Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel
- Website
- Address: 3-30-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 10 min walk from Asakusa Station
Once known as Kokonoe Stable, this hotel retains its original sumo stable structure, offering a unique experience in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district.
Sumo has a 1,500-year history and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Attending a sumo tournament is not just about the sport—it’s about experiencing a treasured tradition firsthand.
Sumo is not just about large men colliding—it is a deeply rooted tradition and Japan’s national sport! If you are interested, be sure to check out the Japan Sumo Association’s website and enjoy a live sumo match or a morning training session.
