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7 Best Sumo Experiences You Can Book Instantly

Experiences

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• Admission to the demonstration and meals are both covered
• Meet and learn from a retired sumo wrestler
• Battle a hulking former sumo wrestler as you enter the ring yourself (if you dare)
• Fill up on tasty chanko nabe, rice, miso, salad and more during an included lunch

Introduction

Seeing a sumo match is an unforgettable experience. It’s not just the sheer athletic spectacle of two mountains of flesh colliding, it’s the whole atmosphere of the arena. However, it’s not easy for tourists to buy tickets.

If you’re organized and your timing is right, you can buy tickets in advance online from the Ticket Osumo site. For full details on this option, check out our How to Buy Tickets for a Tokyo Sumo Match (the procedure is the same for Osaka).

(You can also purchase tickets online to see the early morning sumo practice sessions in Tokyo which might be a worthy alternative. The practice sessions happen all year round. You can read my account of attending a sumo practice session in Tokyo to get an idea of what to expect).

But don’t despair if you didn’t get tokyo sumo match tickets online. There’s another way: You can go directly to the arena when a tournament is being held and buy “tojitsuken” (same-day tickets). First, check the English sumo schedule to determine the exact dates of the Osaka tournament. It’s held from the second Sunday in March to the last Sunday in March. Note that it’s easiest to get weekday tickets early in the tournament. Later days and weekend days sell out sooner (requiring an earlier wake-up to get tickets). Here are all the details.

Buying Same-Day Tickets at the Arena

The March Sumo Tournament is held at Edion Arena (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium), which is in Namba, in the Minami District of Osaka. The easiest way to get there is to take the Midosuji Subway Line from Umeda Station or Shin-Osaka Station.

In order to get tickets, you should get to the stadium around 7am on a weekday and 6am on a weekend or on one of the final days of the tournament. If you’re coming from Kyoto, you can take an early kaisoku or shinkaisoku train on the JR line (these start running just after 5am), or you can jump on the first Haruka airport express train (which departs Kyoto at 5.45am on both weekdays and weekends/holidays). In either case, get off at Shin-Osaka and get on the Midosuji subway line, bound for Namba.

When you arrive at Namba Station, follow the signs for Exit #5.

Take the escalator to street level. In front of you, you will see Daikoku Drug Store (see the picture below, since the sign is only written in Japanese).

Cross the street and walk past Daikoku Drug Store (keeping it on your left). Walk to the third street and take a left. Walk a few blocks and you will see the Edion Arena in front of you at the end of the street. On sumo tournament days, there will be colorful flags in front of the stadium (each flag represents a wrestler competing in the tournament).

Facing the stadium, walk to your right and you will find the line for same-day tickets on the right side of the stadium.

A worker will be holding a sign showing the end of the line. It reads 当日券最後尾　(tojitsuken saikobi) in Japanese. Line up at the end of the line.

At around 7.20am, workers come around and hand out seiriken (number tickets). These confirm your place in the line.

Here’s a picture of the Japanese side of a seiriken.

Here’s a picture of the English side of the seiriken. Note that even if you have a seiriken, you cannot now walk away and come back to buy tickets later. You MUST remain on line to buy your tickets. Also note that every person in your party must have their own seiriken (so be sure to get one). The only exception is children younger than four years of age.

At around 7.45am, they start selling the same-day tickets. At this point, the line will be allowed to advance toward the ticket windows. There are usually three windows. Just before you get to the windows, a worker will check your seiriken. These guys are usually retired sumo wrestlers, so it’s not a good idea to get into a shoving match with them.

Once at the counter, you can buy your ticket (remember, one ticket per person only). The tickets cost Y2100 for adults and Y200 for children (between the ages of 4 and the end of junior high school). As noted above, children below 4 years of age do not need tickets (but, a sumo arena is not a great place for really young children). You MUST PAY IN JAPANESE YEN CASH, so be sure to bring enough, because there are no ATMs nearby.

By around 8am, the last of the same-day tickets will be sold. Here’s a picture of an actual same-day ticket (tojitsu-ken).

After Buying Your Ticket/Inside the Arena

After buying their same-day tickets, some people join the line for entry to the stadium (gates open at around 8.30am). This allows you to claim a decent seat in the unreserved section. However, you’ll wind up hanging about until early afternoon, when the action starts. Thus, I recommend just going back to your hotel and taking a nap. Then, do some sightseeing. And then return to the arena around 4pm, which is when the upper-rank wrestlers enter the arena.

