Held every January, this is the first of Japan’s six sumo tournaments, known as honbasho. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day, complete with cushion-throwing and cheers.
Tickets and seats
| Seat Type | Price from | Notes | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena | ¥3,500 | Likely to sell out early | Ticket Pia (sold out) |
| 2nd Floor (Class B) or 1st Floor | ¥14,000 | Some plans include an English-speaking tour guide | JTB Sunrise Tours (available now), Viator (available now), and Klook (available now) |
| 2nd Floor (Class A) | ¥23,000 | Includes light snack | JTB Sunrise Tours (available now) |
Tickets can be purchased online in advance from December 7.
Seating is divided into box seating — tatami areas seating four people — which start at around ¥40,000 (for 4 people), and arena seats — which start from ¥3,500, but are more realistically in the ¥5,000–¥10,000 range.
What time should I go?
Sumo matches take place throughout the day and you can leave to grab food and return when you like. Most of the excitement starts in the afternoon around 2 p.m. and the busiest days are as you may expect — weekends and towards to end of the tournament.
Not here during a tournament? Fear not—here’s how to see sumo in Tokyo throughout the year.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 158 m from Ryōgoku Station Oedo Line (E12)Chūō-Sōbu Line (JB19)
- 0.7 km from Kuramae Station Asakusa Line (A17)Oedo Line (E11)
- 0.9 km from Asakusabashi Station Asakusa Line (A16)Chūō-Sōbu Line (JB20)
