Tokyo - Ryogoku Kokugikan and Museum - Travel Guide


Ryogoku area in Tokyo is the home of sumo.

The Ryoguku subway station has giant photos/painting of current and past wrestlers as well as their hand prints.

Exit the station and find all sorts of sumo paraphernalia in the area.

Walking around in Ryogoku during Sumo Tournament season, you may catch sight of a Sumo wrestler (Rikishi) and very excited fans.

The Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall is where visitors can go see sumo tournaments in person.

It stages three tournaments in January, May, and September at this Sumo Stadium in Tokyo.

If you can't see a tournament, at the very least visit the Sumo Museum on the first floor of the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

This is a great place to learn about the sport, history, and reverence the Japanese have for Sumo.

After viewing the area, eat like a Rikishi at a Chankonabe (One Pot Stew) restaurant which are all over in this area.

More useful information below in this Ryogoku Kokugikan and Museum travel guide for visitors to Tokyo, Japan.

 

Ryogoku Kokugikan Address

 

1 Chome-3-２８ Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan

Ryogoku Kokugikan Admission and Hours

Ryogoku Kokugikan Admission :

Tickets - Tournaments 2200-14,800 Yen/ adult plus tax

Three tournaments in January, May, and September each year.

Free for Sumo Museum

Museum open only for tournament ticket holders during Grand Sumo Tournament

Ryogoku Kokugikan Hours :

Three 15-day tournaments called basho in January, May, and September each year.

- Lower division matches start from 8:30AM (from 10:00AM on days 13-15),
- Second division (Juryo) matches from 3:00PM
- Top division (Makuuchi) matches starts from 4:00PM - 06:00PM during Tournament seasons.

Sumo Museum Hours :

10AM - 4:30PM (Weekdays)/ Closed on Weekends

Sumo Museum Closed Weekends, Japanese National Holidays

Getting to Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo

Ryogoku Kokugikan by JR trains in Tokyo :

- Take the JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Station
- Exit Ryogoku Station and Follow signs , Walk to the Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium.

Note: There are no parking facilities available

Ryogoku Kokugikan by Subway in Tokyo :

- Take the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Station (Edo-Tokyo Hakubutsukan-mae)
- Take Exit A4 of the station and walk to the Ryogoku Kokugikan

 

Recommendation and tips for visiting Ryogoku Kokugikan

 

- This attraction Ryogoku Kokugikan will take you at least 3 hours if you go to the Tournament.

- If you are attending the tournament, for a comfortable experience book a box for family.
  The fees are slightly discounted and allow up to 4 or 5 people in a box for one fee.
  Everyone above the age of 4 must pay for a ticket so this is a good deal.

- The refreshments and food in the stadium are reasonably priced and delicious.
   Have a bento box and Japanese beer as you watch the sumo matches.

- Don’t forget to go to the museum during the break in matches. It is worth a look!

- Remember this is a revered sport in Japan so please be respectful.

- Tickets sell out fast so book online if possible.
  Remember as in any sports event there will be thousands of people in the stadium so arrive early.

- Combine this event with the Edo-Tokyo Museum which is behind this Sumo Stadium.

 

Website

 

Visit the Ryogoku Sumo Stadium Website for tourist information
Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament - $99.00

Don't miss the opportunity to see a traditional sumo tournament when you're in Tokyo. Ride the subway with fellow sumo fans to the ‘kokugikan’ (sumo amphitheater) and enjoy several sumo-wrestling matches in the afternoon. Beforehand, visit the fascinating Sumo Museum to see sumo-related objects from the Edo period to the present. Upgrade your experience to include dinner at a chanko restaurant with delicious Japanese stew.

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