4 Best Sumo Tours in Tokyo

Looking to see some sumo wrestling in Japan? Well, Tokyo has some of the best sumo tours available!

There’s nothing quite like experiencing sumo wrestling up close. And as the heart of sumo culture, Tokyo offers a range of incredible tours that take you beyond the matches and into the rich history of this ancient sport.

After exploring Tokyo, we’ve uncovered the top four sumo tours that deliver an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious to see Japan’s national sport in action, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your visit!

Best Sumo Tours in Tokyo

1. Sumo entertainment show with dinner and drinks

As far as we’re concerned, this sumo entertainment show is hands down the best sumo tour in Japan! We had a blast immersing ourselves in Japanese culture, meeting sumo wrestlers, and enjoying an authentic sumo dinner.

The atmosphere in the sumo hall was lively and welcoming, and the show began with an introduction to the rules and rituals that form ancient sumo culture. We also got to watch a geisha performance before the match began.

The commentary was easy to follow, and then watching the wrestlers demonstrate their skills was amazing. Sumo wrestling is such an iconic Japanese sport, so seeing it was a real bucket list moment for us! 

The highlight of the experience, though, was the chance to step into the ring and feel the intensity of a sumo face-off during a mock match. It gave me an even deeper appreciation for the sport! Then, after the show, we enjoyed a true sumo wrestler’s feast, consisting of chanko-nabe hot pot, and as much fried chicken and sushi as we wanted! Then, we finished with sweet pancakes. 

We were able to snap photos with the wrestlers before we left, and we even got some traditional souvenirs to keep! We left the hall with huge smiles and a newfound appreciation for Japanese culture. Honestly, we can’t recommend this tour enough.

2. Sumo wrestling demonstration with lunch or dinner

If you’re looking to step into the world of sumo wrestling, then this tour is your chance! We really enjoyed meeting and learning from retired sumo wrestlers on this tour. It gave us an up-close look at Japan’s national sport and a much deeper insight into the culture.

The tour began with an engaging demonstration from the retired wrestlers. We got to see the history and rules of sumo wrestling in action. And let me tell you, even though these wrestlers are retired, they’re still incredibly skilled and strong! Watching the mock matches up close was truly awe-inspiring. 

After the demos, we got to step into the ring and challenge the retired wrestlers ourselves. Thankfully, they went easy on us, but the experience of squaring off with them was unforgettable nonetheless. It’s not every day you can say that you’ve faced off against a sumo wrestler! 

The experience finished up with a huge sumo wrestler-style meal, which was delicious. It’s the typical meal that wrestlers eat to gain weight, so you’d better believe that we left feeling stuffed. 

This tour was so much fun, and it’s our top choice for families, as kids will love the demos and the chance to step into the ring. Whether you’re a sumo fan or just curious, it’s definitely a must-do while in Tokyo!

Related Read: For a complete plan that includes Tokyo’s top attractions, markets, and cultural stops, take a look at our 3-day Tokyo itinerary here.

3. Learn about Sumo Culture on a walking tour

If you’d like to learn about sumo culture but aren’t sure where to start, then we think this sumo walking tour is the perfect place to start. It offered us an in-depth look into this cultural tradition that goes back centuries. 

We didn’t just watch sumo on this tour; we actually got to practice it ourselves, in a proper sumo hall! With our small tour group, we tried out ancient sumo rituals. I mean, there’s no better way to learn about the sport than to have a go, right? Our guide, Kenneth, was awesome, and he taught us about the meaning behind each and every moment. 

Then, after our sumo session, we explored the historic streets of Asakusa. It’s an entertainment district known for its old-world charm, and we got to visit a shrine, a temple, and a local restaurant to further enrich our understanding of Japanese culture. 

This tour was an incredible way to dive deep into Japan’s cultural heritage, and it was a ton of fun, too. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we would recommend it to anyone looking to get an authentic, hands-on experience of Japan beyond the usual tourist attractions.

4. Watch a professional Sumo morning training session

Watching professional sumo wrestlers training in a sumo stable isn’t the kind of experience you can just stumble upon in Tokyo, and that’s precisely why we booked this tour! We were able to go behind the scenes and see sumos practice their moves in a real training session, which is akin to watching athletes train for the Olympics. 

Our guide, Mari, picked us up from our hotel in the morning, and she taught us a lot about sumo history and culture on the way to the stable. She also taught us what to keep an eye out for during the training session, so we really appreciated her insider tips!

When we arrived, we watched the wrestlers performing their basic exercises (which were actually pretty rigorous), and then they showcased their immense strength and discipline during the practice matches. Their focus was unmatched, and even though it was a practice session, we were on the edge of our seats. 

Then, after the session, we got to meet the wrestlers. They were so friendly and graciously posed for photos. We felt very honoured! 

This tour was an incredible experience, and one of the most meaningful cultural experiences we’ve had in Japan. It also offers a rare glimpse into a world that very few outsiders ever get to see.

Related Read: Planning the rest of your trip? Our guide to the best things to do in Tokyo covers top attractions, neighborhoods, and local favorites.

Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan

Accommodation in Tokyo can be expensive – there’s no simple way to put it! However, there are a lot of great options in terms of quality, location, and amenities. To help narrow down your choices, I’ve picked out three fantastic stays for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget place to stay.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier – $$$

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier is a luxury stay featuring rooms with balconies and city views. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, so you’re close to the trains and top sights, but it’s still a relaxing and quiet stay. The rooms are modern and spacious, and you can enjoy the on-site restaurant and gorgeous garden area.

Prices start around ¥37,500 ($250 USD) per night and can be booked online here.

OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka – $$

OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka has a fabulous location in the Minato area, and is close to the trains, so you can get anywhere in the city easily. The hotel itself is very comfortable for a moderate price point, offering double or twin rooms with cozy sitting nooks in each room. There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores around the hotel, and you can walk to some of Tokyo’s top sights.

Rooms start around ¥22,500 ($150 USD) on average. You can check prices and reserve this stay online in advance. 

Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin – $

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay, the Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin is your best bet. Located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, you’ll be near top temples and activities and a short walk to the train station. The rooms are basic, but clean, and provide a comfortable place to rest, and you can get a private room or a dorm room.

Private rooms start around ¥7,500 ($50 USD), and a dorm is about ¥3,000 ($20 USD) — not bad for Tokyo! Check availability and book this budget stay on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Tokyo here!

Related Read: Want to compare all the top areas before you decide? Read our in-depth guide on where to stay in Tokyo for expert insights and hotel picks.

Thanks for reading!

Watching a sumo show in Tokyo is still one of our favorite memories in the city! It was so cool to learn about this sport and enjoy a meal at the same time. It’s absolutely something we will do again the next time we are back in Tokyo!

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or just looking for new experiences to check out, we can help! Have a look through all our blogs on Japan here to see what tips we have and activities we recommend.

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