国技館 The Ryōgoku Kokugikan is the home of Grand Sumo in Tokyo hosting 15 day tournaments in January, May & September. During the COVID pandemic, sumo has been held in Tokyo for the past year. Sumo can be an all day affair if you are up to it. In the early hours, the vocalizations of the yobidashi announcing the upcoming bout is musically complex. It is less crowded wandering around the food stalls and souvenir shops and the photo cutouts inside and outside on the plaza around the venue. You are permitted one exit and reentry which frees you to have lunch in one of the myriad of restaurants in and around the JR train station. The ring entering ceremony of the Juryo (second to the top) division wrestlers starts sometime soon after 2:30 PM. I am posting a couple of imperfect PhotoStitcher multi photo compositions of the interior of the Kokugikan. In addition some of my appearances in the past few years. Same day tickets (in the nose bleed section at the top of the arena) can be obtained by lining up at about 6AM. (This has probably changed in the days of corona virus but hopefully thing will get back to near normal soon.) The crowd in the cheap seats is usually especially animated and vocal.

Grand Sumo Tournament takes place 3 times a year at Ryogoku Kokugikan. I would highly recommend to familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of sumo matches before watching them live.

Sumo tournaments in Tokyo, Jan, May, Sept You really have to book in advance tickets sell out within days, but its worth planning. Traditional floor seating has closer view, but sore on the legs for those not used to it, floor seats are for 4, but it is cramped for 4 adults, really better for 2 or 3 max Upper area has normal seating. Beginners start at around 9am Ranked famous sumos start after 2pm, Finishes at 6, no entry after 5pm Really worth going 2 to 6pm For a full experience

We really enjoyed our sumo tournament experience here. The employees are all very helpful, and many speak English. There is a lot to look at as you walk around with interesting display cases and pictures. The floor seats are a little hard to sit in for long periods if you're not used to it, but we had a great time. I highly recommend visiting for a tournament if you can!

What an amazing, historic arena. I absolutely loved my experience here. The seats are very easy to locate and there are English speaking staff members to assist if you can't quite figure out the map. There is a decent amount of food and quite a good bit of variety for a Japanese stadium. They take credit card through most of the stadium, as well as IC card. The bathrooms are clean and abundant. They've really optimized the experience, other than it being a little bit stuffy inside due to lack of central air conditioning.

この時は遠くの席でしたがいつかはマス席に座ってみたいです。 The sumo tournaments take place over the span of 15 days, 6 times in the year. In Tokyo, the tournaments are held in January, May, and September. (And in March in Osaka, in July in Nagoya, and in November in Fukuoka.) On each day of the tournament immediately before the makuuchi matches are scheduled, the colorful "entering the ring" ceremony take place. So let's go to the stadium at the latest 15:00. You can have Sumo ranking list and Today's Bouts in English at the entrance.

If you are visiting Japan, one of the most wonderful things to do is to watch sumo match. A friend took me there, and turned out to be much more entertaining than I expected. It is a fun show very tourist-friendly. The energy at the stadium is also very special. The whole experience was also very family-friendly and felt like a picnic for instance. After the sume match, go to a local restaurant and try the chanko nabe (hot pot with a lot of seafood that the sumo wrestlers usually eat).

Went on our first day in Tokyo and was well worth it! If you have a bad back then it’s best to sit in the rafters as opposed to near the ring where there is only floor seating. Also best to go in the evening when the main fighters are there. If you are lucky you can take a photo with the sumos on the street after the event.

Cool area I just went to go see the area and the sumo arena and find some gyoza. The Ryogoku was cool not much going on there but they did have cool gift shop and some other things in the area to see. Worth the trip to go check out if you are in the area and that area has a lot of good gyoza restaurants too.

What a magnificent hall and overall experience! Always wanted to visit the Kokugikan arena to watch a sumo tournament, so when the opportunity presented itself, I had to jump on it! A one-of-a-kind experience, for a very intense, focused sport, executed in short burts and have very short turnaround times between matches! Was one of the day’s of the year’s league tournament. Visibility is great even on higher levels, because the stadium is ‘vertical’ really, so your visibility even from further seats is really good. Sport is a joy, even for newbie fans, like myself. Sit down, immerse, grab a bite and watch some cool matches, on days that start at 8:30 in the morning and run until 6:30 on average (you can of course come and go). True pleasure and possibly a once in a lifetime experience (unless you’re a regular in Japan)!