When you enter the arena, you will see people handing out match schedules. Some of them will be handing out English-language match schedules. Grab one of these. Usually, they’ll offer them to anyone with a foreign face. They’re free.

Head up to the third level. There are usually plenty of guides around to give directions, including a few folks who speak English. Upon entering the arena, you’ll be greeted by the awesome sight of the dohyo (ring) and the ceremonial roof above it. This is surrounded by the masu and tamari seats, which are box seats where people sit on the floor. Behind these are the normal upright reserved seats.

For those with same-day tickets, the only seating options are the areas marked “自由席 unreserved seat”. These can be found at the ends of the third-level. Sometimes, people have left things on the seat to hold them until they return to the stadium later. This is a dodgy practice, but it’s kind of hard to remove the stuff and sit there, because you’ll be waiting for those people to return and worrying that they might be giant hulking gangsters. So, it’s better to look for truly open seats. There are also small sections at the very end of each side of the third level with no seats, where you can sit on the floor. No matter where you sit in the unreserved section, you’ll be far from the action, so consider bringing binoculars.

At 4pm, the upper-rank wrestlers enter the arena. There is a colorful ceremony to mark their entry. This is when the action really starts. For the next two hours, you’ll be watching the best wrestlers competing against each other. The last bout finishes around 6pm.

Other Useful Links

• For information on how to buy sumo tickets in advance for any tournament in Japan (including Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka), as well as information about how to buy same-day tickets in Tokyo, see How to Buy Tickets for a Tokyo Sumo Match .
• If you’d like to stay in Osaka to be nearer to the stadium, check out our Where to Stay in Osaka page. For some recommended hotels in Osaka, check out our Osaka Hotels page .

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Osaka’s sumo tournament – ritual to the gods.

Watching a sumo match at Osaka’s Sumo Tournament is a quintessential Japanese experience that is unforgettable. Firstly, the sheer athletic feat of two Goliath-like humans wrestling is something to behold. Secondly, the whole atmosphere of the arena erupts into a frenzy. The tightly packed stadiums, with the front row just a few metres from the centre stage, make an electric atmosphere.

Table of Contents

What is Osaka’s Sumo Tournament? 

Every year, for two weeks in March, one of the biggest sumo wrestling events takes place in Osaka. There are a total of six official professional sumo tournaments throughout the year, called honbasho in Japanese. This term is to distinguish the difference between other unofficial tournaments. At the official tournaments, there is a cash prize as well as a chance for the sumo wrestlers to increase their ranking. However, at unofficial tournaments, there is no impact on their ranking.

The six honbasho are: January ( Hatsubasho ) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan March ( Harubasho ) – Osaka, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium May ( Natsubasho ) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan July ( Nagoyabasho ) – Nagoya, Aichi Prefecturial Gymnasium September ( Akibasho) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan November ( Kyushubasho ) – Fukuoka, Fukuoka Kokusai Center

The honbasho lasts for 15 days, with the sumo wrestlers ranked in the top two divisions ( Makiuchi and   jūryō ) wrestling once each day. The sumo wrestlers in the lower divisions wrestle around seven times, once every alternate day. The main goal for the sumo wrestlers is to achieve enough wins to gain entry to the next tournament. In each division, there is a prize for the wrestler with the most wins and an overall trophy (Emperor’s Cup) for the winner of the tournament.

Although there is no fixed matching system, for the first half of the tournament, the highest ranked wrestlers will pair against the lowest ranked wrestlers. The second half of the tournament sees the highest rank sumo wrestlers competing amongst each other, with the remainder of the ranks determined by their win-loss records up to that point.

What is Sumo Wrestling?

Sumo wrestling is a clash between two wrestlers, with the first to knock down or push out the opponent winning. The bout takes place in a clay ring or Dohyo in Japanese. Historically, the aim was to throw one’s opponent but the rules adapted and changed according to the times. However, now the goal is to push the opponent outside of the sand covered circle and to get off balance so they fall and touch the ground with a body part other than the foot. Whilst there is no time limit, most matches usually last less than one minute and sometimes just a few seconds.

