Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Tour with English Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience Japan's national sport with this captivating sumo tour in Fukuoka. Join a knowledgeable English-speaking guide for an insightful lecture on sumo's 1,500-year history and cultural significance. Then, witness the power and skill of top-ranked wrestlers at the prestigious Kyushu Tournament, the final Grand Sumo event of the year. Enjoy reserved A-class seating for an up-close view of the intense bouts, ceremonial entrances, and traditional rituals. You'll receive "The Sumo" booklet and an official rankings table as souvenirs. This tour is perfect for both sumo enthusiasts and curious first-timers, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's rich sporting heritage. Easily accessible as a day trip from major cities like Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For the grand sumo tournament viewing, you will be provided A-class reserved chair seating (3rd floor seats)
Depending on reservations, members of the same group may not be seated together. Requests for specific seats are not accepted
Smoking is not allowed inside the venue
Refunds will not be provided even if a customer does not enter a facility for their own reason, etc
If making plans for before or after the tour on the same day, and for those joining from Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc., please leave enough time in your schedule
Please note that you may have to wait to be taken to your seat if one of the following events is underway at the time: a sumo match, the ring entering procession of the Makuuchi division wrestlers (dohyoiri), the ring entering procession of the Yokozuna,the ritual stomping ceremony, or a speech by the Sumo Association (on the last tournament day). In such a case, you will betaken to your seat when the event is over
Only 1 child 0-3 years old per adult may join for free. Grand Sumo Tournament viewing seats will not be provided for them. They will have to sit on the lap of their parent or guardian. Ages are determined based on how old the participant will be on the day of the tour (If seats are required, please make a booking at the Adult rate)
Please note that there are no coin lockers or luggage storage service in the venue, so please leave large luggage at any storage counter, locker, etc. or reduce your belongings to a minimum in advance
The tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
"The Sumo" booklet in English
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament viewing ticket (A chair seating)
Banzuke-hyo (a table of rankings)
Meals and drinks
Transportation expenses to the meeting point and from the end point
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
No Free Wi-Fi access
Gratuities and other personal expenses
What To Expect
Fukuoka Sunpalace Hotel & Hall
Our expert guide, a certified National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter, will conduct a lecture about Sumo to provide valuable insights and enhance your sumo experience.
Fukuoka Kokusai Center
Enjoy watching the intense bouts between sumo wrestlers at the last tournament of the year. The National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will accompany the tour into the venue. [15:40] Makuuchi Wrestler Ceremonial Entrance, Yokozuna Grand Champion Ring Entrance (will not take place if there are no Yokozuna present) [16:00] Makuuchi Division Wrestlers' Sumo Matches [18:00] Bow-twirling Ceremony
Options
Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Tour with English Guide
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sumo was awesome!
johnkA9512IM,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The sumo tournament was totally awesome. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd very respectable. Our tour guide was very informative and friendly.
Last Two Days of Grand Sumo Live in Fukuoka!
716paulinek,
Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were able to get tickets through JTB Sunrise Tours for the last two days of the sumo tournament and we had a wonderful and memorable time. Our tour guide Miki was so friendly and informative. Seeing the last two days of sumo was a great experience, especially watching the closing ceremony and awards. We would definitely come back again!
Perfect for first time sumo audience
Storyteller105989,
Nov 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Micki was incredible-very knowledgeable & passionate in sharing her love for this sport. The sumo itself was great fun to watch. Loved it so much I have booked to return to Japan for the March championship. Thanks again to Micki for teaching us Sumo 101 rules & etiquette ❤️ Promo products super cute
Fantastic guided Sumo experience
Sunshine31928839807,
Nov 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic, colourful and rich cultural and sport experience. We had wanted to see a real sumo tournament for such a long time. We designed our whole trip around it! Maori was a perfect guide and her research and knowledge was very much appreciated.
Exciting experience
ricardobD9209SM,
Nov 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kaori our tour guide was lovely, charming and amazing ! She gave us many information and basics about the sports. The view from the 3rd floor was super great. You see everything very clearly. We took a lot of photos snd videos.
Summarizing Sumo superbly!
Anne M,
Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Mimi was an excellent guide ! Explained the ritual’s & history of Sumo. Gave us backstories and knowledge of the rishiki combatants. She made it more personal. This week watching the rest of the tournament on Japanese tv - I could recognize and root for my favourites!
Fun sumo watching tour - highly recommended
nettal92,
Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great! Miki the guide was super nice and informative, and explained to us about sumo before and also during the matches. The iverall experience was fun and unique, for sure something that is worth doing if you get a chance while in Japan
Wonderful sumo viewing
rodl903,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful sumo viewing experience. Miki was a great host and very knowledgeable about the world of sumo. Thoroughly recommend the experience- its way beyond watching on TV.
Great Experience, Helpfull informative interpretor
W. Q,
Nov 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The interpretor was so kind! So sweet. Gave great information about sumo and the origins. I would really like to check out more Sumo with them.
Grand Sumo, Grand Slam
I7544IAmatthewt,
Nov 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miki-San is the best guide I’ve had! Very knowledgeable and informative. She made the experience very interesting and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to see the Tokyo tournament one day. Would recommend to anyone living in or visiting Japan 😊
From ¥26,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.