Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
A Tourist’s Guide to Tokyo’s Unique Tradition
Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya, A Tourist’s Guide to Tokyo’s Unique Tradition. It’s 7:00 a.m., and the streets of Tokyo are almost silent as we arrive at Arashio-beya Sumo Stable. The early morning chill bites, but the promise of watching sumo wrestlers train is enough to keep us moving. It’s already busy with Tourists. Through the large window, we get our first look inside. The wrestlers are already deep into their asageiko—morning practice. Their size is striking in person. These men are towering figures of muscle and precision, moving with surprising speed and focus. It’s very easy to see the practice through the windows, much harder to get a photograph as there is a steel cross-cross mesh on the inside of the window.
Inside, the atmosphere is intense. There’s no chatter, just the sounds of bodies clashing and feet gripping the sand. The wrestlers practise with unwavering discipline. One slaps his thighs in preparation, then bows to his opponent. Within seconds, they collide with raw power, testing strength, balance, and technique. It’s a battle, but there’s no celebration or showmanship. They bow, reset, and do it all over again.
From the window, it’s fascinating to see the coaches step in occasionally to correct techniques. Their sharp commands and gestures keep the younger wrestlers focused. This is no casual training session—it’s a craft perfected over the years.
Why Visit at 6:30 a.m.?
Arriving early makes all the difference. As we found out after arriving at 7 a.m. We had an excuse, it was early and a 40-minute walk from the hotel. We had set off at about 06.15. There were plenty of spectators already gathered outside, peering through the glass. Watching at this hour feels like stepping into a sacred tradition before the rest of the city stirs.
The wrestlers are at their best, fresh and fully engaged in their training. By 10 a.m., they’ll be done. The opportunity to experience this raw intensity will be gone for the day.
What You Need to Know Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
Arrive early: Be there by 6 a.m. if possible. The earlier, the better. Tours normally arrive after the first practice has started. Tour times are about 7.30 am to 10.00 am
Stay quiet: You’re an observer, not a participant. Silence is expected.
Check schedules: Not every day is open for public viewing. Look online to confirm before you visit.
Sumo training schedule Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
You can watch the daily practice. The most up-to-date and detailed schedule is posted on this page. Website Training Calendar Check Click Here arashio.net A small crowd had already gathered, eager to watch the wrestlers in action. Seeing the sumo in training was fascinating! The sheer strength, precision, and intensity of their practice are truly captivating. Be prepared to stand as you marvel at their technique. The stable is located in a quieter part of Tokyo, making it perfect for a casual stroll after the session. This is an experience not to be missed!
We didn’t focus too much on taking photos—just a few here and there—as our main goal was to immerse ourselves in watching the Sumo wrestlers during their training.
Location of Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
Visiting the Arashio-beya sumo stable is a fantastic way to experience the intense training and culture of sumo wrestling up close. Here’s how to get there:
By Train (Most Convenient Option)
- From Tokyo Station:
- Take the JR Sobu Line (Rapid) to Bakurocho Station.
- From Bakurocho, Arashio-beya is about a 10–15 minute walk.
- Travel time: Around 10–15 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥150.
- From Shinjuku Station:
- Take the JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station.
- Transfer to the JR Sobu Line (Rapid) and ride to Bakurocho Station.
- From there, walk to Arashio-beya.
- Travel time: Around 20–25 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥300.
- From Asakusa:
- Take the Toei Asakusa Line to Higashi-Nihombashi Station.
- Walk about 10 minutes to Arashio-beya.
- Travel time: Around 15 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥200.
- From Ginza:
- Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Kodenmacho Station.
- Walk about 12–15 minutes to Arashio-beya.
- Travel time: About 15 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥170.
In a Taxi
- A taxi from central Tokyo (e.g., Tokyo Station) takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Approximately ¥1,500–¥2,000.
Walking Directions from Nearby Stations
- From Bakurocho Station:
- Exit the station and head north towards the Nihonbashi-honcho area.
- Follow the signs or use a navigation app for a 10–15 minute walk.
- From Higashi-Nihombashi Station:
- Exit towards the street level and walk northeast for about 10 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Arashio-beya
- Timing:
- Sumo practice typically takes place in the early morning (around 7:00–10:00 a.m.).
- Check their website or social media for updates on schedules, as practice sessions might vary.
- Viewing Practice:
- You can watch training through the large ground-floor window.
- Photography is usually allowed but follow any posted rules to show respect.
- Reservations:
- If you wish to enter the stable, check in advance if reservations are required. Most sumo stables require prior arrangements for entry.
- What to Bring:
- A respectful attitude! Quiet observation is key as the wrestlers are deeply focused during practice.
A visit to Arashio-beya offers a unique and unforgettable insight into Japan’s traditional sumo culture!