To win, wrestlers can do pretty much anything in the ring to win, from slapping, tackling and tripping their opponent. However, they can not punch, poke sensitive areas or pull hair. Furthermore, if a wrestler’s loincloth happens to come off, they are immediately disqualified. It may seem like a simple sport but there are actually over eighty two winning techniques that a wrestler can use, called kimarite .

Suma has no weight or height classes so there are often mismatches. The average weight of the first division wrestlers is around 150-160kg with the all-time heaviest sumo wrestler, Anatoly Mikhakhanov, weighing a staggering 288kg! However, sumo wrestling is much more than just weight and size. Speed, agility and experience play a big factor.

History of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling dates back over 1,500 years ago. Ancient paintings and drawings show that it was performed as a part of agricultural rituals for gods to determine the success of the year’s harvest. Tradition states that sumo wrestlers from different farming villages split into two groups to wrestle. The winning group would gain favour from the gods and receive a more bountiful harvest. Other paintings also show that it sumo was part of Imperial court ceremonies in the 7th and 8th centuries. Although there are different chores about its origin, people say that sumo was traditionally a dance and ritual with prayers following the Shinto movement.

In 1192, a military dictatorship in Kamakura had a positive effect on the development of Sumo. People thought it allowed fighters to gain more fighting power. Furthermore, during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Japan’s trade was thriving, which led to Sumo becoming a form of entertainment. It became regulated with tournaments being held to fund shrines and temples. However in 1868, the Meiji restoration saw a westernization of Japan and thus a shift in sponsors. This resulted in the decline of sumo wrestling. In an attempt to restore the sport, the Meiji-Tennou organised a sumo tournament in 1884. It was to show the importance of culture, tradition and heritage of the sport.

Following the popularity of the tournament, the Japanese Sumo Association started. They decided to increase the number of tournaments to four a year and then to six in 1958. Now, it is hugely popular with locals and people around the world. Sumo is becoming more internationally recognised with the likes of the U.S, Mongolia and Argentina producing sumo wrestlers. In addition, there is now female sumo wrestling, showing the expansion of the historic sport.

Shinto in Sumo Wrestling

As sumo has changed and adapted over the centuries, it has still kept the Shinto aspects it once had. Wrestlers sip sacred water and throw salt into the ring to purify it before the match. Furthermore, the referees dress like Shinto priests with a Shinto shrine hanging over the ring. Finally, when they enter the ring, they clap their hands to summon the gods. You may also be wondering about their hairstyle? Many of the ancient paintings show slicked hair tied at the back, which is still in present times, to honour the ancient sport.

Buying Tickets for Osaka’s Sumo Tournament

There are a few ways of buying tickets to the Osaka’s sumo tournament, as wells as others around Japan.

Ticket Oosumo

Using the Ticket Oosumo English website , you can easily purchase tickets online. This is the easiest and most reliable way to get tickets for the sumo tournament so it is highly recommended. After purchasing the tickets, you can collect them at the stadium on the day of the tournament. They will send an email containing your ticket number. At the stadium go to the ticket machine and enter this number (or the credit card number you used to purchase your ticket) and it will print it out for you.

The best seats are on the located right infant of the stage, called the shomen (ringside). As you get further away from the stage, the prices of the tickets become cheaper. Ringside tickets usually cost around ¥20,000 and general admission tickets typically cost around ¥2,500.

Ticket Shops

Throughout Japan, there are various ticket shops where you can purchase the Sumo Tournament tickets but the recommended sho pis Ticket Pia. In some cases, there may be queues forming outside so it is best to get there early. The staff will give you a form requiring the event you want to go to and some personal details. It is common for the shop to sell out of tickets so be careful. If this is your only method of buying a ticket, then it’s best to get there as early as possible!

On the Day Tickets

If you are unable to purchase the tickets online or at a store, there are a limited amount of tickets sold on the day. There are just a few hundred and are for general seating, not the more expensive box seats. These seats are not reserved so you can sit wherever you like in the section. When lining up, a staff member will hand you a small number ticket (seiriken), telling you a little about the ticket guidelines. You must stay in line to buy your tickets so don’t walk away. At the counter, you can purchase a general ticket (one ticket per person), which costs ¥2,100 for adults and ¥200 for children. Children below the age of 4 do not need a ticket. In addition, it is cash only!

