Sumo:Tips to enjoy in Tokyo

When & where

Jan 15 to 30th, May 15 to 30th, Sep 15 to 30th at Kokugikan venue.

The venue location is in down town of Tokyo. Just 10 minutes by train from Tokyo station. From JR (Japan railway) station called Ryogoku,it is just 5 minutes walk to get the venue.

How to buy ticket

You can buy by travel agency (JTB company), internet and at many convinence stores.But it is complicated for English speakers,so I suggest you to ask some help to your Japanese friends or big hotel`s concierge.Ticket price is from US$18 to 250.I go to watch Sumo once a year in Tokyo and  I always buy US$18. It is non reserved sheet ticket. I think It is enough to enjoy Sumo for people to watch Sumo for the first time. Tickets are started sold about 1 month before the tournament.You should buy tickets as earlier as possible.Because now Sumo is quite popular and difficult to get tickets. If you are eager to get same-day tickets.Then I suggest to make queue at around 7 or 8am at Kokugikan venue ticket office. I think only 100 or 200 people can buy same-day tickets. I think you should stay at the queue 1 or 2 hours.They start to sell at around 830am. I do suggest you to ask your Japanese friends or big hotel`s concierge to make phone call to Japan`s Sumo association who organize their tickets selling ,about what time you should make  queue to get same-day tickets.