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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

sumo experience review Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy 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.

Where Are These Places Located?

Open the Osaka map
You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
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Osaka District Map

Shin-Osaka Area
Central Osaka Area
Minami Area
Tennoji Area
Osaka Castle Area
Osaka Bay Area

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New ways to experience sumo offer a taste of japanese culture and traditions.

With growing foreign interest in sumo, travel services and venues in Osaka are teaming up to offer new ways of experiencing this ancient Japanese sport.

The popularity of sumo is on the rise among inbound tourists visiting Japan. Rooted in ancient myths like those found in Japan's ancient chronicles, the Kojiki , sumo serves as a captivating portal into Japan's rich traditions and culture. It is especially enticing to Western visitors who are fascinated by its uniqueness. Responding to that interest, Osaka is welcoming new event halls in May.

Sumo events have quickly become a coveted experience for travelers. Indeed, tour packages from travel agencies consistently sell out.

"It was our first time experiencing sumo live. The experience gave us insight into the rituals, etiquette, and strategies of the sport. If we have the chance, we would love to see it again," remarked Laura, 47, from the United States. She attended a live amateur sumo match with English commentary at Active Square Daito , Osaka with her 17-year-old son Anthony. They were both happy with the experience.

The sumo experience program is a joint venture between the Osaka Tourism Bureau and Daito Club, a general incorporated association. Started in 2019, it has been gaining traction with tourists. Visitors have an opportunity to step up to the dohyo (sumo ring) to learn about sumo traditions and good luck rituals. They even get to savor chankonabe, sumo wrestlers' hot pot cuisine. All of this takes place while they are learning about sumo's cultural significance.

Many Ways to Experience Sumo

Hanshin Contents Link is renowned in Osaka for its music and event ventures. On May 27, it unveiled THE SUMO HALL Hirakuza Osaka inside the Namba Parks commercial complex in Naniwa Ward. This venue promises sumo shows tailored specifically for international visitors.

Covering about 330 square meters, the venue offers seating for approximately 180. Moreover, the hall offers explanations of sumo's history and rules in both Japanese and English. Former sumo wrestlers perform on a life-sized dohyo while spectators experience the typical boxed lunches.

Reservations have already flooded in from over ten countries, with the United States and Australia leading the way. As a result, the organizers report, "We're off to a smooth start."

Sumo's Growing Fan Base

The surge in sumo's popularity can be attributed to the Japan Sumo Association 's proactive efforts in promoting the sport globally. That is coupled with the increasing presence of foreign sumo wrestlers in the sport.

According to the association, the number of international spectators at professional sumo matches is steadily rising. Indeed, foreign visitors now account for an estimated 30% of attendees on any given day.

This recent uptick surpasses pre-pandemic levels. One spokesperson remarked, "People from various countries are increasingly drawn to sumo."

Popularizing the Ancient Sport

Adding to the sport's global appeal is the TV drama Sanctuary, portraying the lives of young wrestlers in the sumo world. It gained widespread recognition through its online streaming in 2023, further expanding the fanbase. The Jalan Research Center , a tourism research institute of Recruit Holdings, Ltd, observed the trend. It found: "Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals explored TV dramas while staying at home. This led to heightened interest in activities such as watching sumo." Travel agencies have also been quick to seize upon this growing trend. For example, JTB offers guided sumo-watching tours at renowned venues like Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida Ward. Furthermore, these tours feature interpretation services. They also provide informative booklets in English detailing match rules and rankings, ensuring the experience is accessible for foreign newcomers.

It has been particularly popular among tourists from Europe, the United States, and Australia. As a result, JTB expanded its tour offerings in 2024 compared to the previous year. Their Osaka Tournament tours, introduced in March 2024 were priced from ¥16,500 JPY ($105 USD) to ¥17,000 ($108). They sold out rapidly. Moreover, sumo matches offer enjoyment beyond language barriers. A representative from JTB expresses confidence in the experience, affirming, "The straightforward criteria for victory makes it accessible and engaging for international audiences."

Onosato Defeats Abi to Claim 1st Title at the Summer Basho
Love Sumo? Knowing this Ancient Sport's Spiritual Significance Enhances the Enjoyment

Follow the excitement of sumo wrestling and daily results of its seasonal tournaments on JAPAN Forward's dedicated sports pages, SportsLook .

(Read the report in Japanese .)

Author: Keiko Tamura

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GUIDE Experience Sumo Feel the power of Japan's national sport

Stories & Guides
Experience Sumo

Sumo is a national obsession in Japan and a remarkable spectacle for any visitor. It is a sport with a history that stretches back to the mists of time that still remains true to its rituals.

From the traditionally coiffed knots that mark a professional wrestler to his mawashi loincloth, the sacred clay ring, the colorfully attired judges and the rites of throwing purifying salt on the ground before the wrestlers are locked in combat, this sport is like no other.

Sumo wrestlers at practice

Roots of sumo

Sumo was originally believed to have emerged as a ritual dance to entertain the Shinto gods at shrine festivals. Early versions of the nascent sport became codified, and the object was for a wrestler to throw his opponent. Rules were established in the Edo period (1603–1867).

