🗓️ Understanding the Grand Tournaments
Japan hosts six Grand Sumo Tournaments (Basho) annually, each lasting 15 days. The tournaments rotate across four cities:
- Tokyo - January, May, September (Ryogoku Kokugikan)
- Osaka - March (Edion Arena)
- Nagoya - July (IG Arena)
- Fukuoka - November (Fukuoka Kokusai Center)
Each tournament features wrestlers from lower divisions in the morning through early afternoon, with the top divisions (Juryo and Makuuchi) competing in the afternoon and early evening. Most spectators arrive after 2:00 PM when the main division matches begin. For a complete hour-by-hour breakdown, see our tournament day timeline guide.
🪑 Seating Types and Pricing
Sumo venues offer distinctly different seating experiences, each suited to different preferences and budgets. For detailed views from each section with photos, check our complete seating guide:
🥇 Tamari (Ringside Cushions)
Tamari seats are the premium option, placing you within arm's reach of the wrestlers. These cost ¥20,000 per person and apply uniformly regardless of the day of the week.
🎎 Masu-Seki (Tatami Box Seats)
Masu-seki represents the traditional sumo experience, consisting of square boxes that seat exactly four people on floor cushions in tatami style. You must purchase all four seats in a box together, even if you're attending with fewer people.
💰 Pricing Breakdown
- Weekday: ¥34,000–¥56,000 per box (¥8,500–¥14,000 per person)
- Weekend: ¥38,000–¥60,000 per box (¥9,500–¥15,000 per person)
These seats offer unparalleled proximity to the ring and an authentically immersive atmosphere, but sitting cross-legged on the floor for several hours may challenge those unaccustomed to this posture.
🪑 Arena Chairs (Second Floor)
Arena chairs provide Western-style comfortable seating in the upper tiers, ranging from ¥3,500–¥11,000 depending on the seat class (SS, A, B, or C) and whether you attend on a weekday or weekend.
Budget-Friendly
Most affordable option
Solo-Friendly
No need to fill a 4-person box
Comfortable
Back support for long viewing
The trade-off is greater distance from the action and less of the traditional atmosphere.
🎫 Booking Methods: A Ranked Comparison
🥇 Official Website (Sumo.pia.jp)
The official Ticket Oosumo English website offers the lowest prices as tickets go directly from the Japan Sumo Association. Tickets are released approximately one month before each tournament and sell out within minutes on the first day of sales.
📝 How It Works
- Select your tournament, date, and seat type
- Enter credit card information
- Receive confirmation email with ticket number
- Pick up physical tickets at tournament venue using self-service machines
🥉 Travel Package Platforms (Viator, Klook, GetYourGuide)
These platforms offer curated sumo experiences that may include guided tours, meals, or transportation. Prices are higher than direct purchasing but provide added convenience and context, particularly valuable if you want a more structured introduction to sumo culture.
🏪 Seven-Eleven Convenience Stores
If you purchase through the official website or Ticket Oosumo, you can pick up your printed tickets at any Seven-Eleven in Japan. Simply provide the clerk with your 13-digit ticket number, and they'll print your tickets within 15 seconds.
🏢 In-Person Ticket Pia Stores
On the official ticket release date, you can purchase tickets in person at Ticket Pia locations throughout Japan, though this requires arriving early to queue and paying a per-ticket service fee (typically ¥2,200). This method is less practical for international visitors.
⏱️ Strategic Booking Timeline
📅 When to Book
- 1 month before: Official website releases tickets at 10:00 AM JST - premium seats sell out in minutes (book early!)
- 1-2 weeks before: Check resale platforms or travel package sites for availability
- Tournament days: Chaya (tea house) booths outside venue sell premium packages
- Guided tours: Book curated experiences through platforms like GetYourGuide that include tickets
📆 2025 Tournament Schedule and Venues
| Tournament | Location | Dates | Ticket Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo | January 12–26 | December 7 |
| March | Edion Arena, Osaka | March 9–23 | February 8 |
| May | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo | May 11–25 | April 5 |
| July | IG Arena, Nagoya | July 13–27 | May 17 |
| September | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo | September 14–28 | August 9 |
| November | Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Fukuoka | November 11–25 | October 11 |
Tournament day runs from approximately 8:30 AM through 6:00 PM, with the day shifted forward 30 minutes on the final day to accommodate the victory ceremony. View our complete 2025 schedule with venue details for full planning information.
💡 Critical Booking Tips for International Visitors
💳 Payment and Registration
The official website now offers English-language registration and accepts international credit cards, streamlining the process significantly compared to previous years. Only credit card payment is accepted - no cash, bank transfers, or PayPal.
🎟️ Ticket Pickup Timing
If purchasing through Ticket Oosumo with Seven-Eleven delivery, print tickets at least 24 hours before the tournament, ideally several days in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Check your confirmation email for your assigned seat numbers - they're predetermined at purchase, not random.
💰 Seat Selection Strategy
Budget-Friendly Options
Lower-ranked divisions offer excellent quality matches at a fraction of the price. If budget is your priority, attending a weekday and choosing C-class arena seats (¥3,500–¥8,000) provides authentic experience at minimal cost.
👥 Group Consideration
If attending with only one or two others, masu-seki box seats become expensive due to the four-seat minimum. A group of four or more makes these seats worthwhile.
🙏 Etiquette and Practical Considerations
Sumo tournaments maintain strict traditional customs:
- Never step on cushions when entering or leaving box seats
- Remain seated during bouts to avoid blocking views
- Refrain from flash photography
- Quiet respect is expected during pre-bout purification ceremonies
🍱 Food & Drinks
You can bring outside food and drinks to arena seating areas (though not to ringside tamari seats, which prohibit eating and drinking). Most venues have food available for purchase, though prices tend to be marked up. For detailed information on inside arena food options and nearby restaurants, see our complete food and dining guide.
You can leave your seat for breaks during the day, and some venues allow one re-entry if you exit the arena.
⚠️ Avoiding Scams and Risks
The Japan Sumo Association explicitly discourages purchasing from unauthorized resellers. Stick to official channels or recognized travel platforms that operate transparently with published pricing.
✅ Purchase Only From Established Sources:
- Official Sumo.pia.jp website (best prices)
- Recognized travel platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook)
- Authorized tour operators with complete packages
Verify seller legitimacy by checking reviews and security features before completing any transaction. Avoid informal resellers, especially those offering tickets significantly above face value.
🗾 Regional Variations
While Tokyo tournaments command premium prices and sell out fastest, attending tournaments in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July), or Fukuoka (November) offers excellent alternatives.
💰 Regional Tournament Benefits
- Fukuoka tournament tickets start from ¥3,900 for C-class arena seating
- Regional tournaments attract enthusiastic local crowds
- Less international tourism makes tickets slightly easier to secure
- Experience authentic local sumo culture
✅ Conclusion
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead: Book 1+ months in advance for best availability
- Know your priorities: Tradition vs comfort vs budget
- Official website = lowest prices (but requires split-second timing)
- Travel platforms = convenience with guided experiences
- Book early, understand pickup process, respect etiquette
Successful sumo ticket acquisition requires planning, clarity on your seating priorities, and knowing your booking platform options. Once you've secured your tickets, check our transportation guide for detailed directions to Ryogoku Kokugikan and our seasonal clothing guide to dress appropriately for your tournament day. Regardless of your chosen method, prepare for an unforgettable experience watching Japan's national sport.