It was my first time to enter here last Saturday, May 11. They allowed people inside for free to witness the Grand Sumo Tournament opening ceremony (Dohyo Matsuri). It was a very solemn ceremony and everyone was required to be quiet while it was going on. We were brief on the proper etiquette before we entered the place. My friend said that during actual tournaments, tickets sell out really fast so you would need to line up as early as 5:00am, hours before selling time, just to get seats. I would want to try attending a tournament even just once.

Beautiful. Thanks again to OCOG for this beautiful venue and a even better staff. 👍🏻

Rich Heritage of Japan ! Beautifully constructed. Touch of Japanese culture in sitting arrangements! Delicious food! Host for Boxing tournament in Tokyo2020 Olympics! Plus point: Very easy access from Railway station.

Kokugikan is where them strong men test their strength. Welcome to the best sumo stadium in Tokyo. The ambience, the history next to it , everything is just beautiful. A trip to Japan is not complete without heading over to kokugikan. I had a great experience there. I was even lucky enough to take photos with three of the greatest sumos in the world. And the best part is the whole sumo history can be learnt in a single day at this place. And even there are palm prints of the strongest sumos up to date , so we can measure our palms and make sure that these dudes are not to mess with. The three sumos wrestlers I met were really really friendly and took time and posed for a photo. The seats are booked fast so make sure you book them early or else you'll have to stand outside near the gate and watch the sumos walk in, not battling. People looking for a budget seat can book the seats at the back. But the view isn't bad. I booked one for myself and it cost me 2700yen. And the seats upfront the 4 red seats inside a square space comes upto 1,00,000yen. 25,000 yen for per person. So if you're on a budget and still wanna see these big boys battle it out, go for the budget seats. And make sure you grab a Kirin draft beer and a teriyaki before entering the stadium .. once you're seated and if you plan on going out, you might block the view of others and they might get pissed. We don't want another wrestling match among the crowd now would we? Hahaha..

The mecca of Sumo! Such a great environment to enjoy Japan’s national sport. Seats were roomy, plenty of food/drink options and a great family atmosphere. If you haven’t seen a tournament live I suggest you visit this gem

For those who are fanatics about sumo. I believe it is good to roam around that area. You might be lucky and encounter some sumo wrestlers around! I did see few of them, grabbing cold beer 🍺 during summer heat ☀️

Absolutely incredible. We managed to get really good seats when we went with a large group of friends. We got there early and enjoyed the entire day. Such an exciting game and a really incredible experience

We had a great time watching the sumo. We were able to buy food and drinks inside and eat them at our box. Be prepared to sit on a cushion on the floor for a few hours. We able to get up and walk around between matches though. Clean toilets available.

The Ryogoku Kokugikan is the venue where sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo, if you are a fan of this sport, this is a visit you can't miss. Being a Sunday, the museum inside was closed, but nevertheless I decided to come over and at least see the building from the outside. I got lucky, there was a university-level tournament taking place there, so was able to see the talent that will eventually join a stable and, with luck, become top ranked rikishi. The building itself is functional, the decor is sparse but it includes portraits of the more accomplished rikishi. A stroll down the aisles will lead you to photos of all Yokozuna through the years. If you can visit while a tournament is being held here, do it! There is a store on one side of the arena where you can find a wide variety of sumo-related items that make great souvenirs, and prices are quite affordable. Don't miss it!

Definitely one of the best experiences I did in Japan. I took the seats in section C which were ¥3,500 and we had the perfect overview of the game. It was impressive to see how it happens in real life and the ambience is amazing. Definitely a must visit!

(Translated by Google) Ryogoku Kokugikan that I dreamed of. Masu A I was excited. (Original) 夢にまで見た、両国国技館。升席A 興奮しました。

Will be a 5* for most people and I feel guilty not giving it 5 today. It’s a wonderful arena and the 2 person box was lots of fun. Attended on a day when one of the senior sumo was retiring and although it was emotional and very interesting, it took 2 hours as 400 people came to cut 1 strand of his hair. Culturally great, but most locals were fast asleep half way through 😀😀 Was there for 5h 30m If you’re looking for a little more cut and thrust sumo I’d recommend the other tournaments away from the ‘Home of sumo’ as it’s very very traditional which can of course be a great thing too.