Winning a bout

Wrestlers can win a bout by forcing their opponent to step outside the ring or by making them touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of their feet. Each bout is preceded by an elaborate ritual that requires the throwing of purifying salt and a series of bows to their opponent before they charge into each other.

Many bouts are over in a matter of seconds as one wrestler puts his opponent off balance at the outset; others have been known to go on for several minutes as the two larger-than-life wrestlers, called rikishi, grapple for advantage.

Professional sumo has six divisions, which are not delineated by weight, meaning that often a contest will be between an extremely large and strong wrestler and a more slender but nimble opponent. Wrestlers move up or down the divisions depending on their results in tournaments.

Ryogoku Kokugikan is the main stage for sumo in Japan

Tickets and tournaments

The tokyo basho, the osaka basho.

The EDION Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) hosts the annual March tournament. The approximately 10,000-seater arena is in Osaka's Namba district, in the center of the city. Expect raucous cheers for any wrestlers from the Kansai region.

The Nagoya basho

In July, the tournament moves to Nagoya and the Dolphin Arena (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium). The multi-purpose gymnasium holds a capacity of 7,500 and is located on the grounds of Nagoya Castle. As the tournament is held in sweltering July temperatures, the wrestlers competing in the Nagoya basho are always glistening with a sheen of sweat.

The Fukuoka basho

The final tournament of the year is at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Fukuoka is a city on Japan's southern island of Kyushu. The tournament is held over two weeks from mid-November, and a good showing at this basho allows wrestlers to jump up the rankings for the new year.

Colorful flags with the names of participating sumo wrestlers

Alternative events

The relatively limited number of tournaments, particularly outside Tokyo, may make it difficult for some people to attend a basho. However, there are other ways to experience this ancient sport. The sumo association operates a tour that crisscrosses the country to show practice bouts, demonstrations, and explanations of moves in the sport and talks by some of the wrestlers. These cover everything from the taiko-uchiwake drumming that is a feature of tournaments, to sumo folk songs, and recreations of the ceremony for entering the sacred ring.

Many of the wrestlers' stables are clustered close to the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. They are often ordinary-looking buildings tucked away in the side streets with a discreet plaque revealing what goes on behind the closed doors. Here, the stable master puts his charges through a rigorous training regime in the morning.

Visiting a sumo stable

While casual, spontaneous visits are not encouraged, some travel agencies can arrange tours for small groups. Typically, visitors will watch the wrestlers practicing their moves and building their physical fitness and strength under the watchful eye of the stable master—usually a retired wrestler—and some of his trusted senior wrestlers.

In the heat of the summer months, the wrestlers drip with sweat. In the depths of winter, their exertions make them steam and the windows fog over.

Fill up on chanko nabe

Eat like a sumo wrestler

For anyone who wishes to develop the physique of a sumo wrestler, the place to start would be a restaurant that serves chanko nabe, a concoction of vegetables, meat and seafood that is cooked up in a large pot and consumed in vast quantities by wrestlers, accounting for their girth. There are several specialist chanko nabe restaurants around the Ryogoku Kokugikan and, if in doubt, just follow a hungry wrestler after his morning workout.

Changes in the sport

For all its strictly protected traditions, there have been hints that sumo might be opening up to outside influences. There are numerous foreign wrestlers in the sport today—some of the rikishi in the top division come from Mongolia, Bulgaria and Brazil.

That will not happen by the time Tokyo hosts the games in 2020, it will be featured as a demonstration of Japan's unique sporting traditions.

There have even been suggestions that women—who are at present banned from even setting foot on the dohyo—might be permitted to play a more significant part in the sport, although a change of that magnitude still seems to be a long way off.

All information is correct as of June 2021.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Sumo in Japan: When, Where & How To See Sumo

Sumo is one of Japan’s most well-known sports, and a highly authentic Japanese cultural experience in and of itself.

But few would-be travelers to Japan know much about the ancient sport of sumo, so we’ve put together this simple guide to experiencing sumo in Japan.

If you’re interested in seeing sumo, and your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth going out of your way to attend a sumo basho (tournament) during your trip to Japan.

The only problem for travelers is that the tournaments only take place a few times a year, which means that for most travelers attending a basho ends up being impossible.

To help make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve put together information on:

When and where sumo tournaments take place
How to buy basho tickets
And where to sit!

Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on May 21, 2019.

Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall Tokyo, Japan

When & Where To See Sumo

The best way to experience sumo is by attending one of the official basho (sumo tournaments), which take place just six times each year in locations across Japan. For details read on!

There are other ways to experience sumo as well, such as by going to one of the sumo exhibitions held in between sumo tournaments, or by visiting a sumobeya , where the rikishi (wrestlers) live and train.

Morning Sumo Practice

If your travel dates don’t overlap with a sumo basho, attending a morning sumo practice can be a fun and fascinating option.

As you might imagine, sumo wrestlers wake up early, with lower-ranked rikishi starting earlier, and their higher-ranked colleagues joining in later in the morning.

Since sumobeya (often translated into English as “sumo stables”) are traditional spaces, expect to sit on the floor – and plan to be silent as you observe the massive yet agile rikishi engage in their morning ritual.

