Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2026: Tickets, Seats, and Travel Plan
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Sumo (相撲) is Japan's national sport. Watching a live tournament is an unforgettable experience.
Sumo (相撲) is Japan's national sport. Watching a live tournament is an unforgettable experience.
Tournament Schedule (2026)
| Tournament | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January (初場所) | Second Sunday, January | Tokyo (Ryōgoku) |
| March (春場所) | Second Sunday, March | Osaka |
| May (夏場所) | Second Sunday, May | Tokyo (Ryōgoku) |
| July (名古屋場所) | Second Sunday, July | Nagoya |
| September (秋場所) | Second Sunday, September | Tokyo (Ryōgoku) |
| November (九州場所) | Second Sunday, November | Fukuoka |
Each tournament lasts 15 days.
How to Get Tickets
Official Sales
- Ticket master — official ticket agency
- Online — through ticket websites
- Lottery — for popular days (finals, weekends)
Prices
| Seat Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (second floor) | ¥2,000–4,000 |
| Box seats (4 people) | ¥15,000–46,000 |
| Ringside (first row) | ¥14,800–46,000 |
| VIP boxes | ¥50,000–150,000+ |
Buying Tips
- Book early — popular days sell out fast
- Weekday mornings — cheapest and easiest to get
- Final days (Day 15) — most expensive, hardest to get
- Lottery system — for popular seats
- Second floor unreserved — good value, move around freely
What to Expect
A Day at Sumo
- Arrive early — 8:00–9:00 AM for low-ranking bouts
- Explore — vendor stalls, food, merchandise
- Watch the progression — low rank → high rank
- Lunch — eat in the arena or nearby
- Makuuchi (top division) — 3:00–6:00 PM
- Yokozuna bouts — final matches
- Championship — if applicable
Seating Guide
| Seat | View | Price | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringside | Closest, on floor | Very expensive | Intimate, wrestlers may fall on you |
| Box seats | Elevated, private | Expensive | Comfortable, private space |
| Second floor | Overview, flexible | Affordable | Move around, explore |
Etiquette
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No photography | During bouts (check rules) |
| Don't stand | During matches |
| Eat and drink | Allowed, encouraged |
| Wear comfortable clothes | You'll sit for hours |
| Cheering | Allowed for your wrestler |
| Souvenirs | Buy sumo dolls, merchandise |
Tips
- Book early — tickets sell out fast
- Go on a weekday — cheaper, less crowded
- Arrive in the morning — watch the full day
- Bring cash — for food, drinks, souvenirs
- Wear layers — arena temperature varies
- Learn the basics — understand what you're watching
- Stay for the final bouts — the highlight of the day
- Visit Ryōgoku — sumo district, museums, stables
Sumo Stable Visits
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Watch morning practice (朝稽古) |
| When | 7:30–10:00 AM |
| Where | Sumo stables in Ryōgoku |
| Cost | Free (some charge ¥1,000–3,000) |
| Booking | In advance required |
Tips for Stable Visits
- Be quiet — practice is serious
- Don't take photos — unless permitted
- Arrive on time — don't disrupt practice
- Sit quietly — observe respectfully
- Ask questions — after practice, wrestlers may chat
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