How to Enjoy Osaka’s Sumo Tournament

Gates open from 8:30 am but the action starts in the early afternoon. If you are looking to buy a ticket on the day, then it’s best to get to the stadium when the gates open or even before. Once you have secured your ticket, you can hang around in the arena, or wonder around Osaka a little bit until the action starts. The lower ranked sumo wrestlers begin proceedings. Then from 3:30pm, the higher rank wrestlers enter the arena and usually finished around 6pm. During idling time, there are plenty of opportunities for photo taking, with spectacular views of the dohyo (ring) with the shinto shrine hanging from above.

There are a few ceremonies throughout the day to introduce the sumo wrestlers and begin proceedings. The first is the dohyo-iri , or ring ceremony. This is performed by the top two division wrestlers, Makiuchi and jūryō. They are split into two groups – East and West. Each group takes turn entering the ring, presenting themselves. The lower ranked wrestlers enter first with the highest at the end. They are introduced one by one and at the end, they all face each other in a circle. After clapping their hands once, they raise their right hand, then lift their  kesho-mawashi  (decorative aprons created for the ring ceremony). Finally, they lift both hands in unison. This is to honour the samurai era, where it was shown that they were holding no weapons or armour. At the last fight of the day, a bow twirling ceremony is performed bu the Makushita – ranked wrestlers.

There is not much else to do in the arena, however it is in the hub of entertainment, Namba. You can enjoy the surrounding area, which is full of restaurants, izakayas and shops.

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (EDION Arena)

The Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, often referred to as the EDION arena, is a multi-purpose sports hall located in Namba, Osaka. It first opened in 1952 and underwent renovations, with the current building constructed in 1987. The gymnasiums has various arenas, dojos and courts for sports such as tennis and badminton. Furthermore, there are several conference rooms and multi-purpose halls.

In 2020, the sumo tournament in Osaka restricted any spectators due to COVID-19. This was the first time in the sport’s history that there were no spectators. Furthermore, in 2021, the tournament was moved to Tokyo. Luckily, the 2022 tournament in Osaka is to go ahead with tickets slightly limited as precautions against spreading COVID-19.

5-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Nankai Railway

Address: 〒 556-0011 3-4-36 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka Tel: 06-6631-0121 Web: https://furitutaiikukaikan.ne.jp/

Watch a video on Osaka’s Sumo Tournament here:

Sumo wrestling dates back centuries ago and is rich with history, culture and tradition. It is much more than a sport but a way of life and is a fascinating insight into Japanese culture. Whether it’s the premium ringside seats or the general seating at the back, the atmosphere and spectacle is so unique, it is well worth watching.

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Visit Sumo Training- Morning

- Watch sumo training session with knowledgeable sumo tour guide. - Stroll around vicinity of stable. Sumo is a contact sport. Sumo wrestlers weighing over 100kg (220 lb) practice with all their strength. You can watch their practice at the ring side. Sumo wrestlers wearing nothing but a loincloth surround the ring. Practice starts from the lower ranked sumo wrestlers. All other wrestlers except for the competing two perform stretching exercise, basic sumo exercise to strengthen legs, hips, and upper body, and muscle building exercise. A match practice is a serious bout between two sumo wrestlers. As if competing in a real tournament, wrestlers hit head to head, push each other, or throw the opponent onto the ring. The winner is qualified to stay in the ring and competes with a new opponent. Some wresters stay in the ring for a long time by beating many opponents. As the practice progresses a higher ranked wrestler comes into the ring and easily defeats the lower ranked winner. Sumo is a world of real ability. Only the talented and well trained wrestlers can get to the higher rank and the rest should leave or retire. Consequently, a sumo practice watch tour is permitted only to those who realize and follow the sumo tradition and manners. Our guide will ask you to follow certain rules in watching the practice. We may sometimes have to ask certain people who don’t follow the rules to leave the tour. Our officially certified guide comes to meet you at your hotel and gives you basic guidance on how to properly watch a sumo practice at a sumo stable. Many sumo stables are not taking foreign visitors now, but we will do our utmost effort to find such stables that accept a sumo practice watch.

The World Overload

For Those With Wanderlust

Hirakuza Osaka: Sumo Wrestling’s Latest Entertainment Show

Sumo wrestling has always been a staple of the Japanese culture. Its traditions and social impact have continued to fascinate people all over the world. The history from its conception to now is over 1,500 years. It is Japan’s national sport as well as an amateur sport from grade school to college, and those who have made it their commitment for life are considered professional athletes.