Visiting a sumobeya for morning practice is especially exciting, but for the quintessential sumo experience there’s nothing like attending a sumo tournament.

For information on non-tournament sumo events and exhibitions, consult the official Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) website

Sumo Schedule : Basho Dates & Locations

The official sumo basho (tournaments) take place six times a year, beginning in January and then occurring every other month through November.

Three of the six sumo tournaments take place in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena, in Tokyo’s old-fashioned Ryogoku neighborhood , with the other three held in Osaka , Nagoya and Fukuoka .

Below is a list of each sumo basho , and where and when it takes place. Each tournament lasts for precisely 15 days (beginning and ending on Sunday), with the exact dates varying from year to year.

January Tournament ( Hatsu Basho ): Tokyo
March Tournament ( Haru Basho ): Osaka
May Tournament ( Natsu Basho ): Tokyo
July Tournament ( Nagoya Basho ): Nagoya
September Tournament ( Aki Basho ): Tokyo
November Tournament ( Kyushu Basho ): Fukuoka

For the exact dates of each basho, here is a link to the Japan Sumo Association’s official sumo schedule .

When attending a sumo tournament you have the option of sitting on traditional Japanese-style floor cushions, or in modern stadium-style chair seats.

For the full Japanese experience we recommend Japanese-style seating, though if you’re very tall or concerned about sitting on the floor (albeit on cushions) for relatively long periods of time, you may prefer to opt for the chair-style seating.

To help you decide, we’ve put together the essential details about each seating option below.

Floor Seats Vs. Chairs

There are 3 main categories when it comes to seat types at a sumo tournament:

Japanese-style box floor seats
Arena-style chair seats
Ringside floor seats

As ringside sumo tickets are not generally available to the public, we’ll focus on the most common types of seats: Japanese-style floor seats and western-style chair seats.

Sumo rikishi prepare to begin a bout at a basho in Japan

Japanese-style Boxes (i.e., Floor Seats)

Japanese-style seating can be perfect if you’re looking for a completely Japanese experience. You remove your shoes and sit Japanese-style on floor cushions within a small designated “box” area.

The Japanese-style boxes also provide a great vantage point from which to witness the action, as all floor seats are a bit closer to the action than the arena-style chair seats.

One thing to be wary of when it comes to box-style seating is that the space is quite small, so even though most boxes are designed to accommodate 4 people, many people opt to split these 4-person boxes between just 2 people. If you’re tall — or simply want enough room to stretch out your legs a bit — then this is a great idea, as it can make things much more comfortable.

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It’s worth noting that Japanese-style sumo seating can be very uncomfortable for travelers with back or knee problems, or people not used to sitting Japanese style for extended periods of time.

Another important note is that, unlike arena seats, boxes are sold per box , not per person. They come in a variety of sizes, primarily designed for groups ranging from 2-4 people.

It’s not possible to buy an individual space in a box – you must purchase the whole box. They’re available in A, B and C categories, with A being the closest and C the furthest from the dohyo (the ring). Prices range from about 40,000 to 50,000 yen per box (divided by the number of people in your party).

Arena-style Chair Seats

If you’re hesitant to sit Japanese style as described above, then arena-style chair seating may be your best option.

In addition to the familiar comfort of a chair, these are also the least expensive seats at sumo tournament venues.

If there is a drawback, it is that they’re slightly further back from the action. However, basho venues are small enough that the dohyo is never too far (if you’re concerned about being able to see, bringing binoculars is a good idea).

Arena-style seats are available in A, B and C categories, with A being the closest and C the furthest from the dohyo . Prices range from about 4,000 yen to 10,000 yen.

Sumo (rikishi) gathering around the ring (dohyo) before a tournament (basho)

Purchasing Sumo Basho Tickets

If you are planning a custom trip with us, we’ll make all the arrangements for you to attend sumo. But if you’re making the arrangements yourself, here is some key information to help you obtain sumo tickets.

The first and most important thing is, of course, to make sure your travel dates overlap with one of the sumo basho . The next step is to decide on your preferred type of seating and ideal budget for tickets.

If you know for sure that you’d like to attend a sumo basho , we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance – in recent years, demand for sumo tickets has spiked dramatically.

Along with Japan’s increased popularity (meaning more travelers seeking tickets), interest among Japanese people has also increased with the first Japanese yokozuna (sumo champion) in many years (most yokozuna actually tend to be from other countries, such as Mongolia and Bulgaria).

Nowadays, sumo tickets tend to sell out almost immediately, with many being gobbled up by professional resellers. Weekends tend to be in highest demand, particularly each basho’s final weekend. If you’re not in Japan, one of the easiest ways to get sumo tickets in advance is through a company like BuySumoTickets .

Sometimes you can also purchase tickets at the sumo basho venue or at conbini (convenience stores) throughout Japan (at convenience stores the automated system is in all Japanese, so this option may require some patience!).

Sumo Tournament “Tours”

Even when tickets are likely to sell out, major tour companies in Japan — such as JTB — keep a limited stock of tickets and offer brief tours that include the chance to attend the basho.