A Window into Tradition Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
Sumo isn’t just Japan’s national sport—it’s a way of life. Watching Rikishi (wrestlers) train at Arashio-beya is nothing like seeing a match at Ryogoku Kokugikan. This is the gritty, real-life preparation behind the glamour of tournaments.
It’s impossible not to admire the dedication. These men live here, train here, and follow a strict regimen to embody the tradition of sumo. Their entire day is built around this practice, from early-morning drills to their diet of chanko nabe (a protein-packed stew).
Watching from outside the stable, we can’t help but feel a sense of privilege. This isn’t a tourist attraction—it’s their home, their workplace, their life.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to experience something authentic, this is it. Standing outside that window at Arashio-beya, we don’t just watch sumo—we feel it.
Can You Do Tours? Sumo Wrestling at Arashio-beya
Tours as such are not offered, but observing morning practice is the highlight for tourists. It’s a silent, self-guided experience, so remember to be respectful—photos may be restricted, and talking or making noise is strictly forbidden during practice. You Can book a Private tour from the Official Website and enter the training area to watch from Inside.
Special Tour Sumo Morning Practice Tour in “Arashio Stable” with an Official Guide Tokyo Chuo City Official Experience
The regular price13,000 yen(tax included) /per person
Sumo Morning Practice Tour in “Arashio Stable” Website Link Click Here to book
You will have an unforgettable experience. On this tour, you can watch dynamic sumo wrestlers practice, and feel their power up close as you take in morning practice from special seats. You can listen to the guide’s live explanation using the audio guide device, and there may be a chance to take a photo with the sumo wrestlers after their practice.
*Minimum Number of Participants 1 person.
*Capacity 6 person.
*Children under 11 years of age can not join this tour.
*Please understand the following before applying.
・The sumo ring is a sacred place where sumo wrestlers dedicate their lives and souls. Please respect that at all times.
・Disturbing the training session could lead to serious injuries, so please read the important information below.
・Every odd month, it is held the grand sumo tournament. Therefore, there won’t be any training at that period.
What is sumo morning practice?
The sumo stable is where the sumo wrestlers live, train, eat and sleep. A typical day at a sumo stable starts early in the morning. Training begins without eating breakfast. After warming up individually, they begin the two types of practice matches. One is “sanban geiko” (Two sumo wrestlers who are pretty equally matched.) the other, is “Moshi-ai geiko”(The winner of a practice match stays in the ring and chooses his next opponent). Training finishes up with a special stamina-building exercise called “butsukari geiko”
Highlights
*Learn about the history, rules, and wrestlers of sumo
*Watch sumo morning training up close (inside the stable)
*Explanation of “What is sumo” and live commentary from the guide
*Use the audio guide device
* There may be a chance to take a photo with the sumo wrestlers after their practice
*Enjoy shopping in the sumo souvenir shop
Itinerary
08:00 – Meet the guide at“Hamacho Station” Exit A2(ground floor) of the Toei Shinjuku Line
08:10 – Visit “Arashio Stable”
Watch the morning sumo practice inside the stable with a seat. The guide will use an audio device to explain from behind a glass wall through your earbuds.
10:00 – After the practice, a photo session with wrestlers. Enjoy shopping in “Chikarayama Shoten” where you can buy some sumo souvenirs.
*Estimated end time is not guaranteed. The practice may end earlier than usual depending on the day.
Important Information
*This tour is provided by the Tokyo Chuo City Tourism Association.
*Book the tour 3 working days in advance.
*All payments must be made in full before the tour.
*The itinerary may be changed due to operational reasons.
*The tour fee may not be refundable due to personal reasons.
*Operational reasons may require cancelling the tour. If this happens, we’ll offer an alternative itinerary or date, or refund the tour fee.
Keep quiet and sit still during the morning practice. (You can not leave your seat while watching sumo practice)
Taking videos is not allowed. If you want to take pictures, please make sure to mute the shutter sound and turn off the flash.
No food or drink is allowed in the sumo stable
Take off sunglasses and hats when you enter the sumo stable.
* They will not allow anyone with a temperature of 37.5°C or above or those who do not feel well to participate.
* You can receive details(meeting point, emergency call and others) by e-mail after you book the tour.
What Is Sumo Wrestling?
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, dating back over 1,500 years. It began as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods, featuring strength contests in elaborate ceremonies. Wrestlers, or rikishi, dedicate their lives to the sport, living and training in stables like Arashio-beya under strict discipline.
Each match is a ritualistic affair, beginning with salt-throwing to purify the ring and ceremonial stomping to chase away evil spirits. Despite its simplicity—a wrestler loses if they step out of the ring or touch the ground with anything but their feet—sumo is deeply strategic, relying on technique, speed, and brute strength.