(Translated by Google) You can come anytime. The measures against corona were also solid, and I enjoyed watching the game. (Original) いつ来ても良いですね。コロナ対策もしっかりされ、観戦を楽しめました。

(Translated by Google) It's a wonderful space. There is a lively power that cannot be seen on TV. (Original) 素晴らしい空間です。テレビでは伝わらない、生の迫力があります。

(Translated by Google) You can go as many times as you like. (Original) 何回行ってもいいですね。

A big arena with comfortable seating and good facilities. There are four pavilions to sit and watch interesting matches of sumo wrestling - North, South, East & West. Seat numbers on tickets mention an alphabet, row and seat number in numerical and a Kanji to identify which pavilion your seat is so be mindful of that as the same row and seat number with the same alphabet will be there in all four pavilions. The arena had enough sets of stairs and escalators to manage a larger audience. There are vending machines, some food stalls and toilets right next to the arena doors. Very good sound and lighting system.

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy not only watching sumo games but also souvenir shops and photo studios. (Original) 大相撲観戦だけでなく、土産物屋や写真館など楽しめます。

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place (Original) Красивое место

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy the real thrill of sumo. After all, watching sumo is only possible when you hear the dull sound of wrestlers colliding with each other. The upstairs seats are also easy to see. I feel that the ring is closer than I expected. You can see wrestlers up close, shake hands with your master, and take a commemorative photo. Even if you take an acquaintance who is not interested in sumo, you will be surprised at the size of the sumo wrestlers, especially the size and thickness of your hands when you shake hands. When the corona converges, I want to go again. .. (Original) 相撲の醍醐味を味わえます。やはり、力士がぶつかり合う鈍い音を聞いてこそ相撲観戦。 二階席も十分に見やすいです。思っていた以上に土俵が近く感じます。 館内では間近で力士をみたり、親方と握手や記念撮影などもできます。 相撲に興味の薄い知人を連れて行ったとしても、力士の大きさ、特に握手をすると手の大きさと分厚さに、驚いたりと楽しんでもらえるように思います。 コロナが収束したら、また行きたい。。

(Translated by Google) Sumo Hall of Fame. The view is good. (Original) 相撲の殿堂。 景色がよいです。

(Translated by Google) It was really near the back wall on the second floor of the seat, but I was satisfied that I could see it enough. And because it's Corona, it was easy because there were every other seat! (Original) 座席二階のホント一番奥壁際でしたが、充分観ることができて満足しました。それにコロナということで、席がひとつおきなんで楽でした！

Clean nice stadium to watch Sumo Wrestling. Lots of good junk food, and good seats all around. Matches run continuously during the tournament so you can come and go as you please and you are sure to see good matches.

The atmosphere, ambience, and venue were marvellous. I came here to watch the 2019 Hatsu Basho, and I was extremely impressed with the organisation and structure of everything. It is great that as a foreigner, I had the opportunity to enjoy a tradition that is so historic and culturally unique to Japan. I would not hesitate to come here again, and next time, I'm going to buy multiple tegatas as souvenirs to take back home.

Wonderful place to enjoy the spectacular sumo matches in japan

Watching Sumo wrestling here is an unforgettable experience. The tickets you can buy are for the whole day, and all seats have a great view. You can order drinks and food at your seat, buy souvenirs, and take pictures with sumo wrestlers. A must try experience.

One of the most exciting events that I’ve ever attended in Japan! It is definitely a worthwhile experience and unlike any other. You the chance of meeting both retired and active sumos, there are plenty of food options inside and outside. Tournaments last all day and you and come and go!

Helpful staff who provide you with a map to your seat, decent food and drinks and overall a good time. It was very educational and fun to see a Sumo tournament in Tokyo and I learned a lot (from my own research while seeing it live). We had seats all the way at the back since we got them last minute but we had a crystal clear view. Bring a hand fan and dress lightly as it was warm inside, lots of people had fans. We were under the AC vents right at the back but it did eventually get warm there too with the amount of people in the arena. I’d recommend this to anyone as it was so interesting to see the religious and cultural customs that surround Sumo culture. Also - if you get the sushi - I always forget that there’s usually wasabi hidden under the fish so be careful if you don’t like the taste of wasabi.

Everyone visiting japan should experience watching a sumo tournament. What a great facility to enjoy the sport. There are no bad seats in this arena. The views wherever you sit have no an unimpeded view of the action.

Beautiful arena. Food and souvenirs on premise. Clean and friendly staff. Basic English is spoken by most. Seats are dirty stained on 2nd floor. Just older

Eight of us from work went to see the tournament for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. Most had never been to Sumo before. I got into it and loved the experience. The stadium itself is well laid out and accessible with plenty of concession outlets, toilets, etc. Great experience!