Visitors to Japan can go on guided sumo wrestling experience tours or purchase tickets to official matches and tournaments. You can see them in their training stable called “ heya ,” which showcases their workouts, eating habits, and day-to-day activities. If you’re lucky, you can watch an exhibition match in the heya .

However, you’ll only be watching from the comfort of the sidelines. That’s why seeing this new interactive concept brought to life for everyone’s enjoyment is so exciting.

Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza , located in Osaka, is bringing us a fresh new perspective this upcoming spring by allowing us to personally interact and experience sumo wrestling firsthand with these professionals in an all-new experimental entertainment show.

This is in the hope that by bringing more inbound visitors to experience the allure of Japanese culture, it will increase in part the benefits of tourism to this amazing country.

Rules of Sumo Wrestling

The center of the elevated stage where the wrestlers perform is called the dohyo . Numerous straw bales form a circle, while the inside of the floor is covered in a layer of sand to maintain traction and stability while wrestling occurs.

You will observe the ritualistic and symbolic gestures before the match starts. This includes the always popular and familiar salt tossing to purify the dohyo .

To win, the sumo wrestler must force their opponent out of the ring. There are multiple winning techniques that can lead to this through pushing, gripping, lifting, thrusting, and throwing. The wrestler must have any part of their body other than the soles of their feet outside of the ring. Size and strength vs. superior technique in these moves can often decide the match. It’s anybody’s game.

What to Expect at the Hirakuza Sumo Show

The shows will occur twice a night and are one-hour performances. The schedule of the show is broken down into several parts. From the entrance and introduction to the main performance and dinner to post-performance photos and chatting. It’s short, simple, sweet, and highly entertaining. Each performer is a former professional sumo wrestler, but their practices are still taken seriously and these guys continue to train like nothing has changed.

There are three separate levels of seating to view the show from around the ring. Where you sit can affect how you experience the entertainment and adrenaline of the show. The closest seats (S) will have you see the sand flying and the sweat dripping. If you are more of a casual observer, you can get the more affordable 2nd (A) and 3rd level (B) seating.

Introduction

The announcer will give a brief explanation (in English) of the history of Sumo. They will then explain the rules, standard practices, and regulations. You will witness what the ruling board constitutes as legal and illegal moves and etiquette outside the ring. Of course there is no punching or kicking, hair pulling, or any below the waist moves. This is all done in a comical performance called Shokkiri.

Shokkiri Match

The Shokkiri match is not an official bout but a comedy show by two lower-ranking wrestlers. It’s a skit showing you what moves should not be performed, as well as unacceptable behavior while in the ring. It’s choreographed, funny, and downright entertaining. You would never think it, but sumo wrestlers happen to have a great sense of humor.

Interactive Demonstrations

After the Shokkiri performance, we now get into the main part of the show. This is where several short bouts and practice matches will take place. Matches only last from a few seconds to several minutes. The matches may be short but the energy put into it is electrifying. Here’s where you come in.

Volunteers can wear a sumo wrestling suit and compete with these professionals in front of an energized crowd. You will start with practicing Shiko (the go-to move of lifting one leg high and stomping it on the ground before doing the same with the opposite leg) to warm yourself up, along with other stretches like the Matawari and Suriashi .

It’s a great way to test your mettle and realize how much effort, work, and strength is needed to compete on such a competitive level. Of course, these guys will go easy on you but can you imagine them going at you like you were their most difficult opponent?

This will be a great story to share with others, and after the show, you can have your picture taken with the sumo wrestlers.

Enjoy a Traditional Bento Box

You won’t be eating like the sumo wrestlers, who enjoy the food staple known as Chankonabe or sumo stew, but we can get you the next very best thing.

Taking a page from traditional Japanese entertainment, where food is offered during intermissions, you can also enjoy Japanese cuisine with a traditional meal included with every ticket purchase. Several bento options are available, such as yakisoba, takoyaki, sushi rolls, tofu, and chicken.

What Will This Show Cost You?

For dinner and a show in Osaka, ticket prices are relatively reasonable. It’s an extra treat for yourself or with a group that you should not pass up on. You may never have another opportunity for something this unique.

