Held every May, this is the third of Japan’s six annual 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.
Tours & tickets
| Seat Type | Price from | Notes | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena | ¥3,500 | Likely to sell out early | Ticket Pia (sold out) |
| 2nd Floor (Class B) | ¥14,000 | Includes guide | Viator (sold out), Klook (sold out), JTB Sunrise Tours (sold out), and Headout (sold out) |
| 2nd Floor (Class S) | ¥30,000 | Includes guide | JTB Sunrise Tours (sold out) |
| 2nd Floor (Class A) | ¥23,000 | Includes guide | JTB Sunrise Tours (sold out) |
Tickets go on sale from April 6 on the official website, but you can guarantee tickets earlier by booking a tour (sold out).
If you don’t know your Yokozuna from your Ozeki, then it is a good idea to bring a guide with you to find out what exactly you’re watching. This ticket (sold out) gets you second-floor arena seats, a guide, and booklet.
You can also reserve 2nd floor B-class seats with Viator (sold out) and Klook (currently unavailable), as well as Headout (sold out).
Notes on seating and matches
Seating is divided into box seating — tatami areas seating four people which start at around ¥38,000 and arena seats which start from ¥3,800.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, with some released at the venue on the day — for these you have to be there very early, but it’s good for last-minute plans. Sumo matches take place throughout the day and you can leave to grab food and return when you like. The busiest times 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.- 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)