The place is worth visiting. The sumo rituals were a bit boring but overall the sumo matches and meeting sumo stars was really ok 🙂. Such as in Poland, you usually eat something during these events, but for example, during sumo Japanese children eat sushi whereas Polish children during speedway eat grilled sausages 😄.

Sumo is a great cultural experience there. For those new to the event, 3:30pm is a break time to start your day long ticket and the sumo wrestling tends sometimes to get better as the day progresses.

(Translated by Google) It was big. I wanted to go inside. (Original) 大きかった。中に入ってみたくなりました。

(Translated by Google) I got energy by witnessing a single-minded effort ❗ (Original) ひたむきな取り組みを目の当たりにして、エネルギーをもらいました❗

(Translated by Google) I like the sumo situation, so I enjoyed the yokozuna even when it was closed. Takakeishō was disappointing. (Original) 相撲事態が、好きなので横綱が休場でも 楽しめました。貴景勝は 残念でした。

(Translated by Google) As you can see in the photo, the hall is quite vacant thanks to the closure of Yokozuna and Ozeki and the corona wreckage, and you can't eat while watching the food and drinks in the seats, I wonder if all the alcohol in the hall is useless and it will be exciting. (Original) 写メ見ての通りで横綱や大関の休場とコロナ禍のおかげで館内は結構空いていて、枡席もどこも飲食は観戦しながらは食べられない、アルコールは館内全て駄目で盛り上がりにかけるかな、

(Translated by Google) I watched the game in front of the seat. The roar of wrestlers, the sound of footsteps, and the sound of falling down are completely different from those of television. I sat down after the announcement in the hall, so I took a picture of the competition. (Original) 枡席の一番前で観戦しました。力士の唸り声、足をする音、倒れた音はテレビとは全く違います。場内アナウンスの後に座ったのでカンペを撮りました。

(Translated by Google) Satisfaction with being able to experience the fierce collision of sumo wrestling (Original) 大相撲の激しいぶつかり合いを体感できたことで満足感

(Translated by Google) Even in Chiakiraku, the surroundings are quiet. Waiting was also prohibited. (Original) 千秋楽でも周囲は閑散。出待ちも禁止でした。

(Translated by Google) I just saw the appearance, but it's really big 👍 (Original) 外観を見ただけですがさすがに大きいな👍

(Translated by Google) A good place to watch sumo (Original) お相撲を観るにはちょうど良い場所

(Translated by Google) At the first place, the dining place in the hall was not available (Original) 初場所は、館内の食事場所は利用できませんでした

(Translated by Google) I couldn't cheer and lacked excitement. I'm sorry. (Original) 声援ができず、盛り上がりに欠けました。残念です。

(Translated by Google) 95.8.15 00.3.2 03.12.14 etc. (Original) 95.8.15　00.3.2　03.12.14他

Great experience watching the sumo tournament. Facilities are great and the staff are helpful and friendly and will guide you to your seat. If you are going to the sumo tournament and you are based overseas, do be aware that tickets get sold out so don't expect to get a ticket on the day. Do book your tickets online in advance to ensure that you are able to see and experience the tournament.

As a foreigner, the place seemed a lot easy even to travel alone. Quite difficult to get tickets for any day, luckily I got a Friday ticket for 5,100 yen which was worth it as it's valid for the whole day. Matches begin quite early @8am but the main tournament begins @2:30 PM. You can see the sumo wrestlers up and close coming near the south gate. There are lot of food and drink options which are reasonably priced, outside food and drinks aren't allowed. You have a beer and enjoy the match.

While the quality of the matches has declined over the decades, the spectacle and atmosphere remain unique. A more talented writer could write poems about the scent of the wrestlers' binzuke-abura hair oil mingling with the aroma of yakitori and the pungency of wrestlers' - and spectators' - sweat. The sumo museum inside is a disappointment, but well worth the admission price of zero yen.

Amazing stadium and nice experience. If you are in Tokyo, you really need to try this!

