From morning practice sessions to grand tournaments, discover everything you need to know about Tokyo's legendary sumo arena
2026 Grand Sumo Tournaments at Ryogoku Kokugikan
📍 January 11–25, 2026 · Champion: Aonishiki (12-3)
Everything you need to know about purchasing sumo tickets
Insider strategies for affordable sumo experiences
What to do when tournaments sell out
Want to know exactly where your seat is? Our guide includes high-resolution official floor plans you won't find elsewhere.
Our detailed comparison of every seating option
Find Your Perfect Seat →
Technical details about the arena
Free museum inside the venue (worth visiting!)
How to watch sumo training for free in Ryogoku
Comparing DIY vs organized tour experiences
Complete list of sumo stables in the Ryogoku area
Dress code, comfort, and cultural considerations
Your complete dining strategy
What you can and cannot photograph
Hour-by-hour breakdown of a sumo day
Complete transportation guide from anywhere in Tokyo
Should you drive? Probably not, but here's the info
Where to stay for easy access to sumo
"Worth every yen! The masu seats were cramped but authentic. Go early for lower division matches - they're more exciting than you'd think."
- Reddit user, visited May 2024
"Free morning practice was a highlight of our Tokyo trip. We showed up at 7 AM and got great spots. Just be quiet!"
- TripAdvisor review, 5/5 stars
"As a photographer, balcony seats gave me the best angles. Front row is exciting but hard to shoot from."
Tickets range from ¥2,200 for same-day unreserved standing tickets to ¥14,800 for premium ringside masu box seats. Mid-range arena chair seats cost ¥5,500–¥9,500 and are the best value for most visitors.
Take the JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Station — it is a 2-minute walk from the west exit. From Tokyo Station the journey takes 10 minutes; from Shinjuku approximately 25 minutes. This is the easiest and recommended route.
The next tournament is the Natsu Basho (Summer Tournament), running May 10–24, 2026. Tickets are currently available. The following Tokyo tournament is the Aki Basho, September 13–27, 2026, with tickets on sale from August 8.
Yes. Arashio Stable in Ryogoku allows visitors to watch morning practice sessions through a street-facing window for free, with no reservation required. Sessions typically run 6:00–9:00 AM on weekdays. Kasugano and Isegahama Stables also accept visitors but require advance contact.
For the most authentic experience, masu box seats (¥9,500–¥14,800) offer a traditional floor-level setting with a cushion in a small square area. Arena A seats in the front rows are better for close-up action. Balcony seats (¥5,500–¥7,500) provide the best full-arena overview and are most comfortable for tall visitors.