Ryōgoku is a neighborhood with a long history as the center of Japan’s national sport of sumo. It’s also the home to some major museums.
The event was started to highlight the many points of interest in the area (nigiwai is a word that means prosperity or flourishing). So naturally the festival has multiple locations including the Kokugikan (national sumo stadium), the Edo Tokyo Museum, and the Sumida Hokusai Museum.
There are lots of stalls serving chanko nabe (a staple food of sumo wrestlers — likely served by the wrestlers themselves!), walking tours, stage events and that old favorite of Japanese community festivals — a stamp rally.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
