Ryogoku Kokugikan is Japan's legendary sumo wrestling venue located in the historic Ryogoku neighborhood of Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Getting there is straightforward with multiple convenient transportation options.
🎯 Quick Answer
Best Route: JR Chūō-Sōbu Line to Ryogoku Station (West Exit) → 2-minute walk
Cost: ¥130-390 depending on origin
Alternative: Toei Oedo Line to Ryogoku Station (A3 exit) → 5-minute walk
🚇 Most Direct Route: JR Chūō-Sōbu Line
The easiest and fastest way to reach Ryogoku Kokugikan is via the JR East Chūō-Sōbu Line. Trains arrive directly at Ryogoku Station with local trains (not rapid services) stopping at the platform.
Step-by-Step from JR Ryogoku Station
- Board local trains (not rapid) on JR Chūō-Sōbu Line
- Position yourself in cars 7-8 for closest exit access
- Exit at JR Ryogoku Station
- Take West Exit ticket gate
- Turn right and walk straight
- Kokugikan is directly visible across the street (2-minute walk)
🎯 Landmark: Look for the iconic building with distinctive colored banners (during tournament season - see our 2025 schedule). The main entrance faces the station on the south-west side with entrance gates and informational signage. Once you arrive, check our ticket guide for entry procedures.
💰 Cost from Major Stations
- Tokyo Station: ¥170 (10 minutes direct)
- Shinjuku Station: ¥220 (25 minutes via JR)
- Shibuya Station: ¥220 (30 minutes)
- Akihabara Station: ¥140 (5 minutes)
🚇 Alternative: Toei Oedo Line (E-12 Station)
The Toei Oedo Line provides an alternative subway route to Ryogoku Station, numbered E-12. While slightly longer than the JR route, this option offers good connectivity to other parts of Tokyo's subway network.
From Oedo Line Ryogoku Station
📍 Via A3 Exit (Recommended - 5 minutes)
- Exit via A3
- Walk west toward Edo-Tokyo Museum
- Pass museum's car park
- Follow Kokugikan Street
- Kokugikan visible ahead
📍 Via A4 Exit (8 minutes)
- Exit via A4
- Turn right after exiting
- Pass under elevated structure
- Head toward JR East exit
- Navigate to Kokugikan
💡 When to Use Oedo Line
- Coming from Roppongi, Shinjuku (west), or Odaiba
- Already on subway system (avoid JR transfer)
- Want to visit Edo-Tokyo Museum first
🚢 Scenic Option: Tokyo Mizube Line Water Bus
For a scenic and unique approach, the Tokyo Mizube Cruise Line offers water bus service along the Sumida River - perfect for combining sightseeing with your venue visit.
🚢 Ryogoku River Center Pier
Location: 3F Hulic Ryogoku River Center, 1-2-13 Yokozuna, Sumida-ku
Walking Time: Direct access to Kokugikan - go through building with ticket counter, venue appears immediately ahead
⏰ Express Service Schedule (Ryogoku ↔ Odaiba)
| Departure Time | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:15 | Ryogoku → Odaiba | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| 12:15 | Ryogoku → Odaiba | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| 15:15 | Ryogoku → Odaiba | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Tickets can be purchased at the pier or online in advance. This option is particularly appealing if you're combining sightseeing with your tournament visit.
🚗 Other Transportation Options
| Method | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 3 minutes (from Tokyo Station) |
¥2,100–2,600 | Convenience with luggage |
| Walking | 44 minutes (3.7 km) |
Free | Exploring the area, fitness |
| Bicycle | 15-20 minutes | Rental fees vary | Flexible sightseeing |
🚗 Parking Information
✈️ From Tokyo Airports
🛬 From Narita Airport
Best Route (90 minutes total)
- Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station (60 min, ¥3,070)
- JR Chūō-Sōbu Line to Ryogoku Station (10 min, ¥170)
Budget Option (100 minutes)
- Keisei Skyliner to Nippori (40 min, ¥2,520)
- JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara (5 min)
- JR Chūō-Sōbu Line to Ryogoku (5 min)
🛬 From Haneda Airport
Best Route (45-50 minutes total)
- Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō (20 min, ¥500)
- JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara (10 min)
- JR Chūō-Sōbu Line to Ryogoku (5 min)
🏛️ What to Expect Inside Kokugikan
Upon entry with a valid ticket, visitors receive an English-language printed map and tournament schedule detailing all matches and wrestler rankings.
🏛️ Sumo Museum
The Sumo Museum is a 20-minute stop detailing wrestling history, famous rikishi (wrestlers), and ceremonial traditions. Accessible to ticketed guests only on tournament days.
🎭 Match Schedule
- 8:30 AM: Lower-ranked wrestlers begin
- Morning hours: Fewer spectators, closer seating possible
- 3:00 PM onwards: Makuuchi (top-division) matches
- Peak intensity: Late afternoon championship bouts
For detailed timing and optimal arrival recommendations, see our complete tournament day timeline.
💡 Insider Tip
Early matches attract fewer spectators, allowing ticket holders with general admission seating to move closer to ringside temporarily during less crowded periods.
🏙️ The Ryogoku Neighborhood
Beyond sumo, Ryogoku offers substantial cultural attractions worth exploring before or after your tournament visit.
🏛️ Edo-Tokyo Museum
Sits within walking distance and explores the city's history from the Edo period to modern Tokyo. Allow 1-2 hours for a full visit.
🍲 Chanko Nabe Restaurants
The neighborhood is famous for Chanko Nabe restaurants - the traditional hot pot dish favored by sumo wrestlers. An authentic culinary experience you shouldn't miss! Read our complete food and dining guide for restaurant recommendations and reservations.
Chanko Tomoegata
Most famous, wrestler-owned
Kawasaki
Traditional atmosphere
Kirishima
Budget-friendly option
See our complete Food & Dining Guide for detailed restaurant recommendations.
🏨 Nearby Hotels
- The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by Hulic - 4-star with restaurant and bar
- Creare Ryogoku - Near Sumida Hokusai Museum
- Budget options - Available in nearby Asakusa and Akihabara
✅ Essential Visitor Tips
📅 Planning Your Visit
- ✅ Arrive early on tournament days to secure good same-day tickets
- ✅ Explore the venue before prime viewing hours (3 PM+)
- ✅ Weekend tournaments have earlier opening times (10:00–10:30 AM)
- ✅ Bring confirmation email and ID if you've purchased tickets online
- ✅ Print tickets from 7-Eleven within Japan before attending
🎒 Luggage & Accessibility
- Coin lockers available at JR and Oedo Line stations
- Store large luggage before boarding water bus
- Accessible entry available at both stations
- Compact venues - easy to navigate
📱 Navigation Tools
Recommended Apps
- Google Maps: Best for real-time directions
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Excellent transit planner
- Hyperdia: Train schedule lookup
- Tokyo Subway Navigation: Subway-specific routes
📋 Quick Reference Card
🗺️ Ryogoku Kokugikan Address
1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015
Google Maps: Search "Ryogoku Kokugikan" or "両国国技館"
🚇 Best Transportation
- 1st Choice: JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) - 2 min walk
- 2nd Choice: Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku (A3 exit) - 5 min walk
- Scenic: Water bus to Ryogoku River Center
💰 Typical Costs
- From Tokyo Station: ¥170 (JR)
- From Shinjuku: ¥220 (JR)
- Taxi from Tokyo Station: ¥2,100-2,600
⏰ Tournament Opening Times
- January: 8:45 AM
- May: 9:30 AM
- September: 9:30 AM
- Weekends: 10:00-10:30 AM