While this can occasionally be a good backup option, please note that even these tours are in high demand and can sell out in advance.

Attending a Basho: It’s Tournament Day!

Assuming you’ve obtained sumo tickets, congratulations! The day has finally come for you to attend the basho.

Sumo is an all-day affair, but most spectators skip the morning matches and arrive in the mid-afternoon, when the higher-ranked rikishi (wrestlers) begin their matches.

If you arrive in the morning you’ll find a relatively empty venue, but you’ll be able to see some of the lower-ranked wrestlers going up against one another.

Unless you would like to spend the whole day at sumo, we recommend arriving in the mid afternoon. This is when the atmosphere begins to electrify, as the venue fills up and the best wrestlers begin their matches.

Make sure you’re seated well before 3:45 pm, when the crowd comes alive as the makuuchi (top wrestlers) enter the ring. At 4:00 pm, the yokozuna (grand champion) enters the ring, and the most exciting bouts commence.

The climax takes place when the two highest-ranked wrestlers face off in the concluding match right around 6:00 pm (5:30 pm on the basho’s final day). If you’re attending sumo make sure to be there for this part of the day, but it’s best to experience at least 1-2 hours of matches beforehand to get a more complete sumo experience.

Beer, Sake & Snacks

The sumo experience would not be complete without some snacks and drinks (whether you favor cold draft beer, sake , or Japanese whisky .

It’s almost a tradition to have a few drinks while watching sumo, though certainly not a requirement. You can also preorder special bento boxes to enjoy at the event.

Looking for more authentic Japanese experiences?

We hope our guide to seeing sumo helps you make the most of your Japan trip!

If you are looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, we have resources that can help.

Start by checking out our sample Japan travel itineraries and learning about our process of crafting customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences.

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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

Proceed Booking

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Japan Navigator

March Tournament Day 8 (Halfway Point)

NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts GRAND SUMO March Tournament Day 8 action live from Osaka Prefecture, as top wrestlers reach the halfway point of the 15-day contest.

Nagoya: Sumo Tournament Tour in July (S-Class Tickets included)

Local and professional speaking guide
Sumo tournament ticket *Your guide will hand out the ticket on the tour date.
Entry/Admission - Naka
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Transportation fee to meeting point
East Gate, 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0032, Japan [ Meetup ] 2:15 pm Please meet up in front of the EAST gate of Dolphins Arena Nagoya. *Your guide will have a green sign board saying "Japan Wonder Travel" *We will leave at 2:30 pm sharp, so please make sure to be there on time!(We could not wait!)
Infants must sit on laps
Near public transportation
Not wheelchair accessible
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Most travellers can participate
Children 3 years old and under can enter for free, however they will not have their own seat and will need to sit on your lap. Children 4 years and up must have their own tickets.
There is a place in the stadium you can store baby strollers, however they cannot be brought up to the seats.
This is a group tour. We will leave at 2:30PM sharp, so please make sure to be there on time!
You will get Chair S seats(You cannot choose seats). Your guide will hand out the ticket on the tour date
Large luggage cannot be brought into the seat.
If you plan on bringing a child 3 years or younger, please let us know in the "Special Requirements" section
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
You'll start at East Gate 1-1 Ninomaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0032, Japan [ Meetup ] 2:15 pm Please meet up in front of the EAST gate of Dolphins Arena Nagoya. *Your guide will have a green sign board saying "Japan Wonder Travel" *We will leave at 2:30 pm sharp, so please make sure to be there on time!(We could not wait!) See address & details
1 Dolphins Arena (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium) Stop: 3 hours - Admission included Watch the Japanese national sport, sumo wrestling in Nagoya with a professional guide! To ensure that you understand the sumo matches and the sport itself, watch the sumo with a knowledgeable and passionate guide on this tour! Sumo tournaments take place six times a year, and Nagoya hosts the tournament in July. Tickets are likely sold out quickly but with our tour, you don't have to worry about it, as they are included! We will meet at Edion Arena Osaka at 2:15 PM, and our guide will lead you to Fukuoka convention center, where you can learn about the history and traditions of sumo wrestling, enhancing your experience. Osaka Sumo Tournaments start early, at 8 am, with matches between lower-ranked wrestlers. Stronger wrestlers enter the ring at around 3:30 pm for the dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony. The tournament finishes at 6:00 PM. Read more
You'll return to the starting point

