My first time watching SUMO WRESTLING in Japan! 🇯🇵 🤼

Is watching a sumo match in person worth it? I think you can tell by the big smile on my face. 😊

Even if you’re not into sports or wrestling, watching a sumo match is a unique cultural experience you can only have in Japan. The rules are simple: step out of the ring or fall to the ground, and you lose.
As a first-timer, the atmosphere was captivating, feeling more like a festival than a serious sports competition. I witnessed men, women and children of all ages cheering for their favorite wrestlers or watching for the first time like me.
Sumo is Japan’s national sport and the only country where it is performed professionally.
There are 6 grand sumo tournaments per year, 3 of which take place in Tokyo. In January, May, and September, grand sumo tournaments are held at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Sumida, Tokyo.
Ryogoku Kokugikan has multiple souvenir, food and drink stores, adding more to the lively experience. I highly recommend checking out the souvenir stores for exclusive merch sold only at the stadium, some even run by former sumo wrestlers.
Tickets usually range between ¥2500-¥20,000 depending on the seat type and other perks. If you are new to sumo wrestling but want a deep, cultural experience, I recommend booking a tour with an English speaking tour guide like Sunrise Tours JTB (more info in the last picture), or going with a friend who is familiar with sumo wrestling for your first visit.
⚠️ There is still a chance to watch a tournament in January from the 26th to the 28th at Ryogoku Kokugikan. For more tips on how to get tickets and what to anticipate, check out the reel I shared just before this post.

Follow @sumida_ambassadors for more on Sumida and @sumokyokai for sumo updates!

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