Mentioned in various myths and folk tales, it is said that sumo originated sometime around the year 712. Sumo was performed as an annual ritual when rice was planted, as a way to pray for a bountiful harvest. Over a long period of time, a fixed set of rules had established itself and sumo began taking on the form that we know today. As one of Japan's most famous national sports, sumo keeps on attracting not only Japanese people but visitors from all over the world.

If you're a fan of sumo wrestling (or just curious about the sport) and find yourself in Tokyo, you're in luck! The city hosts some of Japan's most exciting sumo tournaments.

Here's everything you need to know about Tokyo sumo tournaments, including the schedule and dates, how to get tickets, and the different seating options available.

There are six grand sumo tournaments per year. In January, May, and September, grand sumo tournaments are held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. This place is considered the sumo sanctuary, and numerous great matches have taken place there.

The schedule is as follows.

For grand sumo tournaments, two types of tickets are available: those sold in advance and those sold on the day of the match. You can book tickets both on the phone or online, or simply buy a ticket on the day of the match at the venue at which it is held. Naturally, these grand tournaments are very popular so if you're planning to buy a ticket at the venue itself, keep in mind that they might sell out really quickly.

Before purchasing your tickets, it's essential to know the tournament schedule. Make sure to check:
・When does the tournament begin?
・When does it end?
・When do the tickets go on sale?
This information will help you plan your visit and ensure you don't miss any of the action.

In sumo, there are several types of seating available, but here we will introduce three of the most popular: Tamari-seki, Masu-seki, and Box seats.

The tamari-seki seats are the closest to the sumo ring and are also known as "Sunakaburi-seki (sand-bathing seats)." These seats are usually reserved for officials, but a few are available to the public. Sitting so close to the ring provides an intense and thrilling experience, but it's important to be cautious as there is a chance that wrestlers could fall into the audience.

Additionally, the tamari-seki seats are only available to those 16 and older. For safety reasons, bringing dangerous items, taking photos with cameras or using mobile phones, eating or drinking at the seats, and using chair cushions are all prohibited.

The masuseki seats are named after the "masu" container used to measure sake, as the seating area resembles its shape. You sit on cushions placed on the floor, and you must remove your shoes to use these seats. The seats are ranked by proximity to the ring, with categories such as A, B, and C, with the closer seats being more expensive. Depending on the rank, your view and the sense of presence will vary.

Seats are available for one, two, three, four, or six people, and the purchase is made by the "masu" unit.

Box seats are equipped with chairs, and you can keep your shoes on while using them. There is also a table, making them ideal for those who prioritize comfort. While the seating is in a partitioned area, providing a sense of privacy, it doesn't offer the same traditional atmosphere as the masuseki seats.

Additionally, special tickets are available, such as masu-seki seats with a photo opportunity with a sumo wrestler or a baby photo shoot, as well as masu-seki seats that include a beer. There is also 2nd-floor seating and wheelchair-accessible seats available.

Please note that the types of seats and their prices may vary depending on the venue, and a separate service fee may apply in addition to the ticket price.

After selecting your desired date and ticket type, purchasing tickets online is straightforward.

Follow these steps:
1. Visit one of the ticket websites listed below.
2. Choose your preferred date and ticket type.
3. Complete the purchase process.

Tournament tickets can sell out quickly, and tournaments are held in Tokyo only in January, May, and September. If you can't get a seat, or your trip falls outside those months, a sumo show is the easiest way to watch wrestlers up close. Shows are held throughout the year, can be booked online in advance, and some include a meal. Here are three popular options:

1. Shinjuku: Editor's Pick
Our top pick after comparing Tokyo's sumo shows, located in central Shinjuku.
Price: 10,000–14,000 yen

2. Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show with All-You-Can-Eat Chanko
Watch a live sumo demonstration while enjoying chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers. Price: 16,000–20,000 yen

3. Hirakuza Ginza: Premium Dinner Show
A sumo show paired with a Japanese dinner in Ginza. Price: 19,000–23,000 yen

Want to compare all five options, including prices, what's included, and morning practice tours? See our full guide:

Heading to Osaka or Kyoto? Sumo shows there also run year-round. Compare prices and what's included in our guide:

Just like many other things within Japanese culture, sumo puts a lot of emphasis on manners and rituals. Besides those of the actual competition, there are a variety of different rules to follow for the audience as well.

Sumo has a lot to do with respect, between the competitors but also towards the sport itself. Let's take a look at the most important rules.

The manners vary depending on your seat. In tamari-seki, eating and drinking, taking photos, and using a mobile phone are not allowed. Because of their closeness to the wrestler, tamari-seki are much more restricted than any other seat.

Masu-seki, on the other hand, are seats that give you more freedom. You can enjoy a snack and a drink and take photos to your heart's content. The only rule in masu-seki is the same in every cinema or theater: enjoy yourself without bothering the other patrons, to allow everyone to have a great experience!

All sumo wrestlers are classified in a ranking hierarchy called banzuke, according to their performance. The top rank is called Yokozuna, the next lower rank is Ozeki, followed by Sekiwake, Komusubi and Maegashira.

On the banzuke, wrestlers are divided into east and west sides. The allocation will be made based on their results of the previous tournament. If wrestlers are on the same rank, the wrestler of the east side is considered to be higher.

Not only are the matches themselves exciting, but so are the various customs surrounding them. One of them is the ring entering ceremony called yokozuna.

Each sumo wrestler wears a unique and colorful keshomawashi (ornamental apron) for the ceremony, which makes for an impressive spectacle.

When they clap their hands and start to stomp ritually, do not forget to call out "Yoisho!" for them. Keeping a close watch on the wrestlers' movements during this ceremony as well as during the matches is what makes sumo so exciting.

Sumo training and stables are another fascinating aspect of sumo culture in Tokyo. These stables, known as heya (beya), provide a glimpse into the daily lives of sumo wrestlers.

Visitors can witness the rigorous training sessions and observe the wrestlers' dedication and discipline. Some stables even offer guided tours, allowing you to learn more about the training techniques and the wrestlers' lifestyle.

If you're looking to take home a piece of sumo culture, Tokyo offers a variety of options for sumo-related souvenirs and memorabilia. From miniature sumo figurines to replica championship belts, you'll find a wide range of unique items to commemorate your visit. Don't forget to check out the local shops near Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's sumo stadium, for an extensive selection of sumo merchandise.

The Sumo Museum located on the 1st floor of Ryogoku Kokugikan is always open to the public even if there's no grand sumo tournament being held. The museum's most famous exhibits are the sumo nishiki-e, traditional colored woodblock prints, representing sumo wrestlers' unique faces and different postures. Other items related to sumo such as banzuke lists and keshomawashi are also displayed in the museum.

Dive into the world of sumo with these unique destinations and experiences. From watching live matches in Osaka to exploring the historic roots of sumo in Nara, discover how Japan's national sport comes to life like never before!

Excited to experience sumo in Japan, but there aren't any matches being held? Check out The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka! This venue offers the chance to watch authentic sumo matches while enjoying Japanese cuisine and culture.

Katsuragi City in Nara Prefecture is thought to be where it all began, as the hometown of Taima no Kehaya, said to be Japan's first sumo wrestler, and the site of Tenran-zumo—the first sumo match performed for the Emperor.

Katsuragi City has been a trading center since the Jomon period (14,000-300 BCE) and is home to numerous cultural assets, including the Taima Mandala, a National Treasure.