I visited the hall to just see it in person as it wasn’t the right timing to watch a proper match. I also went and visited a local place nearby to watch a sumo practice in full swing which was a great experience. If you do go be wary that you’ll be sitting in one spot for the entire time and will be required to be super quiet and respectful

(Translated by Google) When you go down the stairs from the platform of Ryogoku Station, you will be greeted by the panels of successive sumo wrestlers. I inadvertently hold my hand on the bills of many wrestlers. I am struck by the cautious taste of the people in charge of holding the event in Corona. Thank you very much. But thank you for the joy of being able to support us up close. I will go again ✨ (Original) 両国駅のホームから階段を降りると、歴代のお相撲さんのパネルでお出迎え。沢山の力士たちの手形に思わず手をそえてしまいます。コロナかでの開催に係の方々の慎重な趣に頭が下がります。本当にお疲れ様です。でも、間近で応援が出来る喜びを下さって有難うございます。又、行きます✨

(Translated by Google) Sumo first experience! Become a habit. (Original) 相撲初体験！クセになる。

(Translated by Google) 2021.01.17 First place. No eating or drinking at the seat. Currently half the seat occupancy rate. Shop sales are until 17:00. 2020.09.13 On the first day of the autumn place, due to measures against the new corona, admission started at 13:00, alcohol was strictly prohibited, and withdrawal with 3 seats in between was not full. No cheering, only applause. There is no radio broadcasting service, and there is a line due to the drastic reduction of shops. 2020.01.26 Tokushoryu wins the Makujiri championship. I'm glad to be present at such a place. (Original) 2021.01.17 初場所。席での飲食禁止。現在は半分の座席使用率。 売店販売は17時まで。 2020.09.13 秋場所初日、新型コロナ対策のため、13時入場開始、アルコール厳禁、座席は間に3席空ける撤退ぶりも、満員とはならず。 声援禁止、拍手のみ。 ラジオ放送サービスなし、売店の大幅縮小に伴う行列あり。 2020.01.26 徳勝龍が幕尻 優勝を飾る。 そんな場に立ち会えてうれしい。

(Translated by Google) It was a nice space. Raw is wonderful (Original) 素敵な空間でした。 ナマって素晴らしい

(Translated by Google) Because of the corona sickness, I opened the door for ventilation once every 20 minutes, so it was cold and I was about to catch a cold. Also, it was a pity that there were no shops shrinking or services that I usually provide. A fun lottery is currently being held after the end of the initiative. I want you to increase the number of winnings. .. .. .. (Original) コロナ禍ということもあり、20分に一回、換気のためドアを開けるので寒くて風邪引きそうでした。 また、売店の縮小や普段やっているサービスもなく残念でした。 取組終了後にお楽しみ抽選会を現在実施中。もっと当選本数を増やして欲しいですね。。。。

(Translated by Google) Good luck sumo wrestling, good luck Asanoyama. (Original) 頑張れ大相撲、頑張れ朝乃山。

(Translated by Google) Same-day ticket that is nostalgic (Original) もう懐かしくなった 当日券

(Translated by Google) Corona measures were perfect 🎵 (Original) コロナ対策は、完璧でしたね🎵

(Translated by Google) You can watch it on TV 😅 (Original) テレビで見れば良いですね😅

(Translated by Google) I was able to watch the game alone this time as well, and enjoyed the powerful efforts ❗ (Original) 今回も一人マス席で観戦出来、迫力ある取組を楽しめた❗

(Translated by Google) Due to the audience restrictions, I was able to watch the game comfortably. (Original) 観客規制のため、ゆったり観戦できました。

(Translated by Google) 18 people have been closed, but I was impressed to see it up close! ️ I think the corona measures are perfect. I wanted to eat yakitori and lunch at the square ➰ (Original) 18名の休場になってしまいましたが　間近で見て　感動しました‼️ コロナ対策は、バッチリと思います。 升席で焼き鳥とお弁当食べたかったな➰

(Translated by Google) Infection control is perfect! (Original) 感染対策万全!

(Translated by Google) The number of people is limited due to the influence of coronavirus infection. I was able to see Japanese national sport sumo at more and more seats. I felt the breathing of wrestlers, the sound of body-to-body collision, and familiarity. (Original) コロナウイルス感染の影響で人数制限をしています。 日本の国技相撲をます席でみれました。 力士の息ずかい、体と体がぶつかり合う音、身近にかんじました。

(Translated by Google) seeing is believing There is a terrible thing that you can not feel on TV I want you to watch the game live if you have the opportunity (Original) 百聞は一見に如かず TVでは感じ取れない凄さがあります 機会があれば生で観戦して欲しい

(Translated by Google) I stayed at a nearby hotel and was impressed by the size of the Kokugikan. By the way, it was the 13th day. (Original) 近くのホテルに宿泊して、国技館の大きさに感動でした。因みに13日目でした。

(Translated by Google) Daieishō won the best 🤗 (Original) 大栄翔優勝最高でした🤗