Ryogoku Kokugikan
Ryogoku Kokugikan
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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See what travelers are saying
- Alan KSanta Clara, California44 contributionsSurrealI know nothing about sumo, but since I was going to be there around the Autumn Sumo Basho I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity. I bought a ticket online, I wanted a grand championship ticket but it was like buying anything else in demand online. Every time I tried to check out there'd be an error. I was able to get a ticket for the second to last day, I printed the e-mail and had it exchanged at a 7-Eleven for a ticket. The arena was huge but good sign lines. A lot of other foreigners so staff directed me to my seat in English. I wish I knew to order the food ahead of time and get the full experience. Matches are quick. Everything wrapped up around 6 pm. As you leave there's people in the towers drumming.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten December 22, 2023
- ritwikras2gi10 contributionsSimply fantastic!Well planned and designed building. Do not miss the soup in the basement - delicious! However get there early - around 11:30-12 to avoid the lines. The establishments allow you to bring your own yoga chairs to sit on so you have extra padding if required. Ideally 2 people for 1 box is best but 3 may work if you’ve got skinny / small people. They don’t allow food from outside but there’s plenty to eat inside. Bathrooms are immaculate and well located. We got to the venue around 11 so to experience and familiarize ourselves with the rules. That made for much more fun viewing when the upper echelon matches began. Sumo, in my opinion, is a Highly recommended experience for all!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 20, 2024
- AMJ128 contributionsGreat experienceVery glad I attended the New Years Sumo Championship, I stayed for an afternoon watching the matches. I was in the stands, the chairs are comfortable, the stadium is clean. In the hallway is food for sale, plus vending machines, a small gift shop area, and you can get some air in some outdoor areas without leaving the stadium. Bathrooms are predictably clean. I'd love to return someday.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 29, 2024
- Josh DNew York City, New York910 contributionsVery entertaining!!I am not a big sports dude and I know a lot of football players are business majors and go out with cheerleader girls!! I may be making that up but it is just an assumption I have!! I enjoy boxing and UFC and I enjoy doing boxing lessons!! I went here today to watch sumo with TUJ!! I am a big fan of fat Japanese guys wrestling in their underwear and if I was crazy I may say I’m taking someone to a basketball game and then they would see something very very different!! I have been here all day today watching the junior division and now the professional division and it is very entertaining!!Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Alan K
Santa Clara, CA44 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I know nothing about sumo, but since I was going to be there around the Autumn Sumo Basho I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity.
I bought a ticket online, I wanted a grand championship ticket but it was like buying anything else in demand online. Every time I tried to check out there'd be an error. I was able to get a ticket for the second to last day, I printed the e-mail and had it exchanged at a 7-Eleven for a ticket.
The arena was huge but good sign lines. A lot of other foreigners so staff directed me to my seat in English. I wish I knew to order the food ahead of time and get the full experience. Matches are quick. Everything wrapped up around 6 pm. As you leave there's people in the towers drumming.
I bought a ticket online, I wanted a grand championship ticket but it was like buying anything else in demand online. Every time I tried to check out there'd be an error. I was able to get a ticket for the second to last day, I printed the e-mail and had it exchanged at a 7-Eleven for a ticket.
The arena was huge but good sign lines. A lot of other foreigners so staff directed me to my seat in English. I wish I knew to order the food ahead of time and get the full experience. Matches are quick. Everything wrapped up around 6 pm. As you leave there's people in the towers drumming.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MasCabron23
Columbia, SC414 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Experiencing sumo Wrestling was one of the best memories.
The tradition behind the wrestling matches takes some getting used to but it's still great to watch.
The day is long, the seats are uncomfortable so be prepared or stay for a couple hours to get your fill. There's a museum near by and other things to see and do.
The tradition behind the wrestling matches takes some getting used to but it's still great to watch.
