Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s leading traditions, its origins tracing back to ancient Shinto rituals. It is said to have started during ceremonies praying for peace and bountiful harvests. Even today, sumo wrestlers compete atop the sacred Dohyo (ring). Through these contests, they represent the spirit, discipline, and etiquette that are central to the Japanese identity.

The rules are simple: two wrestlers face each other on a circular ring, and the one who forces his opponent out of the ring or makes them touch the ground with any part of their body wins. However, there are many different techniques and intense strategies condensed into this quick battle. The glares exchanged at the beginning of the match (tachiai), the sounds of muscular bodies colliding, the roars of the audience... All those elements draw the viewers in.

The main way to experience Sumo bouts is at the official "Honbasho" tournaments. But with limited schedules and a fierce scramble for tickets, it is notoriously difficult to find a chance to watch Sumo easily.

Enter THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO, a venue currently making headlines for making the world of Sumo more accessible to international visitors. This is a brand-new show facility where you can savor Japanese dining while immersing yourself in the intensity of Sumo, Japan’s national sport with over 1,500 years of history.

Following its successful debut in Osaka in 2024, the long-awaited second location, THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO, opens in Ginza, Tokyo in January 2026.

The concept of the facility is "EDO Spirit –Sumo & Culture Experience–." The interior is adorned with traditional colors and designs that evoke the atmosphere of "Edo," the flourishing center of Japanese culture approximately 200 years ago.

A full-sized Dohyo stage (sumo ring) sits at the center of the venue, setting the scene for intense matches and dramatic production effects. By combining state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and video technology, the show creates a unique fusion of tradition and entertainment, offering a Sumo experience like no other.

At THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO, you can fully experience the allure of Sumo from every angle during a spectacular two-hour Kaiseki experience and sumo show. The entire performance is conducted in English, designed so that even first-time viewers can easily understand the rules and highlights while enjoying the entertainment.

Here, we introduce five key elements that allow you to experience the show with all five senses.

The show begins with the wrestlers introducing their practice (keiko), which is not only physical but also spiritual, and a way to focus their minds.

Traditional Japanese martial arts embrace the philosophy of “Shi, Gi, Tai” or “spirit, technique, and body,” meaning that only when these three elements are in harmony can true strength be achieved. This teaching is still being passed down in sumo practice, where wrestlers challenge their physical limits every day while maintaining a deep sense of respect and courtesy.

Through each distinct movement of the practice, guests can perceive the spirituality and beautiful decorum of Sumo firsthand. From the wrestlers' serious gazes to the silence of their concentration, a sacred atmosphere fills the air.

Next, the wrestlers demonstrate the basic rules and fouls (kinjite) of Sumo in an easy-to-understand format. Unlike official matches, this part of the show includes humorous elements that often get the crowd laughing. The structure allows you to understand the rules through body language alone, making it perfect for Sumo beginners.

After learning the rules, demonstration matches by former professional Grand Sumo wrestlers will unfold on the ring right before your eyes, only a few meters away. You can hear the impact of the wrestlers’ bodies when they charge at each other, the weight of their feet stomping on the ring, and even hear the wrestlers’ breathing, resulting in an immersive experience.

Sumo is not separated by weight classes, meaning size alone does not guarantee a win. Victory demands technique and focus sharpened through daily practice.
The sight of a wrestler using skill and explosive speed to overcome a significant size disadvantage is a breathtaking moment for the audience. The unimaginable velocity and raw power on display are sure to captivate everyone.

One of the key attractions of THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO is the authentic Japanese Kaiseki cuisine served alongside the sumo viewing experience.

“Kaiseki” refers to traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine that developed during the Edo period and features classic dishes like tempura and hot pot (nabe), as well as delicate flavors enhancing the ingredients’ natural qualities.

If you upgrade your kaiseki plan, you can savor a special menu featuring premium Wagyu beef. Menus catering to a wide range of needs, such as halal, vegan, and kids’ options, are also available.

Be sure to stop by the Sake Bar before, after, or during the performance. In the Edo period, sake from Nada in Hyogo, known as kudarizake, was offered to the shogun family and became a cultural phenomenon. Focusing on this rich history, HIRAKUZA serves a carefully curated selection of sake. Enjoy a fragrant glass as you let your mind wander back to the culture of the Edo era.

One of the most popular segments of the show is the Sumo Challenge, where audience members selected by lottery get the opportunity to face off against sumo wrestlers.

Challengers wear a sumo suit modeled after the loincloths wrestlers (mawashi) wear during practice and competitions. The matches offer a unique mix of comedy and genuine sumo atmosphere, surrounding the ring with laughter and applause. Once they face off on the ring (dohyo), however, it’s a serious showdown. Will the wrestler win, or will the challenger prevail? Every match ends in thunderous applause, uniting the entire audience in shared excitement.

Entry to the "Sumo Challenge" is free for all guests. While only a select few are chosen, many people apply hoping for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Participation is open to women and children (elementary school age) as well, so if you are interested, don't hesitate to enter!

The show concludes with a warm send-off from the wrestlers. Seeing their imposing physiques up close is awe-inspiring. Their sheer size will have you looking up in amazement.

In a striking contrast to their intense "battle mode" on stage, the wrestlers will greet you with gentle smiles. It is a touching display of hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.

Guests are also invited onto the Dohyo stage for a souvenir photo with the wrestlers. Staff members are on hand to take the picture using your own smartphone, making it easy to capture the perfect memory. Feel free to shake hands, strike a pose, and enjoy this special moment of interaction.

There are three types of seats available at THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO, categorized by their view of the Dohyo. The layout allows for a full view of the stage from any location. Standard seats are designed with a tiered structure similar to a concert hall, ensuring that visibility is secured for all guests.

*All prices include tax
*Seat availability is subject to change

Sumo is a traditional Japanese cultural tradition that keeps the spirit and aesthetics of the Edo period alive today. Etiquette and pride breathe within the wrestlers' demeanor, and a profound sense of the sacred dwells in their every movement

To experience Sumo is to touch the heart of the "good old days" of Edo culture. Our venue in Ginza, once the vibrant center of that era, provides the perfect setting for this rare opportunity to enjoy authentic Sumo and Japanese cuisine together.

We invite you to spend a special time with us, savoring the iki (refined style) and raw power of Japan with all five senses.