hthandi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour. Our tour guide was just a delight. She took us to the old ward of electric city and saw some vintage tech, Next through the anime for shops, played in games block. Hiyori was informative and fun to talk to. A great experience. Thank you very much. Read more Written 3 June 2024
L4452SAmichelem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sushi experience with a quick history lesson Great historical insight into the origins of sushi. Had fun making sushi! Would be nice if they let the participants learn to slice the pieces of fish. Read more Written 3 June 2024
V1709GUangelak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good market Naomi was a wonderful guide, she explained a lot about food and customs in Japan.Wecreally enjoyed our program and would recommend it! Read more Written 2 June 2024
Becky R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great sushi class! We had a great day making sushi! Educational, fun and tasty! We would recommend this for families or adults to experience this fish market. Read more Written 2 June 2024
mohammade568 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic time Marin was great. The experience was super easy and the best part was how shocking good the sushi tasted! Would definitely recommend it Read more Written 2 June 2024
Expedition547319 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sumo Wrestling Experience My family thoroughly enjoyed the Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament in large part because of the background information our guide, Yoko, provided us. She explained the rituals, histories of the wrestlers, and results of the tournament’s previous matches. Yoko really knew her stuff! Thanks for making our experience a memorable one!! Read more Written 1 June 2024
Quest297795 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing walking food tour of Tsukiji market Romy was great. Very knowledgeable, attentive and pleasant. We had a blast and enjoyed all the food. We would definitely recommend using this tour and Romy as the guide. Read more Written 1 June 2024
Odyssey53319893636 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Shinjuku bar crawl Hiro was an amazing guide! We had an incredible night in shinjuku. He was friendly guide and showed us some memorable spots. Read more Written 1 June 2024
michaello116 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Romy was a fantastic guide. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot and got to explore most of the fish market. Would definitely recommend. Read more Written 31 May 2024
Camper36183369018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super fun and interesting. Skip san was great, he took us to different points of interest around the city. He told us stories about the places we visited and we were able to comprehend stuff that we wouldn't have caught if we visited on our own. He took us to a delicious restaurant and after the tour was done he gave us recommendations of places we might want to visit on our own. Read more Written 31 May 2024
gails923 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Seeing our highlights in Tokyo This was expensive for the whole day, but worthwhile. Our guide was Kazu, who was very knowledgable and adjusted the trip for what we were interested in seeing. He was knowledgeable and he took the time to teach us how to use the local transportation, which we were able to successfully navigate 2 days later. You will do a lot of walking! Read more Written 31 May 2024
fionawG9644VF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful tour Our tour guide was Tak, he was super friendly and knowledgeable about all the places we visited! My family and I definitely would have not been able to navigate around Tokyo without his help, we had a great time. Read more Written 31 May 2024
415emilijak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exciting and authentic night out in Shibuya! The tour was absolutely brilliant! Our guide was super friendly and funny, the number of people in the group was just right and the atmosphere was casual and relaxed, so it felt like hanging out with friends, rather than complete strangers. The first restaurant of the tour offered a classical izakaya experience with an all-you-can-drink course, lots of authentic side dishes, with sukiyaki hotpot being the star of the show. After the first izakaya, our guide showed us the lesser-known part of Shibuya, sharing insights about its history and businesses working there. It felt like a truly local experience, definitely not something you would usually learn about from tourism articles! The tour concluded with another excellent meal at a restaurant where you have to catch your ingredients yourself. Fishing was a bit scary but even as a person with little experience, I was able to successfully catch a fish. To make the experience more special, the staff celebrates each catch by announcing your name while beating a massive drum and you can choose your preferred way of cooking the fish. I would recommend this tour to anyone who has a taste for adventure and wants to have an authentic night out in Shibuya. Read more Written 31 May 2024
raem698 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and delicious! It was such a fun and interesting experience. We learned so much, met interesting people, and got to eat delicious sushi—the quality of the ingredients was great! In both English and Japanese, the instructions were easy to follow. Definitely recommend. Read more Written 30 May 2024
595nourk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nigiri and Hosomaki making workshop! The sushi making workshop was great, we were only 4 people and we got to see temaki being made as an extra treat when we finished early. The nigiri with freshly grated Wasabi was superb, and everyone was so nice. We had a great time! Read more Written 30 May 2024

More to explore in Naka

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Nagoya: Sumo Tournament Tour in July (S-Class Tickets included) provided by Japan Wonder Travel

Sumo Tours by Japan Wonder Travel

📝What's New May 17, 2024: Nagoya Sumo Tournament Tour, July 2024 goes on sale now! May 16, 2024: Sumo Morning Practice Tours are now on sale for June! May 7, 2024: Sumo Morning Practice Tours are now on sale for May! May 2, 2024: S-Class Seats for the last match are now on sale! April 24, 2024: S-Class Seats and premium Box Seats are now available! March 4, 2024: Sumo Morning Practice Tours at Sumo Stable are available for April! March 1, 2024: Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour, May 2024 goes on sale now!

Discover the fascinating world of sumo wrestling with our exclusive and exciting tours!

Grand sumo tournaments occur in the odd-numbered months of the year. If you plan to travel to Japan during those months, you'll have the incredible opportunity to attend, and even join a guided tour with English support for the best experience. For a more personal, behind-the-scenes type of deal, check out the morning practice tours to see the wrestlers train at their stables (where they live and train) and possibly even eat and talk with them!

Since we have partnered up with various sumo stables, we can guarantee the best price for the sumo tours in Japan!

Here are our Tours:

🌟 trending this month:, 🆕nagoya sumo tournament tour, july 2024.

