The Ryogoku area is home to numerous sumo stables that welcome visitors for keiko (morning training) viewing, offering an authentic glimpse into the world of professional sumo wrestling.
🏠 Why Visit Sumo Stables in Ryogoku
- Highest concentration of sumo stables in Tokyo
- Walking distance from Ryogoku Kokugikan
- Tourist-friendly stables with English support
- Authentic experience - see real training sessions
- Photo opportunities with wrestlers after practice
🏆 Top Stables for Keiko Viewing
Nakamura-beya
Nakamura-beya is the closest stable to Ryogoku Kokugikan, just a 3-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station. With a 4.6 rating and reviews praising it as an "amazing opportunity to observe sumo practice closely," this stable is particularly well-suited for tourists.
✨ Nakamura-beya Highlights
- 📍 Location: 3-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 from visitors
- 🌐 Languages: Multilingual audio guides in 10 languages
- ❄️ Comfort: Air-conditioned viewing area
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 🎫 Booking: Organized sessions via GetYourGuide and Viator
Takasago-beya
Takasago-beya is another excellent option located in the Ishiwara area of Sumida City, near both Ryogoku and Asakusa. Morning practice runs from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and visitors have described watching the sumo morning practice as "an unforgettable experience." This stable is accustomed to hosting foreign tourists.
✨ Takasago-beya Highlights
- 📍 Location: Ishiwara area, near Ryogoku and Asakusa
- ⏰ Practice Hours: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- 🌏 Foreign-friendly: Experienced with international visitors
- 💫 Experience: Described as "unforgettable" by guests
Arashio-beya
Arashio-beya offers a unique viewing experience where you can watch training through a large window from the roadside without entering the building. This is ideal if you want flexibility to watch briefly or take photos without committing to a full session.
✨ Arashio-beya Highlights
- 👁️ Viewing Style: Watch through large roadside window
- 🚶 Flexibility: No need to enter - perfect for short visits
- 📸 Photography: Easy photo opportunities from street
- ⏱️ Time Commitment: Stay as long or short as you like
⏰ Important Timing Information
Practice typically begins between 6:00-7:30 AM and lasts about 3 hours, though schedules vary by stable.
Note: Keiko is not usually held on weekends or during the week following tournaments. Check our 2025 tournament schedule before planning your visit.
📱 How to Book a Keiko Tour Near Ryogoku Kokugikan
You can book sumo keiko tours near Ryogoku Kokugikan through several online platforms and tour operators, with most offering convenient cancellation policies and various duration options.
Online Booking Platforms
GetYourGuide and Viator are the most popular platforms for booking keiko tours at Nakamura-beya Sumo Stable, located just 2 minutes from JR Ryogoku Station. These platforms offer flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24-48 hours in advance.
45-Minute Express
Quick session perfect for busy schedules
90-Minute Standard
Comprehensive experience with full training
$114-$124 USD
Per person, includes audio guide
Viator also offers keiko viewing experiences with multilingual audio guides available in 10 languages. The tours typically include photo opportunities with the wrestlers after training.
Tour Options and Features
🎧 What's Included in Tours
- ✅ Audio guides in 10 languages
- ✅ Detailed pamphlets explaining techniques
- ✅ Photo opportunities with wrestlers post-training
- ✅ Air-conditioned venue with free Wi-Fi
- ✅ Expert commentary on training activities
Private Tour Operators
For a more personalized experience, private tour operators like OUTECH and Tourist Japan offer sumo morning practice combined with full-day Tokyo tours. These typically:
- Start at 7:00 AM with hotel pickup included
- Require direct contact with the operator for booking
- Can be combined with other Tokyo attractions
- Offer personalized itineraries
🔄 Cancellation and Refund Policy for Keiko Tours
Most keiko tour operators near Ryogoku Kokugikan offer flexible cancellation policies, though specific terms vary by booking platform and tour provider.
Standard Cancellation Policies
Major booking platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor offer free cancellation with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). This is the most common policy for standard keiko viewing tours at Nakamura-beya and other stables near Ryogoku.
⚠️ Important Cancellation Rules
- ✅ 24+ hours before: Full refund
- ❌ Less than 24 hours: No refund
- 📧 Cancel through the same platform you booked
- ⏰ Based on local Tokyo time, not your home timezone
Specialized Tour Operator Policies
SumoExperience has a graduated cancellation fee structure:
- 10-3 days before: 30% cancellation fee
- 2 days before: 50% cancellation fee
- 1 day or less: 100% cancellation fee (no refund)
- No-show: 100% cancellation fee
Japan Experience implements:
- 16-4 days prior: 80% cancellation fee
- 3 days to day-of: 100% cancellation fee
Premium Tour Policies
VIP Event Tours follows a stricter cancellation structure:
📋 VIP Event Tours Cancellation Fees
- 30+ days before: ¥1,000 per person
- 10-29 days before: 25% of tour cost
- 2-9 days before: 50% of tour cost
- 1 day before: 75% of tour cost
- Same day/no-show: 100% of tour cost
Note: Date changes offered free of charge at their discretion if space is available, but only before the original event date.
⚠️ Non-Refundable Tours
Some tours, particularly those with included meals and small-group experiences, cannot be cancelled or rescheduled at all. Always check the specific cancellation policy before booking.
🗺️ Locating Sumo Stables on the Map
The map at the top of this page shows the locations of major sumo stables near Ryogoku Kokugikan. Key stables shown include:
- Takasago-beya: Rated 4.8/5, located in Ishiwara area
- Naruto-beya: Rated 4.6/5, Mukojima area
- Asakusa Sumo Club: Rated 4.6/5, Asakusa area
- Multiple stables clustered near Ryogoku Station
All stables shown on the map are within easy reach of JR Ryogoku Station, making them convenient for visitors staying anywhere in Tokyo.