Sumo Training

Why choose this activity?

• Watch real sumo wrestlers training—feel the history, ritual, and sheer power up close in a traditional dojo.
• Visit Nakamurabeya in historic Ryōgoku—Tokyo's heart of sumo—with modern comforts. Most sumo stables train in the early morning. Nakamurabeya’s 3 PM start offers a rare afternoon opportunity—perfect for guests with tight morning schedules.
• Enjoy thoughtful amenities such as free Wi-Fi, audio guides in 8 languages, and a phone-charging service for your convenience.

• Available language: English (audio guide in 8 languages provided)
• Activity type: Group Training Viewing
• Duration: 90 or 45 minutes
• Meeting point: 2-minute walk from Ryōgoku JR Station

What is Sumo Training Viewing?

Experience the electrifying intensity of sumo wrestling, Japan’s ancient national sport rooted in Shinto tradition and samurai spirit. For over 2,000 years, sumo has stood as a cultural institution, blending history, ritual, and immense physicality into a deeply respected art form. Originating in Shinto rituals and later influenced by Bushido, sumo continues to reflect Japan’s spiritual and martial heritage

In this unique experience, you're invited into Nakamurabeya, a newly established sumo stable founded in June 2024, where wrestlers live, train, and adhere to a daily regimen shaped by both time-honored tradition and modern techniques derived from the legacy of former yokozuna Yoshikaze.

Ryogoku, the Heart of the Sumo World

There are over 40 professional stables concentrated in the Ryōgoku district, which is the cultural hub for sumo in Tokyo.

Nearby is the Sumo Museum. Located inside the Kokugikan arena, this museum houses tens of thousands of sumo-related artifacts—woodblock prints, photographs, and historical archives—making Ryōgoku a rich cultural zone beyond just the training ring

What will happen during the activity?

1. Arrival & Orientation: Located near Ryōgoku JR Station, head to the Nakamurabeya stable. Settle into the air-conditioned viewing area. You'll receive an original pamphlet and access to the audio guide (available in eight languages).
2. Introduction to Sumo Culture: Begin with a brief orientation via your audio guide about the history of sumo, rituals, and daily life in a sumo stable, including insights into training methods, dietary practices (like chankonabe), and wrestler discipline.
3. Watch the Training Session: Observe live, real-time sumo training—a blend of strength, speed, and technique. Wrestlers practice rituals, fundamental exercises, and perhaps ritual shiko and sparring—all powered by tradition and taught under guidance reflective of Yoshikaze’s disciplined approach.
4. Take Pictures with the Sumo:The last moment post-viewing will be used to take pictures with the sumo wrestlers. It is also the opportunity to ask questions to the staff.

Additional Information

Please be aware of the changing calendar.

• During tournament seasons in Tokyo, training sessions can be viewed at 8:00 a.m. (duration 45 min)
• During other seasons, training sessions can be viewed at 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. (duration 90 min)
• Sumo wrestlers often leave the city to participate in events or training camps. During these periods, unfortunately, there are no tours.

Hotel pick-up
Not available

What’s Included

• Entry to sumo stable and viewing access
• Free Wi-Fi
• Audio guide (8 languages)
• Original pamphlet
• Phone charging service

Cancellation Policy:

• 80% from 16 to 4 days prior to experience
• 100% from 3 days before to the day

※ Things to know before booking:

Arrive promptly—training begins on time, and late entry is not allowed.

You are allowed to take pictures and videos, but please set your phone to silent mode, refrain from using flash photography—this ensures respect for the wrestlers' space and privacy. Please refrain from speaking as much as possible.

The seating area have cushions on the tatami floor, and also chairs. The default seating being the cushions on the floor, if you prefer a chair, please let us know beforehand. 

Please make sure to wear decent clothing that doesn't show too much skin. Since you will be probably be sitting on the floor, and walking on tatami, we do not recommend bare foot or skirts.