Private Tour
Morning Sumo Practice Viewing in Tokyo
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The guide will first explain the origin, history, rules, fun, etc. of sumo.
Sumo wrestlers are working extremely hard to be stronger because their ranking directly affects their income. The morning practice starts before 7:00 a.m. with stretching, warming-up, and a routine of basic sumo movements. We get into the stable around 8:00 a.m. when they start practice matches. You will be overwhelmed by the sounds as you watch wrestlers hit their bodies head-on again and again. By this time, you will realize a huge mass of muscles constitute their bodies. When they stretch to cool down, you are now surprised to see how supple they are, which may be counter-intuitive given their gigantic bodies.
We will take photos with them after the practice.
Additional Info
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
All participants are required to sit on a cushion on a flat floor; no chairs are available.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guiding in English by a local certified expert guide
Donations to the stable
Most probably, there is a photo shooting session with sumo wrestlers.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What To Expect
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Sky Tree is the world's tallest self-standing broadcasting tower. You will be overwhelmed by this massive and gigantic structure inspired by the image of a Japanese sword. Here the guide will brief you on how to enjoy sumo and simple rules you need to abide by while watching the practice in the stable.
Sumida
We will visit a sumo stable and watch the practice sitting inside the stable.
Options
Morning practice
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Sumo Wrestling Tour with Dawn
Christopher M,
Feb 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great way to see the sumo wrestlers. You are very close up and get to see them practice and compete with each other for 2-3 hours. Our tour guide, Dawn, was great and extremely knowledgeable of the sport of sumo wrestling.
Fun authentic experience watching the wrestlers
Cindy B,
Dec 21, 2024
- Viator
5.00Outstanding experience. Be prepared to sit on the floor for about 2 hours. No toilets. But it’s up close and personal with the wrestlers.
Up close and personal morning sumo practice
Brittany L,
Dec 10, 2024
- Viator
5.00We had a great time learning about the background of sumo. Jeff was a very informative and knowledgeable guide. Seeing the morning sumo practice up close and personal was a memorable experience. Highly recommend the experience.
The most authentic thing we did in Tokyo
Melissa M,
Dec 5, 2024
- Viator
5.00We woke early on our last day to visit the Naruto sumo stable and observe morning practice. Our son had the best view and was sitting right next to the stable master. It was great to learn about the long history of sumo and how many rituals are still practiced today. I was amazed at how flexible and strong they are - at the end they stretched and were all practically doing the splits. We were lucky to see a Juryo / division 2 sumo wrestler practicing and he moved with such strength, grace and control of his body. Definitely a highlight of the trip to experience this centuries old sport. Hoping to catch a tournament next time we come, but the practice was a glimpse into how much dedication the sport takes. Our tour guide Kay was amazing and very knowledgeable about sumo and shared information before we went into the stable, answered all of our questions and also gave us details on etiquette to follow once we were inside which was very helpful. This was the most authentic thing we did while in Tokyo. Thank you so much!
Informative and Entertaining
Jeanne C,
Oct 9, 2024
- Viator
5.00The guide made sure we arrived early for access and focused on the historical elements, providing hand-outs, profiles of the sumos in training, and did everything possible to make sure we were comfortable. Her focus resulted in entering with a solid knowledge base that was followed-up after the training to reinforce certain concepts. The training exercise the sumos go through is intense!
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