Experience Sumo in Tokyo

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Experience Sumo in Tokyo

When you visit Tokyo, there are plenty of ways to dive into the world of Sumo. But don’t just wait for the big matches; they only happen three times a year—in January, May, and September. If your timing isn’t right, you can join the "Enter the Sanctuary" tour, where you not only learn about Sumo but also get to face off against a rishiki (Sumo wrestler) right in the sacred ring. Let’s explore together! Hakkeyoi!

What You’ll Do

This "Enter the Sanctuary" tour, part of Magical Trip, takes you deep into the Sumo culture of Tokyo. Unlike other tours that merely let you watch, here you’ll visit an old Sumo house in Kawasaki. After a fascinating introduction to the history of Sumo, you’ll watch a performance by retired rishiki. The best part? You get to step into the ring and face them! After some friendly matches, everyone sits down to enjoy chanko nabe—a famous hot pot dish cooked by the wrestlers themselves. And don’t forget to grab a souvenir before the tour wraps up!

Getting to the Sumo House

This tour, tailored for visitors, kicks off at 9:30 AM—much later than the usual training sessions. You’ll meet at Shin-Kawasaki Station, just a 30-minute ride from Shinjuku, and then take a taxi to the now-defunct Sumo house in Kawasaki. As soon as you step inside, you’ll see the Sumo ring and the seating area for spectators. Unfortunately, this place is no longer in use, as the owner and trainers have retired.

Here, you’ll spot some photos and memorabilia from Kaisei Ichiro, a Sumo wrestler of Japanese-Brazilian descent who had a successful career before retiring in 2022. You’ll also see a kesho-mawashi, a decorative apron that Sumo wrestlers traditionally wear during their ring entrance ceremonies.

A Unique History Lesson from an Enthusiastic Guide

Meet Marie, a Sumo enthusiast from Germany. You might expect a Japanese guide, but Marie will impress you with her knowledge and passion for Sumo. She moved to Tokyo solely for this sport. While waiting for the rishiki to arrive, Marie shares captivating stories about the history and spiritual significance of Sumo.

Hands-On Experience in the Dohyo

As we await the arrival of the rishiki, the atmosphere is electric. Each tour features two retired Sumo wrestlers. They begin to prepare the ring—not just cleaning, but also paying respect to this sacred space.

Marie teaches us some basic techniques, like shiko—a step where wrestlers lift their legs high and stomp down to ward off evil spirits. Another technique she demonstrates is kinjite, which consists of moves that are prohibited during matches. A little secret: if a wrestler’s mawashi comes undone, they’re immediately disqualified, whether it’s intentional or not.

After enjoying the demonstration, we’re invited to participate in some practice matches. The excitement is palpable, yet we maintain a safe distance—just enough to grasp the real tension of training sessions.

When Tourists Become Wrestlers

Now comes the most thrilling part—we’re invited to step into the ring. The feeling of standing there is indescribable. Even though it’s just a friendly exchange, not a competitive match, you can truly feel the power of Sumo.

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