The day is long, the seats are uncomfortable so be prepared or stay for a couple hours to get your fill. There's a museum near by and other things to see and do.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Endoplasmic R
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
We've been watching sumo wrestling on NHK TV and later on NHK World streaming for almost twenty years. Getting to attend a sumo tournament has been a bucket list item for us for a long time. We were very fortunate to get Yuri as our tour guide from Japan Wonder Travel. Yuri was very enthusiastic about sumo wrestling, and this tournament in particular. We got to sit next to her and she was a delight to have as our match-by-match commentator. We also discovered that we shared a favorite rikishi, Ura. He's quite the acrobat and always fun to watch. To round out our fantastic sumo experience, we lucked out and attended on the day Onosato won the Emperor's Cup. Thanks to Yuri for making it a great sumo experience!!
A couple of points to keep in mind. The afternoon sumo tour does not leave any time to explore the Kokukigan arena grounds or shops-if you're want to watch all the matches. You'll need to step away during the matches to browse the shops before they close at 5:00pm sharp!! The upper arena chair seating got quite warm the day we attended. Dress light, stay hydrated, and bring a small, battery powered fan. After the last match is over, be aware there will be a crush of spectators all leaving at the same time. Hit the restroom before your exit. Nonetheless, everyone demonstrated patience and politeness leaving the arena so the slow pace of exit wasn't that inconvenient.
A couple of points to keep in mind. The afternoon sumo tour does not leave any time to explore the Kokukigan arena grounds or shops-if you're want to watch all the matches. You'll need to step away during the matches to browse the shops before they close at 5:00pm sharp!! The upper arena chair seating got quite warm the day we attended. Dress light, stay hydrated, and bring a small, battery powered fan. After the last match is over, be aware there will be a crush of spectators all leaving at the same time. Hit the restroom before your exit. Nonetheless, everyone demonstrated patience and politeness leaving the arena so the slow pace of exit wasn't that inconvenient.
Written October 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ritwikras2gi
10 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Well planned and designed building. Do not miss the soup in the basement - delicious! However get there early - around 11:30-12 to avoid the lines. The establishments allow you to bring your own yoga chairs to sit on so you have extra padding if required. Ideally 2 people for 1 box is best but 3 may work if you’ve got skinny / small people. They don’t allow food from outside but there’s plenty to eat inside. Bathrooms are immaculate and well located. We got to the venue around 11 so to experience and familiarize ourselves with the rules. That made for much more fun viewing when the upper echelon matches began. Sumo, in my opinion, is a Highly recommended experience for all!
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia6,020 contributions
Sep 2022
When in Tokyo we came to this venue to watch the sumo wrestling .
Very impressive we thought, we were up on the second level but could see all the action clearly.
There was a good gift shop there and a place to buy some food and drinks.
Looked colourful as we approached with all the banners fluttering in the breeze.
Don’t know if this venue is just for Sumo or that other shows perform there as well .
Very nice comfortable venue.
Very impressive we thought, we were up on the second level but could see all the action clearly.
There was a good gift shop there and a place to buy some food and drinks.
Looked colourful as we approached with all the banners fluttering in the breeze.
Don’t know if this venue is just for Sumo or that other shows perform there as well .
Very nice comfortable venue.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chitomode
Iwate Prefecture, Japan1,041 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
It's been a while since I last watched sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The sumo wrestlers were tearing the tickets. There were also sumo wrestlers selling merchandise. There were sumo wrestlers everywhere in the arena. It was great to see them as I knew them when they were active.
Watched from chair seats. It was easy enough to see from above. The arena was packed and the atmosphere was great.
The sumo wrestlers were tearing the tickets. There were also sumo wrestlers selling merchandise. There were sumo wrestlers everywhere in the arena. It was great to see them as I knew them when they were active.
Watched from chair seats. It was easy enough to see from above. The arena was packed and the atmosphere was great.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nakamura
Akasaka, Japan1,093 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Visit to watch grand sumo. It is located a short distance from Ryogoku Station.
I visited Makuuchi at around 16:00, when his efforts began, but the entrance was almost empty and he was able to enter smoothly.
It's not that big, so it's not that hard to find a seat.
Be careful, the kiosks and toilets may get crowded depending on the time of day.
The masuseki seats are more compact than I thought, so if the only members are large adults, it might be quite squeaky.