Nagoya Sumo Tournament Tour takes place at Dolphins Arena on July 14-28, 2024. Tours are available for any date, only through Japan Wonder Travel! This includes opening and closing days. Japan Wonder Travel Special Discount will give you a 10% discount on the Nagoya Sumo Tournament Tour🎫

▼Availability for July

💺Seat Types

Stand Seats: All are on the back of the arena, and they are individual fold-down chair seats. These seats are divided into 3 different sections; S, A, and B-class seats. The S-class seats are at the very front of the stand seats and the B seats are at the very top. Although you may think that these might be the worst seats as they are the most high up, the arena itself isn’t all that big and you will have a pretty good view of the dohyo (sumo ring) no matter where you are watching from.

Box Seats: All give you a great view of the dohyo and bouts! They are cushion seats and there is no backrest. These seats come in a set of 1-4 seats, and you have to buy them as a package. It can be a little tough to get depending on the tournament and day. These seats are divided into 4 main sections; S, A, B, and C-class seats. The S seats are closest to the dohyo right behind the ringside seats, and the C seats are at the back of the first floor. Be aware that you need to take your shoes off when sitting here.

📍🆕 Nagoya (July 2024)

🚃access to dolphins arena (aichi prefectural gymnasium).

It’s located in the central part of the city and is close to Nagoya Castle, the arena is easily accessible.

From Nagoya Station:

Nagoya Station - (Higashiyama Line) Sakae Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 20 minutes)
Nagoya Station - (Sakuradori Line) Hisaya Odori Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 20 minutes)

If you travel from Tokyo, it will be about a 2-hour trip in one way. It’s possible to make a day trip from Tokyo to Nagoya to watch the tournament!

From Tokyo Station:

Tokyo Station - (Shinkansen) Nagoya Station - (Higashiyama Line) Sakae Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 2 hours)
Tokyo Station - (Shinkansen) Nagoya Station - (Sakuradori Line) Hisaya Odori Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 2 hours)

From Kyoto Station:

Kyoto Station - (Shinkansen) Nagoya Station - (Higashiyama Line) Sakae Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 1 hour)
Kyoto Station - (Shinkansen) Nagoya Station - (Sakuradori Line) Hisaya Odori Station - (Meijo Line) Nagoyajo Station > Walk 5 minutes from Exit 7 (Total Trip: about 1 hour)

🧳1-Day Itinerary Example (from Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto)

10 am: Leaving the hotel 11 am -12:30 pm: Travel to Nagoya by Shinkansen (bullet train) 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch 2 pm - 6 pm: Sumo Grand Tournament Tour 7 pm - 8 pm: Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen, hotel check-in

Tokyo Sumo Stable Tours

Attending a morning practice session is no small opportunity; we're lucky enough to have partnerships with various stables that allow this as many do not. These exclusive viewings are permitted and offer an incredible glimpse into the intense world of sumo.

Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tours

Watch the real sumo wrestler's intense practice up close and learn the history and culture of sumo wrestling from a professional bilingual guide!

▼Availability for June

*Please note that the practice may end earlier than usual, meaning the tour will be shorter than mentioned depending on the day

📝What is a Sumo Stable? Sumo stables are the places where sumo wrestlers reside and train together with their oyakata, the master of the stable. Though the number of stables may vary from year to year, currently, there are 44 of them in Japan and they are all located in the Kanto area. The wrestlers adhere to strict rules, share meals, and divide housework. They have a strict hierarchy by division, which means the lower-ranked rikishi are responsible for most of the chores and assist the higher-ranked rikishi with tasks such as running errands and even scrubbing their backs. The lower-ranked rikishi wake up early to prepare for practice and can only eat after the higher-ranked rikishi have finished their meals.

Sumo Grand Tournament Tour (Odd-Numbered Months)

Grand Sumo Tournaments take place six times a year, and Tokyo hosts the tournament in January, May, and September at the sumo stadium "Ryogoku Kokugikan." The March tournament is in Osaka, the July tournament is in Nagoya, and the November tournament is in Fukuoka.

2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Schedule

2025 grand sumo tournament schedule, nagoya sumo tournament tour (july 2024).

Sumo Tournament Tours for May (Tokyo), July (Nagoya), September (Tokyo), November (Fukuoka), and January (Tokyo) will be available about two months before the tournament starts.

For further clarity, the full tournament schedule is as follows:

📝 About the Grand Sumo Tournaments The bouts go on from morning to evening, starting with lower-ranked wrestlers at around 8:30 am. If you arrive at the stadium by 3:30 pm, you can catch the ring-entering ceremony of the stronger wrestlers. The bouts usually conclude by 6 pm. Professional wrestlers are categorized into six divisions, with Makuuchi being the highest and Jonokuchi being the lowest. After each tournament, the wrestlers’ rankings are determined based on their performance, and the number of matches varies between the divisions. Makuuchi has 18 matches, Makushita has 30 matches, Juryo has 13 matches, and Sandanme has 48 matches.

Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour (September 2024)

Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour takes place at Ryogoku Kokugikan on September 8-22, 2024.

Tickets will be available in July!

*Meanwhile, you can still get the sumo experience with our sumo stable tours in Tokyo

🔔Notify me when available

💺Seat types

Click 1 to see the box seats on the 1st floor and click 2 to see the stand seats on the 2nd floor

Stand Seats: All on the 2nd floor of the arena, and they are individual fold down chair seats.