• (S) – ¥16,000 yen ($106.22 USD). Note that this price is for both adults and children.
• (A) – ¥12,500 yen Adult ($82.98 USD), ¥9,000 yen Child ($59.75 USD)
• (B) – ¥9,500 yen Adult ($63.07 USD), ¥7,000 yen Child ($46.47 USD)

Sumo Hall Hirakuza

This is just one small part of what Osaka offers. It is deeply embedded into the city culture and the country’s identity. It is a popular tourist attraction bringing in plenty of foreign observers who want to witness sumo firsthand. So add this to your travel itinerary in Osaka and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of watching one of the newest stops in Japan.

Nicholas Rosen

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Sumo experience in a real Dohyo arena!

• Enjoy a sumo wrestling experience in a real ring!
• Not just men, but women can also step into the ring.
• Get into a loincloth or bodysuit and learn about the history of sumo and sumo techniques.
• After the wrestling, dine on the traditional food for sumo wrestlers, chanko nabe. (the dish is a part of a course)

Sumo Experience “Chanko Nabe + Costume”

・Duration: Approximately 130 minutes ・Dohyo ring etiquette -> Practice -> Chanko hot pot ・You can take pictures of yourself dressed up (Yukata etc.) by yourself. ・One hot pot per 4 participants *This experience is offered in Japanese only. Should you require the services of an interpreter (English), please be absolutely sure to select the interpreter option when selecting the date and time of the experience.

Sumo Experience

・Duration: Approximately 40 minutes ・Dohyo ring etiquette -> Practice ※This option includes only the sumo experience. It does not include costumes nor meals. *This experience is offered in Japanese only. Should you require the services of an interpreter (English), please be absolutely sure to select the interpreter option when selecting the date and time of the experience.

We will promptly provide you with a custom travel plan that perfectly fits your needs!

• I want to compare the fun and interesting local experiences!
• I want to know more about the "deep" local experiences.
• I want to book, but the time/number of people doesn't work for me! etc.

No set budget or destination? That's OK!

3-chome-28-3 Fukono, Daito-shi, Osaka, 574-0072, Japan

・5 min. from Nozaki Station by foot (JR Tozai・Gakkentoshi Line)　 ・35 minutes from JR Osaka Station, 40 minutes from Nara Station, 45 minutes from Kyoto Station (by taxi)

Activity Information

The strongest athletes, sumo wrestlers, before stepping into the ring, there’s a purification ritual., get into a loincloth or bodysuit and become a sumo wrestler, take on the instructor with everything you’ve got, after working up an appetite, it’s time for lunch, filling up, final thoughts, last but not least, how to get there, fantastic time.

My girlfriend and I had an amazing time on this 2 hour experience. The 2 instructors were super friendly and knowledgeable about sumo. They showed us several techniques and explained to us the history of sumo. Afterwards they prepared a typical sumo lunch for us and answered any questions we had using a translator. Lunch was delicious. Girlfriend said it was one of her favorites things we had done and I agree.

Plan：Sumo Experience ＆ Chanko Nabe Course

When did you visit?：November 2019

Unique Experience and Great Lunch!

I don't I think I ever imagined doing anything like this. I'm not all that interested in sumo, but I kinda got roped into doing it. I felt a little awkward at first, having the guy help me into the diaper. But overall, it was a cool experience. It wasn't overly complicated and I enjoyed learning about something I otherwise wouldn't have. But, some of the stuff is definitely harder than it looks, and it felt like I was using muscles I had never used before. My favorite part was for sure the nabe lunch. It was really good. And the portion size was also enough to fill me up.

When did you visit?：April 2019

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Important Notes

Cancellation policy.

Full Refund Up To 7 Days Prior

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Sumo Wrestling in Osaka

Category: Spectator Sports , Sumo Tags: sports , sumo , traditional

The most Japanese of the national sports, the ancient art of sumo wrestling is part ritual, part ceremony, and all pure excitement.

The short bouts make sumo a surprisingly accessible sport, and the rules of the game are essentially simple: the famously large wrestlers, or rikishi, position themselves on either side of the raised clay platform, or dohyo, and scatter handfuls of salt into the ring – an ancient ritual of purification that dramatically reflects the mood of the combatants. The opponents then crouch down and size each other up, carefully choosing the best moment to launch their assault.

Once it begins, the action is dramatic and usually over in just a few seconds. Whoever is thrown or pushed out of the ring or hits the ground with any part of the body except feet is declared the loser. Though the wrestlers weigh in at over three hundred pounds, they follow a special programme of exercise to strengthen the back, leg and stomach muscles, and are surprisingly agile.

