Peak behind the scenes of Japan's most beloved sports: sumo wrestling. Spend a morning at an authentic sumo 'stable', the building where the wrestlers live, train, eat and sleep. Watch as the massive athletes go through their daily training rituals and learn about this important facet of local culture.
Programme Details
Today’s activity will begin at 07:45. Have the cameras ready, as this experience of sumo training in Tokyo will be simply unforgettable. Meet with a local guide and journey to the Ryogoku district, the centre of Japan’s sumo world. The neighbourhood is home to the main Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and a large number of sumo stables.
Enter one of the stables, called heya in the Japanese language. These stables are where the rikishi (wrestlers) live and train. Observe the various training activities going on in the stable. Take note that while some rikishi undergo training, lower ranked rikishi take care of the household chores such as cleaning and cooking. Rituals and customs are still an integral part of the traditional sumo world!
Witness higher ranked wrestlers as they prepare for their next match. The training sessions last a couple of hours, starting with a warm up followed by technique practice. The highlight of the training is the game of ‘King of the Castle’ where two battlers spar nonstop until one is eventually defeated. While silence is critical when inside, the guide will provide insightful commentary beforehand to help explain the various rules and activities.
After enjoying this intimate look at the training of Japan’s sumo wrestlers, return to the hotel or carry on exploring Tokyo.
Note: On rare occasions, this activity may be held in a location other than Ryogoku (Asakusa or Kiyosumi Shirakawa).
Notes:
On rare occasions, this activity may be held in a location other than Ryogoku (Asakusa or Kiyosumi Shirakawa).
Time: 07:45 -10:45
Departure: Everyday (except during Sumo tournament)
Duration: approx. 3 h
Note:
- You will have to sit on a tatami (traditional Japanese mats) while watching the practice. Western-style seats are unavailable.
- The programme is not available during sumo tournaments.
- The tour is for guests aged 10 and up.
- This tour follows a specific calendar – please ask your travel consultant for more information.
- As sumo stable trainings follow an irregular schedule, in some rare cases last-minute schedule changes and cancellations can occur.
- Due to the irregular schedule of the sumo wrestlers, this experience is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until one month in advance.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
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Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
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Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
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