Sumo Tournaments in Tokyo
Tokyo hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments or basho. These take place at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the heart of sumo in Japan. The tournaments are held in January, May, and September, each lasting 15 days.
Visitors can book tickets to enjoy the electrifying atmosphere, complete with chanting crowds, ceremonial pageantry, and dramatic bouts. The higher-ranked matches begin later in the afternoon, but arriving earlier lets you enjoy lower-division matches and explore the venue’s sumo museum and food stalls.
Sumo Tournaments in Tokyo
A Complete Guide
Tokyo is the spiritual home of sumo wrestling and hosts some of Japan’s most prestigious tournaments. If you’re a fan or simply curious about Japan’s national sport, here’s everything you need to know about the Tokyo sumo tournaments and their venues.
Where Are Sumo Tournaments Held in Tokyo?
All sumo tournaments in Tokyo are held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan, also known as the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall. This iconic venue, located in the Ryōgoku district, is a must-visit for sumo enthusiasts. With a seating capacity of over 11,000, it offers an incredible atmosphere to watch sumo in action. The venue also houses a museum showcasing the history of sumo.
Sumo Tournaments in Tokyo
Tokyo hosts Three Grand Sumo Tournaments annually, forming part of the six official tournaments (or honbasho) held across Japan each year.
Tokyo sumo dates 2024
January Tournament: Jan. 14–28 (tickets on sale from Dec 9, 2023)
May Tournament: May 12–26 (tickets on sale from April 6, 2024)
September Tournament: Sept. 8–22 (tickets on sale from Aug 10, 2024)
Website Link for Ryōgoku Kokugikan
Tokyo sumo dates 2025
January Tournament: Jan. 12–26 (tickets on sale from Dec. 7, 2024)
May Tournament: May 11–25 (tickets on sale from April 5, 2025)
September Tournament: Sept. 14–28 (tickets on sale from Aug. 9, 2025)
What to Expect at Ryōgoku Kokugikan
The tournaments span 15 days, with matches starting in the morning and culminating in the highly anticipated bouts featuring top-tier wrestlers (yokozuna) in the afternoon. Arrive early to soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy sumo-themed snacks, and browse the merchandise stalls.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets can sell out quickly, especially for weekend matches.
Online: Purchase tickets via official websites or ticket agencies.
At the Venue: Limited same-day tickets are available at the box office.
Other Sumo Experiences in Tokyo
Outside the tournaments, visit sumo stables (heya) in Ryōgoku to watch wrestlers train or enjoy a sumo-themed meal like chanko nabe, the hearty stew that fuels these mighty athletes.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious traveller, Tokyo’s sumo tournaments provide an unforgettable cultural experience. Plan your visit around one of these tournaments for a glimpse into Japan’s ancient traditions at their most thrilling!
Sumo Training Tours and Tournament Tours Tokyo
Location of Ryōgoku Kokugikan
Getting to Ryōgoku Kokugikan (両国国技館), the heart of sumo wrestling in Tokyo, is simple and convenient as it’s located in a well-connected area. Here’s how to reach it:
By Train (Most Convenient Option)
- From Tokyo Station:
- Take the JR Sobu Line directly to Ryōgoku Station.
- Use the West Exit, and Kokugikan is a 2-minute walk.
- Travel time: About 10 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥160.
- From Shinjuku Station:
- Take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to Ochanomizu Station.
- Transfer to the JR Sobu Line and ride to Ryōgoku Station.
- Travel time: About 20 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥220.
- From Asakusa:
- Take the Toei Asakusa Line to Kuramae Station.
- Walk about 10 minutes to Kokugikan.
- Travel time: About 15 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥200.
- From Ginza:
- Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station.
- Transfer to the JR Sobu Line and ride to Ryōgoku Station.
- Travel time: About 20 minutes.
- Cost: Around ¥220.
In a Taxi
- A taxi from central Tokyo (e.g., Tokyo Station) takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Approximately ¥1,500–¥2,000.
Walking Directions from Ryōgoku Station
- From the JR Sobu Line:
- Exit the station through the West Exit.
- Look for the Kokugikan building, just a few steps away.
- From the Toei Oedo Line:
- Exit at Ryōgoku Station and follow the signs to Kokugikan. It’s about a 5-minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Ryōgoku Kokugikan
- Sumo Tournaments:
- Tournaments are held in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance if you want to attend.
- Sumo Museum:
- Located inside Kokugikan, it’s free to visit and showcases sumo history and memorabilia.
- Neighbourhood Exploration:
- While in Ryōgoku, visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum or enjoy a sumo-themed meal at local chanko nabe (sumo stew) restaurants.
Ryōgoku Kokugikan is not just a stadium; it’s a cultural icon and an essential experience for anyone interested in Japan’s national sport!