Traditionally only allowing Japanese wrestlers, sumo is gradually opening up to non-Japanese, and Hawaiian, Georgian, Bulgarian, and Samoan wrestlers have ranked highly in the sport, with the Mongolians Asashoryu and Hakuho both currently holding the highest sumo title of yokozuna.

Six grand sumo tournaments, or basho, are held annually. A two week-long tournament is held in Osaka in March each year.

During other odd numbered months, tournaments are also held in Tokyo , Fukuoka and Nagoya

Into Japan is happy to arrange sumo tickets during these tournaments as part of your tailor made tour to Japan.

Tel: 01865 841443 Fax: 01865 841445 Into Japan Specialist Tours The Dovecote, Manor Farm, Ball Lane, Tackley, OX53AG

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【May Grand Tournament Ticket Information】 Tickets are sold out all dates. There will be no tickets sold on the day

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Watch Sumo Wrestling Practice

With a history spanning more than 1,500 years, sumo wrestling is not only a fascinating spectacle; it’s a deeply rooted part of Japanese culture. The practice is even recorded in Japan’s earliest annals: Records of Ancient Matters and The Chronicles of Japan. Suffused with tradition, what began as a harvest ritual developed into courtly entertainment, and today is Japan’s national sport. Sumo is also a window into the Edo period (1603–1868), with many rituals and traditions unchanged since that time.

Although a Grand Sumo Tournament offers spectacle on an impressive scale, watching the rikishi (sumo wrestlers) practice early in the morning is a more exclusive and personal way to tap into the culture. It’s a fascinating and humbling experience that will provide a deeper appreciation of their skill, devotion, and even flexibility to those fortunate to be admitted.

Taking a private tour means a guide trained in the proper protocols will interpret and help you navigate a world steeped in etiquette. While learning from their knowledge, you’ll be able to respectfully observe genuine training without disrupting the wrestlers, ensuring a great experience. After the practice, join the rikishi for a meal of chanko-nabe — a fortifying hotpot they make themselves — for an authentic taste of their daily lives.

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Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament March 2024 with a Sumo Expert Guide

Experience details.

Join this unique journey with a Sumo expert guide who will accompany you every step of the way, unraveling the mysteries and traditions of this ancient sport. Gain exclusive insights into the world of sumo as you explore the remarkable Sumo history and its evolution.

This personalized experience guarantees an in-depth understanding of the sport’s nuances and techniques, offering an unmatched level of immersion.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your trip to Japan with this unique Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament Watching Experience.

ALL SOLD OUT!  Sorry, we are not accepting any more requests for this tournament.

Experience Price

27,995 yen/person *Minimum 2 people  per  booking

Experience Type

Private Experience

Languages Offered

English, Spanish, Japanese

Meeting Location

EDION Arena Osaka(Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium） ( Google Map )

End Location

Start time and duration.

14:00 – 18:00 (4 hours)

Price Includes

• Reserved 2nd Floor Chair Seats. *For box seats please consult in advance before paying
• Local and professional Sumo expert guide
• Tour photos

Price Excludes

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Transportation fees before, during and after the tour

Additional Information

• If you are 15 minutes late or more without getting in contact, your reservation(s) will be automatically canceled with 100% of charges applied
• This tour is wheelchair accessible. Please consult in advance
• This tour is not stroller-friendly
• Expert Guidance: Enjoy the company of a knowledgeable Sumo expert who will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this traditional Japanese sport.
• Immersive Sumo History: Delve into the origins and history of Sumo through your local expert guide explanations, revealing the dedication and spirit of these colossal athletes.
• Unforgettable Matches: Witness the power, skill, and tradition of Sumo as you cheer on the wrestlers in the electrifying atmosphere of the Grand Tournament. An experience that will leave you in awe!

Your Experience Step by Step

👉 meet at edion arena osaka.

Meet your Sumo expert guide at the EDION Arena Osaka. After a brief introduction of the host and the experience, you will enter the Sumo venue.

🎪 Entrance to the Sumo Stadium

After passing the security check, you will enter the stadium and head to your seats. Once in your seat, your guide will explain who are all the people related to a Grand Sumo Tournament, what is happening in a match, and all the things you need to know to fully enjoy your day in Sumo.

