[2025 Tokyo ] Travel Guide for Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena (Updated May)

Name of place📝: Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena 兩國國技館 Address📍: 1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan 〒130-0015 東京都墨田区横網１丁目３−28 Nearest subway station 🚉: Ryogoku 兩國 Points to note 🗒️: the Japanese sumo matches only take pace six times a year (each time about 2 weeks) and only in January, May and September it is in Tokyo (for other months you will need to go to other cities). So research the match you want to see or make sure you go at the right month if you plan to watch a match. #Sumo #tokyo #japan #sports #Wrestling

Visiting the Ryogoku Kokugikan for a Grand Sumo Tournament is a thrilling cultural experience. The arena buzzes with excitement as massive rikishi (wrestlers) face off in intense, ritual-filled bouts. The atmosphere blends tradition and sport, with ceremonial stomping, chanting, and salt-throwing rituals. From colorful banners to passionate fans, every moment is uniquely Japanese. Whether in box seats or the upper stands, the energy is electric, making it a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo. #japan #trip #travel #sumo

When I came to Ryokoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, I had the honor of watching a wonderful sumo match, which was an unforgettable cultural experience. Ryokoku Kokugikan is a holy place for sumo fans, full of history and tradition, and is the best place to experience Japanese sumo culture. Before the game started, I walked around and admired the grandeur of the building and the lively atmosphere inside. The audience's enthusiasm and anticipation filled the entire venue with vitality. I took thirteen photos, capturing the sumo wrestlers' heroic postures, the intense moments of the match, and the enthusiastic reactions of the audience. During the competition, the players' strength and skills were fully demonstrated, and every duel was breathtaking. The referee's decision, the contestants' movements and the audience's cheers are intertwined to form a vivid picture. This viewing experience made me deeply feel the charm and spirit of sumo, a traditional sport. I will always treasure this precious memory and look forward to returning to both countries to experience more of the wonderful moments of sumo matches. #Tokyo #Ryokoku Kokugikan #Sumo #Cultural Experience

The Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo takes place across a few weeks in January (8th-23rd in 2023) and is located in Ryogoku (easily accessible by train near Akhibara). The day is long but you can exit and enter again (not. sure how many times) and each contest doesn't last long. The rituals before and after each contest are the longest parts but cool to see (although exactly the same for each contest). Tickets can be expensive closer to the centre (sitting on cushions) but we paid 5500jpy for individual seats higher up. This was good enough for people who are basically going to see it for saying you've seen sumo in Japan 😂 Merchandise available too. Everyone seems to enter via the same entrance and you just find your seats once inside (not specific turnstiles like other bigger sport events).