The venue is both heated and united, and you can experience something that can only be experienced here.
I visited Makuuchi at around 16:00, when his efforts began, but the entrance was almost empty and he was able to enter smoothly.
It's not that big, so it's not that hard to find a seat.
Be careful, the kiosks and toilets may get crowded depending on the time of day.
The masuseki seats are more compact than I thought, so if the only members are large adults, it might be quite squeaky.
The venue is both heated and united, and you can experience something that can only be experienced here.
Automatically translated
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soness Stevens
10 contributions
Sep 2022
I'd never watched sumo before on TV let alone in person. This was amazing!!! There's an English interpretation if you want to follow along and a guidebook. Just being in the presence of greatness and experiencing sitting in the tatami box seats is a quintessential "Japan" experience.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMJ
128 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Very glad I attended the New Years Sumo Championship, I stayed for an afternoon watching the matches. I was in the stands, the chairs are comfortable, the stadium is clean. In the hallway is food for sale, plus vending machines, a small gift shop area, and you can get some air in some outdoor areas without leaving the stadium. Bathrooms are predictably clean.
I'd love to return someday.
I'd love to return someday.
Written January 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaiyasit R
Bangkok, Thailand17 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Convenient, lots of food to choose from, near 7-11, near Ryogoku train station. The rooms are not very large in Japanese style. There is a maid who comes to make your room every day. Accommodation is 5 nights, good price.
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the Ryogoku Kogugikan open only on matchdays or on every weekday? We are in Tokio on 22nd march untill 26th march. Is it possible to visite the hall??
Written February 18, 2023
How long do the matches last? I will be going this Friday, but cannot read the ticket so I don’t know how this works or what the timing on anything is? Is this a morning or evening thing? Thank you
Written January 22, 2020
Sumo Bashos (tournaments) happen 3 time a year in Tokyo: Jan, May & Sept. Usually the second half of the month 15-30th.
The matches start at about 0800 and end around 1800.
On last weekend they start later in the day, I think 1100.
Last day runs longer as they have award ceremony about an hour more than normal.
Written March 2, 2020
We have tickets to the sumo match in September, and I am looking to make a dinner reservation for after the final match. How long does the final match last?
Written August 6, 2019
you should be out of there by 630pm - what a great experience you are in store for - we spent from 1pm-630p watching matches and it was AWESOME
Written August 9, 2019
Hola,
Me gustaría saber como se consigue las entradas por web para ver un espectáculo de SUMO.
Muchas Gracias
Written January 26, 2019
When is the sumo wrestling on? Only certain months? We will be there in August
Written January 20, 2019
Not in Aug. Matches are held in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep and Nov. All of them for 2 weeks.
Recommend referring to Nihon Sumo Kyokai website.
Written February 21, 2020
When is the sumo wrestling on? Only certain months? We will be there in August
Written January 20, 2019
Limited number of basho’s per year some in Tokyo others in regional location. Schedule on following on the sumo website
Written January 21, 2019
Hi - would like to go to see sumo today.
Is there a competition on and how can I get tickets. Thank you
Written January 11, 2019
Hi, would like to know if I am buying the Arena Seats, will there be much difference between Arena Seat A, B, or C? Which one will you recommend to buy? Or do you think it’s better to just purchase General Ticket admission? Thank you so much!! Cheers
Written December 12, 2018
It is similar to any smaller venue and so the closer you are; the better you can see. I will note there are not many "bad" seats in the venue. I will also like to point out that a lot of the A and B seating areas are not seats but an laid out floor area where you "sit on the floor". Cultures that are not used to sitting on the floor for hours will not necessarily be comfortable. Personally if you want a SEAT; try to get the first or second row in Section C.
Written December 21, 2018
Will the Ryogoku Kokugikan has a holiday schedule in New Year 2019? I am wondering if it's open Jan 2, 2019. I don't see the 2019 schedule at their website.
Written November 26, 2018
Hi Ivy, yes there will be a tournament in Jan. Info on who will be wrestling just came out on Christmas day :) Hope you get to go
Written December 26, 2018
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