🚶 A Walk through the Stadium

To enhance your Sumo experience, you will take a stroll through the stadium, giving you a close-up view of the ring and a chance to appreciate the details of this ancient sport and its venue. You will visit the Sumo merchandising shops and look for your Sumo souvenir.

🤼‍♂️ Watch the Matches

Time to go back to your seats to see the Sumo matches of the top divisions. Your host will introduce the main rules of Sumo and the most common Sumo techniques.

🎉 Closing up

Once the last match is finished it is time to leave the stadium. Your host will give you directions to your hotel or any other place you want to visit next.

[Children] *Tickets will also be required for children under the age of 4 or older as they need their own seats. *Children 3 years and under are free. However, they cannot occupy a seat. *There is no special discount on children’s.

[Cancel Policy] 7+ days before the tour date: refund of tour fees minus tournament ticket price, minus 5% processing fees 3 to 6 days before the tour date: 50% refund of tour fees minus tournament ticket price 48 hours or less before the tour: no refund of tour fees

Where You'll Be

Photo Gallery

Meet Your Sumo Expert Guide

Elisabeth Llopis (Elly)

Spanish entrepreneur living in Japan for more than 16 years.

I am a very Sumo enthusiast, that loves to share the charms of amazing Japanese traditional sport. With me, you will learn a lot, have fun and discover amazing things about the Japanese culture and I will bring you closer to the exciting world of Sumo. I’m looking forward to sharing with you all I know about Sumo wrestling.

Related Tours

Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament January 2024 with a Sumo Expert Guide

Silvia & Xavier

Nosotros lo pasamos genial, de hecho buscamos las noticias para ver quién había ganado y vimos alguna entrevista en la tele. ¡Gracias por la experiencia!

Scott & Tina

We’ve just returned from a 16 day trip to Japan and our afternoon at the Osaka Sumo Championship was absolutely my #1 favorite experience of the trip. Elizabeth was wonderful at explaining the sumo and her authentic enthusiasm for the sport was contagious. We are hooked! We went on a Friday (she organized the tickets which was basically impossible for us to have secured them on our own) and met us at our hotel. By the end of the day we both had our sumo favorites. On Saturday and Sunday we raced back to our hotel room to catch the end of the matches as the tournament wound down to a close. I had to see who won! I personally am not a huge sports fan so this is a first for me. Sumo represents such a rich historical window into Japan’s past and present. Its so much more than being a mighty athlete, you will see cultural influences in humility and politeness—nobody brags or boos. Religious influences in how the wrestling matches are conducted…honestly, it is fascinating. Can’t wait to see sumo again next time we go back. Try it! Be a traveler rather than a tourist and experience something uniquely Japanese. Elizabeth will be your perfect guide!

Pascale and Franck

We had a great time with Élisabeth during the sumo tournament in Osaka.

Professional, she perfectly masters the rules of this sport and the world of sumo.

Easy and pleasant to approach, she listens to her customers.

THANK YOU very much for allowing us to enjoy these exceptional moments.

Sonja, Susan, Marlene and Jane

We had an absolutely incredible experience at the Sumo Tournament! Your knowledge was so valuable in helping us all understand the tournament! It truly was the highlight of our trip to Japan. We so enjoyed your enthusiasm in cheering on your favorite sumo wrestler! Thank you so much for being an amazing tour guide for this event!

Love sumo but don’t know much about it? YouTube videos are too brief and too fast. Reading about sumo is confusing with all the Japanese terms.

Take a sumo tour with Elly and see sumo through the eyes of an expert. Elly will explain all the details. Learn about the rikishi (wrestlers)- Endo the pretty boy; Shishi the Ukrainian; Takayasu the hairy beast; Tobizaru the Flying Monkey. Bring your binoculars so you can see everything up close. Why is one referee barefoot and another wearing tabi? What do the different hairstyles mean? Did you know a sumo bout can last no more than 4 minutes, and rikishi are not matched by weight like boxers are?

At intermission, Elly took us downstairs to the warmup area. The stairwell smelled of the pomade rikishis use in their hair- the perfume of the kings! I now have a greater appreciation of the sport because I understand exactly what is going on in the dohyo (hard-packed clay ring surrounded with rice straw).

And yes, I was yelling out Abi’s name and waving the fan I bought with his face on it- just like all the other sumo enthusiasts in the stadium!

Thank you for a wonderful experience

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