Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum

The Basics

Watching a sumo tournament in this sumo hall is a quintessential Japanese experience, and with only three tournaments per year in Tokyo, it’s important to plan (and book) ahead. If you’re visiting between tournaments, you can still get a taste of sumo culture by visiting the museum, stopping at the stadium as part of a tour of Tokyo (with visits to Tokyo Skytree and Kiyosumi Garden as well), or taking a walking tour of Ryogoku District (also known as sumo town) with a sumo wrestler as your guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visit during one of three annual tournaments in Tokyo to see the hulking athletes in action.

• See the stadium on a walking or biking tour of Tokyo.

• Admission is free to the museum, which is closed Saturday and Sunday and on national holidays.

• Tournament tickets tend to sell out, especially during the final days, so it’s best to book ahead.

How to Get There

The stadium is situated a short walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) and Toei Subway Ryogoku Station (Exit A3).

When to Get There

To see sumo action live, you’ll have to plan your visit during one of three 15-day tournaments, held in January, May, and September. Wrestling takes place throughout the day, but the biggest competitors take to the ring mid-afternoon. The Kokugikan Sumo Museum is open Monday through Friday.

Seating at the Kokugikan Stadium

Spectators at Ryogoku Kokugikan have three types of seating from which to choose. Most of the seating is typical arena-style chair seats, but it’s possible to book Japanese-style floor box seats or, for the best views of the action, ringside seating on cushions. While the latter are extremely popular (and difficult for foreigners to purchase), you can arrive early in the day and watch some early matches from these seats until their rightful owners show up.

How can I get to Kokugikan Sumo Stadium from central Tokyo?

To get to Kokugikan Sumo Stadium from central Tokyo, you can take the JR Sobu line or the Oedo line to JR Ryogoku Station. From Akihabara, the JR Sobu line takes around three minutes. Then, depending on which exit you choose, it’s typically less than a 5-minute walk to the stadium.

When are the sumo tournaments held at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium?

Sumo tournaments are typically held at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium three times a year in January, May, and September. Each tournament usually lasts for 15 days, with specific dates varying slightly each year. Sumo wrestling usually occurs throughout the day, with the most significant events in the afternoon.

What are the main attractions at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium?

The main attraction at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium is the sumo hall, where visitors can watch sumo tournaments three times a year. There’s also the on-site Sumo Museum, which showcases over 30,000 pieces related to sumo wrestling, including woodblock prints, ceremonial aprons, and regularly changing exhibits.

What is the best time to visit Kokugikan Sumo Stadium?

The best time to visit Kokugikan Sumo Stadium is during one of the three annual sumo tournaments held in January, May, and September. These tournaments offer the most authentic and immersive experience of sumo wrestling, including matches, cultural displays, and the vibrant atmosphere of being in the stadium.

What should I know about the etiquette and customs when watching a sumo match at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium?

Kokugikan Sumo Stadium has customs set to ensure a courteous experience for all attendees watching a sumo match. Once you’ve found your designated seating area, be mindful to sit without blocking views or standing in the aisles. Respect rules on photography and food, as indicated by signs, and keep noise levels low, but join in applause when appropriate.

Are there any restaurants near Kokugikan Sumo Stadium?

Yes, there are restaurants and shops near Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. After watching a sumo tournament, stay in the Ryogoku area for plenty of dining options. At Ryogoku Station, you can get great tonkatsu dishes at Ichikatsu, or try sumo wrestler hot pot at Sumo Chaya Terao.

Ways to explore

Watching a tournament in this sumo hall is a quintessential Japanese experience, and with only three tournaments per year in Tokyo, it’s important to plan (and book) ahead. If you’re visiting between tournaments, you can still get a taste of sumo culture by visiting the museum, stopping at the stadium as part of a sightseeing tour (with visits to Tokyo Skytree and Kiyosumi Garden as well), or taking a walking tour of the Ryogoku District (also known as “sumo town”) with a sumo wrestler as your guide.

Accessibility

The site is completely barrier-free and has accessible seating (which must be reserved in advance by calling/using a service to help you book) and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

Children under 3 can enter for free and sit on their parents’ laps.

What to pack

Don't bring any large luggage with you to watch a match; make sure your bag can fit beneath your seat.

What to wear

There’s no dress code, though outlandish clothing that might distract from the sport is discouraged.

Not allowed

Photography is not allowed inside the museum.

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop

Address

While the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum is about 30 minutes away from central Shinjuku, it’s a worthy outing to learn about this pillar of Japanese culture.

Driving

Head east from Shinjuku toward Yasukuni-dōri or Meiji-dōri. Merge onto Metropolitan Expressway Route 6 (Mukojima). Exit near Kinshichō (Route 7) or Komagata (Route 6), following signs for Ryōgoku or the Kokugikan. Continue to the area around 1‑3‑28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, and follow signs for the stadium.

Public transportation

The stadium is a short walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) and Toei Subway Ryogoku Station (Exit A3).

Best times to visit

The museum is open mid-morning to late afternoon; most visitors find 30 minutes is enough to see all of the exhibits.

Best days to visit

The museum is open on most weekdays; it’s closed on weekends and public holidays. Close to a tournament, only ticket holders can visit the museum.

Best months to visit

To catch a sumo tournament, you’ll need to book tickets to the stadium for January, May, or September. During the sumo season, the museum is only open to people attending a match.

Special events

Even if your Tokyo visit doesn’t coincide with a sumo tournament, you can still watch sumo wrestlers practice during a sumo stable tour.