Sumo wrestling offers far more than athletic spectacle—the dining experiences surrounding sumo create a distinctive window into Japanese tradition. This complete guide covers everything from arena food to the best chanko nabe restaurants in Ryogoku.
🏛️ Food Inside Ryogoku Kokugikan
The arena offers various food options during tournament days, allowing you to enjoy refreshments while watching matches.
What's Available
- Bento boxes - Traditional Japanese lunch boxes (¥800-1,500)
- Snacks - Rice crackers, dried squid, mochi
- Drinks - Green tea, beer, soft drinks
- Food vendors - Multiple stalls throughout the venue
💡 Can You Bring Outside Food?
YES, within reason! You can bring your own food and drinks to arena seating areas. However, tamari (ringside) seats prohibit eating and drinking during bouts. See our seating guide for details on each section's policies.
💰 Food Prices Inside
Expect marked-up prices typical of sporting venues. Bento boxes cost ¥800-1,500, snacks ¥300-600, and drinks ¥200-500. Bringing outside food can save money if on a tight budget.
🍲 What is Chanko Nabe?
Chanko nabe is the iconic hot pot dish that forms the centerpiece of sumo wrestler nutrition. This robust, protein-rich stew consists of a flavorful broth loaded with chicken or seafood, vegetables, tofu, and sometimes meatballs.
Why Wrestlers Eat Chanko Nabe
- 💪 High protein - Supports muscle recovery after intense training
- 🥗 Nutrient-rich - Packed with vegetables and vitamins
- 🍲 Easy to digest - Warm broth facilitates absorption
- 👨👩👧👦 Communal eating - Shared pot reinforces stable hierarchy
- 📈 Weight gain - High calorie content (wrestlers eat 2 huge meals daily)
Traditional Ingredients
Protein
Chicken, fish, pork, meatballs
Vegetables
Napa cabbage, mushrooms, daikon
Broth
Dashi with miso or soy sauce
Sides
Rice, miso soup, pickles
No Single Recipe
The term "chanko nabe" essentially means "a hot pot made by sumo wrestlers." Each stable creates distinctive variations reflecting local ingredients, wrestler preferences, and passed-down traditions. This ensures that dining at different restaurants showcases genuinely different culinary approaches.
🏆 Best Chanko Nabe Restaurants in Ryogoku
Ryogoku, the historic heart of sumo culture in Tokyo, contains numerous chanko nabe restaurants ranging from casual to upscale fine dining.
🥇 Chanko Tomoegata
Most Well-Known - Must-visit for sumo enthusiasts
Location: Minutes from Sumo Museum and Kokugikan
Pricing: Kaiseki courses named after sumo rankings
- Yokozuna Course (highest rank): 9 dishes - ¥8,640
- Ozeki Course: 8 dishes - ¥7,020
- Sekiwaki Course: 6 dishes - ¥5,400
Includes: Appetizers, sashimi, seasonal dishes, chanko nabe, udon noodles, dessert
🏛️ Kappo Yoshiba
Oldest Chanko Restaurant in Ryogoku
Unique Feature: Located in former sumo stable with original ring still present
Price: Chanko course ¥6,880
Special: Premium ingredients from Toyosu Fish Market
Entertainment: Occasional live piano, sumo-themed music, shamisen performances
🍲 Ami Ryogoku Souhonten
- Location: Minutes from Ryogoku Station
- Specialty: Multiple chanko varieties
- Seafood Chanko: Scallops, fish, prawns, squid in miso broth
- Chicken Chanko: Soy-sauce broth with Kagoshima chicken
💰 Happyakuyacho Hananomai Ryougoku (Budget Option)
Most Affordable - Great for budget travelers
Price: Chicken chanko nabe from ¥900
Special Feature: Sumo ring in center of restaurant
Events: Sumo comedy shows, matches, tuna carving demos (7 PM select nights)
🥋 Chanko Kirishima Ryogoku Honten
- Owner: Former Ozeki (2nd-highest rank) Kirishima
- Authenticity: Recipes from actual sumo stable
- Location: Steps from Ryogoku Station
- Atmosphere: Serene Japanese setting
- Groups: Private reservation options available
🎭 Tokyo Sumo Room (Premium Experience)
Show Restaurant - Entertainment + Dining
Creator: Former Makuuchi wrestler Tokitsumi
Experience: Live sumo demonstrations with exceptional cuisine
Menu: Seasonal delicacies + chanko nabe + sumo-inspired dishes
Best For: Complete cultural immersion
🕒 When to Eat: Pre & Post Tournament
🌅 Pre-Match Breakfast Spots
If attending morning sessions (8:30 AM start), grab breakfast nearby:
- Convenience stores - 7-Eleven, FamilyMart near station
- Station cafes - Quick coffee and pastries
- Traditional breakfast - Small restaurants near Ryogoku
🍜 Lunch Options (Tournament Days)
Most visitors eat inside the arena or bring food (for complete tournament timing, see our tournament day guide). If leaving for lunch:
- Quick ramen shops - 15-minute walk from arena
- Lunch sets - Local restaurants offer ¥800-1,200 sets
- Bento from konbini - Grab before re-entering
🍲 Post-Match Chanko Dinner (Recommended)
Best Time to Experience Chanko Nabe
After tournament concludes (~6 PM - see our daily timeline), head to chanko restaurants for the full experience. Many restaurants are walkable from Kokugikan (5-10 minutes) - check our area guide for directions.
💡 Pro Tip: Make reservations in advance during tournament season - restaurants fill up quickly!
🙏 Dining Etiquette at Chanko Restaurants
✅ Essential Etiquette Rules
- Remove shoes when entering tatami rooms
- Wait to be seated - don't choose your own table
- Use serving chopsticks (not your personal ones) from communal pot
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral association)
- Say "itadakimasu" before eating (I humbly receive)
- Say "gochisousama" after finishing (thank you for the meal)
- Finish your rice - leaving rice is considered wasteful
- Slurping noodles is OK - actually encouraged!
💳 Payment Tips
💰 Budget-Friendly Dining Options
Cheap Chanko Options
- Happyakuyacho Hananomai: ¥900 chanko nabe
- Lunch sets: Many restaurants offer ¥1,500-2,500 lunch courses
- Weekday discounts: Some places cheaper Mon-Thu
Non-Chanko Alternatives
If chanko isn't for you:
- Ramen shops: ¥800-1,200
- Conveyor belt sushi: ¥1,500-3,000
- Izakaya (pubs): ¥2,000-4,000 with drinks
- Convenience stores: Full meals for ¥500-800
✅ Essential Dining Tips
📅 Reservations
- Tournament season: Book 4-6 weeks in advance
- Popular restaurants: Weekends fill quickly even off-season
- Language barrier: Many restaurants have minimal English - use Google Translate
- Hotel concierge: Can help make reservations
⏰ Timing
- Dinner rush: 6-8 PM - arrive early or late
- Lunch time: 12-1 PM peak - arrive at 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM
- Meal duration: Expect 1-2 hours for full chanko experience
👕 Dress Code
- Casual OK - No formal dress required
- Comfortable clothes - You'll sit on floor in many places
- Easy-to-remove shoes - You'll take them off frequently
🗺️ Getting to Ryogoku Restaurants
Ryogoku Station (JR Chūō-Sōbu Line & Toei Oedo Line) is your gateway to all major chanko restaurants.
Restaurant Locations
- Most restaurants: 5-10 minute walk from station
- Kokugikan area: Cluster of options near arena
- Walkable district: Easy to explore on foot
See our complete Getting There Guide for detailed directions to Ryogoku.