“Can I see a sumo tournament in Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya during my trip?”

Sumo tournaments happen 6 times a year in different cities. Let me explain the schedule!

Tournament Schedule

“When are the tournaments?”

Each tournament lasts 15 days, starting on a Sunday and ending on a Sunday.

How to Get Tickets

“Are tickets hard to get?”

Popular matches sell out fast!

• Tickets go on sale about 1 month before each tournament
• Weekend days and final days are most popular
• Weekday tickets are easier to get
• Box seats (masu-seki) sell out first

Where to buy:

• Official sumo website
• Convenience store ticket machines
• Ticket resellers (more expensive)

What to Expect

“What’s the experience like?”

A tournament day:

• Matches start around 8am with lower-ranked wrestlers
• Top wrestlers (makuuchi) start around 3pm
• Grand finale around 6pm
• You can come and go during the day

Tips:

• Afternoon is the most exciting
• Bring a cushion (seats are hard!)
• Food and beer available inside

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Watch sumo on TV (it’s broadcast daily)
• Go to tournaments as a special occasion
• Know the top wrestlers and follow rankings
• Consider it an important cultural tradition

Extra Travel Tips

1. Book early – Especially for Tokyo tournaments

2. Weekdays are easier – Less competition for tickets

3. Arrive in the afternoon – For the best matches

4. Try chanko nabe – Sumo wrestler hot pot near Ryogoku

5. Morning practice – Some stables allow visitors (research in advance)

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