These seats are divided into 4 different sections; S, A, B, and C-class seats. The S-class seats are at the very front of the 2nd floor seating and the C seats are at the very top. Although you may think that these might be the worst seats as they are the most high up, the arena itself isn’t all that big and you will have a pretty good view of the dohyo (sumo ring) no matter where you are watching from.

Box Seats: All on the first floor, which give you a great view of the dohyo and bouts! They are cushion seats and there is no backrest.

These seats come in a set of 4 seats, and you have to buy them as a package. It can be a little tough to get depending on the tournament and day. These seats are divided into 4 main sections; S, A, B, and C-class seats. The S seats are closest to the dohyo right behind the ringside seats, and the C seats are at the back of the first floor. Be aware that you need to take your shoes off when sitting here.

The view from S-Class Stand Seats (example)

The view from Box Seats on the first floor (example)

Fukuoka Sumo Tournament Tour (November 2024)

Fukuoka Sumo Tournament Tour takes place at Fukuoka Convention Center on November 10-24, 2024

Tickets will be available in September!

Coming soon: Other Sumo Tours

Visit the yokozuna's (grand champion) stable with us.

With a chance to see the reigning champion train, this tour is one nobody would want to miss- despite any level of sumo enthusiasm. Watch other professionals train side-by-side rookies staking their claims, and afterward enjoy a homemade sumo feast featuring their famed Chanko Nabe.

*This tour will be available soon!

New Osaka sumo hall show lets spectators step into ring, learn sport's history from pros

O SAKA -- A sumo hall dedicated to conveying the appeal of sumo, Japan's unofficial national sport with an over 1,500-year history, opened on May 30 in this city's Naniwa Ward. Foreign visitors can experience the full impact of the sport at shows featuring head-on bouts between veteran former sumo wrestlers who've set foot in major rings.

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka, on the eighth floor of the Namba Parks shopping center, is an entertainment facility that hosts, among other things, the sumo shows where visitors are seated at tables and chairs set around three sides of the "dohyo" ring, allowing them to view matches while enjoying boxed "bento" meals in a traditional Japanese fashion. The shows are divided into two parts, starting with an act portraying the legend of sumo's origins. The second part features a "keiko" training session, a breakdown of the sport's rules, a tournament among the rikishi and a chance for visitors to square off against the wrestlers themselves. English narration is provided, along with the opportunity to take photos with the rikishi afterwards.

The wrestlers who appear are not current competitors, but all are true former sumo pros and include those with experience at the "sekitori" level -- or in the second-tier "juryo" or higher divisions. Yoshinori Tashiro, who goes by "Tashi" and wrestled competitively in the third-tier "makushita" division under the name Tooyama, is also an actor who has appeared in films including America's "John Wick: Chapter 4" and the India-produced "Sumo." Others include Matsu, whose real name is Yutaka Matsumoto and who competed professionally as the juryo-level Irodori; Waka, real name Masayuki Okamoto, a fellow former juryo-rank competitor known as Kirinowaka; and Toma, or Tsuguto Toma by real name, a former fourth-tier "sandanme" division competitor who weighs in at over 200 kilograms.

Hirakuza is operated by Hanshin Electric Railway Co. subsidiary Hanshin Contents Link Corp., an entertainment-oriented company that runs Billboard Live halls for music shows and dining in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka. A representative said, "Many visitors to Japan come to the Kansai region, but there are very few places where they can enjoy themselves at night. We'd like to try to establish Hirakuza as a must-visit night spot for foreign visitors to Osaka and convey the appeal of sumo to people around the world."

Admission is 16,000 yen (approx. $102) for an S-class ticket that includes a meal and drink, 12,500 yen (roughly $79.50) for an A-class ticket and 9,500 yen (about $60.50) for a B-class ticket. Tickets for children can be bought in A and B classes at 9,000 yen (around $58) and 7,000 yen (some $44.50), respectively. Meal options like a "luxury" boxed lunch, halal and vegan are available. Performances are twice daily at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., except Tuesdays, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

(Japanese original by Hiroaki Hama, Osaka General Affairs Department)

A spectator becomes a "rikishi" sumo wrestler during a performance at the "The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka," in Osaka's Naniwa Ward on May 28, 2024. (Mainichi/Takehiko Onishi)

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Entertainment

Osaka Expo seeks to tap into youth power to drum up support for event

June 2, 2024 (Mainichi Japan)

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The organizer of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, western Japan, is tapping into the power of young people to drum up public support and enthusiasm for the global event, which has been mired in controversy over its hefty infrastructure costs.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition is rallying universities and teachers at primary and secondary schools to participate in the expo, which begins in April next year, and is making use of social media to get its message out.

Osaka's local governments also plan to conduct tours from June to October this year on the site's grand roof named the Ring, a gigantic wooden structure where visitors can overlook the expo site from the rooftop, for junior high and high school students who are residents of or are enrolled at schools in the prefecture aged between 12 and 17.

"Seeing is believing. I want leaders of our future society to experience the overwhelming presence of the Ring," Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters.

The Osaka prefectural government is also planning to invite some 1 million children residing in the prefecture -- elementary, junior high and high school students as well as 4- and 5-year-olds -- to the expo free of charge.

So far, about 75 percent of schools that responded to a survey by the prefecture's board of education said they intend to accept the invitation, according to an interim report of the survey.

The survey targeted some 1,900 schools in the prefecture and received responses from 1,280 as of May 24.

The expo will be held in Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, from April 13 through Oct. 13, 2025.

Public sentiment toward the expo remains critical due to its inflated construction costs and operating expenses. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has established a panel of experts to try and keep costs in check, with the ministry assessing construction costs roughly every two weeks based on reports from the organizer.

Amid the concerns about the event, the organizer said in May that the number of volunteers will be expanded from around 20,000 to 30,000 due to a higher-than-expected number of applicants.

The association and the Osaka prefectural and city governments have received a total of 55,634 applications, with people aged 18 and 19 accounting for the largest group at 23.6 percent of the total.

Expo site volunteers are expected to guide and welcome visitors from Japan and abroad at the venue, according to the organizer.

The volunteers helping out in Osaka, meanwhile, will offer assistance and information at major train stations, airports and other locations around the city, as well as visitor support at the venue's Osaka Healthcare Pavilion.

Also in The Mainichi

COMMENTS

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Weekday ¥3,500* (including tax). * Prices may vary depending on the venue. * The handring fee will be charged. regular ticket price. Ordering by phone or online. Once you've decided on the date and the type of ticket you want, log on to one of the websites to place your order. It's as simple as that!
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Learn about the history, culture and tickets of grand sumo, the national sport of Japan, from the official website of Nihon Sumo Kyokai.
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Ultimate Sumo Grand Tour: Lunch, Tickets & Sumo Expert Provided. Embark on an extraordinary journey that transcends the ordinary Sumo experience. Our exclusive tour of Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka is meticulously curated to offer you an immersive and unforgettable day. As you step into the hallowed grounds, the towering lion head structure ...
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When to go: The Osaka sumo tournament takes place in March. For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379. Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes ...
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入場券や相撲観戦の情報も充実。番付の即日発表や相撲歴史文化等、最新情報提供中。
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With growing foreign interest in sumo, travel services and venues in Osaka are teaming up to offer new ways of experiencing this ancient Japanese sport.
Experience Sumo
The sumo association operates a tour that crisscrosses the country to show practice bouts, demonstrations, and explanations of moves in the sport and talks by some of the wrestlers.
Sumo in Japan: When, Where & How To Experience Sumo
Planning to see sumo in Japan? Learn about when and where to see official tournaments (basho), buying tickets, where to sit, and more!
Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament March 2024 with a Sumo Expert Guide
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of sumo with a Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament Watching Experience, guided by an expert in the sport.
March Tournament Day 8 (Halfway Point)
NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts GRAND SUMO March Tournament Day 8 action live from Osaka Prefecture, as top wrestlers reach the halfway point of the 15-day contest.
Osaka: Sumo Tournament Tour in March (Tickets included)
Osaka: Sumo Tournament Tour in March (Tickets included) Watch Japan's unique and traditional sport Sumo with a knowledgeable tour guide. If you are in Tokyo in January, March or September, you should not miss it! (the tournaments take place 6 times a year; 3 times in Tokyo, once in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka respectively.
The Best Sumo Tours
Discover the fascinating world of sumo wrestling with our special and exciting tours! We offer the Grand Sumo Tournament Tour in odd-numbered months and the Morning Practice Tours at various sumo stables throughout Tokyo. Don't miss this unique chance to immerse yourself in the captivating world of sumo!
New Osaka sumo hall show lets spectators step into ring, learn ...
New Osaka sumo hall show lets spectators step into ring, learn sport's history from pros. A live sumo show is seen at "The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka" in Osaka's Naniwa Ward on May 28, 2024 ...
Watch Sumo Practice at Sumo stable
This is a great opportunity to watch sumo wrestlers' serious practice and training from a short distance. Feel the sumo world and observe how the practice is usually done. This experience will certainly be unforgettable. Price（per person）. Adult/Child（Age3＆over）7,700 JPY.
Osaka
Watch an authentic morning sumo training session. Observe how sumo wrestlers stretch and engage in vibrant and intense rounds of wrestling. Osaka availability: ...
Child-friendly sumo experience ?
Child-friendly sumo experience ? Jun 1, 2024, 10:19 AM. Hi everyone! Are there child-friendly sumo experiences available in Osaka? We will be there Jul 5-10, meaning we JUST miss the start of the official tournament on Jul 14. Quite open to the format - whether it's simply watching practice or other packages (friends have attended something ...
2024 in sumo
26: The Sumo Association releases the banzuke for the spring grand sumo tournament in Osaka, the haru basho. The tournament will feature four faces at the second-highest rank of ōzeki, with newly promoted Kotonowaka joining Hōshōryū, Kirishima and demotion-threatened Takakeishō.
Osaka Expo seeks to tap into youth power to drum up support for event
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The organizer of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, western Japan, is tapping into the power of young people to drum up public support and enthusiasm for the global event, which has ...