Sumo Morning Practice Tour With English-Speaking Guide

The Sumo Morning Practice Tour offers a rare glimpse into the world of professional sumo wrestling. Participants can observe intense training sessions at a traditional sumo stable in Sumida City, led by an English-speaking guide. This small group experience provides personalized insights into the rich history and culture of this captivating sport. Visitors will witness the rigorous exercises of the rikishi, including grappling drills and sparring matches, while immersed in the unique atmosphere created by the rhythmic beats of taiko drums. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this revered Japanese tradition.

Key Points

• A 3-hour small group tour to observe professional sumo wrestlers’ daily training at a sumo stable in Sumida City, near Kokugikan Sumo Arena.
• An English-speaking guide provides insights into sumo history and culture, and participants can take photos with the rikishi during the practice.
• The tour offers a rare opportunity to witness the intense training of sumo wrestlers and learn about the sport’s rich traditions.
• The small group size of up to 7 participants ensures an intimate and immersive experience, suitable for both sumo enthusiasts and those curious about Japanese culture.
• Flexible booking with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option for added convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sumo Morning Practice Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the intense daily training of professional sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi.

Priced from $91.81 per person, the 3-hour small group tour (limited to 7 participants) takes visitors to a real sumo stable in Sumida City, home of the Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, participants can observe the rikishi during their morning practice and even take photos with them.

The tour provides insight into sumo history and local information, making it an immersive cultural experience for those interested in this traditional Japanese sport.

Experience Highlights

What makes the Sumo Morning Practice Tour a unique experience?

Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe the intense daily training of professional sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, at a real sumo stable in Sumida City.

During the 3-hour tour, participants can take photos with the rikishi and learn about sumo’s rich history and local information from the English-speaking guide.

This small-group tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience.

Whether you’re a sumo enthusiast or simply curious about this iconic Japanese sport, the Sumo Morning Practice Tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of these powerful athletes.

Booking Information

Booking the Sumo Morning Practice Tour is flexible, as visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also offers a reserve now & pay later option, allowing travelers to keep their plans flexible.

The meeting point is conveniently located at Oshiage Station, which can be accessed via several major transit lines.

However, there are some restrictions – the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility impairments, and certain items like hats, food, and cellphones are prohibited.

Meeting Point

Oshiage Station’s A1-Exit is the designated meeting point for the Sumo Morning Practice Tour.

This station is accessible via the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line, and Keisei Line.

Participants should arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time. The guide will be holding a sign to help identify the group.

Attendees are advised to avoid bringing prohibited items like hats, sunglasses, food, drinks, and phones with flash photography, as these aren’t allowed during the tour.

The tour group size is limited to 7 participants to ensure an intimate experience.

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Restrictions

Although the Sumo Morning Practice Tour offers an immersive experience, it’s not suitable for all visitors. Children under 12 years and those with mobility impairments are not allowed. Plus, certain items are prohibited to maintain the authenticity of the experience, including hats, sunglasses, food, drinks, and cellphones. Flash photography is also not permitted.

Restrictions	Details
Age	Not suitable for children under 12 years
Mobility	Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
Items	Prohibited – hats, sunglasses, food, drinks, flash photography, cellphones

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the Sumo Morning Practice Tour, travelers should plan their journey in advance. Here are three tips to help prepare:

1. Arrive early at the meeting point, Oshiage Station, as the tour starts promptly at the scheduled time.

2. Dress comfortably, as the tour involves standing and walking. Avoid wearing prohibited items like hats, sunglasses, and bringing food or drinks.

3. Be mindful of the tour restrictions, as the sumo stable visit isn’t suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility impairments.

Respect the wrestlers’ training by refraining from using phones or flash photography.

Arriving at the Sumo Stable

Once the group gathers at the designated meeting point, Oshiage Station, the English-speaking guide will lead the way to the nearby sumo stable. The guide will provide directions and facilitate the short walk. Upon arrival, the group will be greeted by the distinct architecture of the sumo stable, which features traditional Japanese design elements.

Stable Feature	Description
Entrance	Wooden doorway with heavy curtain
Roof	Curved tiles, prominent eaves
Walls	Wooden panels, earthen plaster
Training Area	Raised ring, covered by canvas roof
Locker Room	Private space for wrestlers

The guide will ensure the group is prepared to observe the morning practice session.

Observing the Sumo Practice

As the group enters the sumo stable, the rhythmic beats of the taiko drums fill the air, signaling the start of the morning practice session.

The rikishi (sumo wrestlers) emerge from the locker rooms, their bodies adorned in the traditional mawashi belts.

The audience observes as the wrestlers engage in a series of intense exercises:

1. Leg squats and lunges to build lower body strength.
2. Grappling drills to practice technique and balance.
3. Vigorous sparring matches, the wrestlers straining to push each other out of the dohyo (sumo ring).

The guide provides insightful commentary, explaining the significance of each activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Sumo Stable?

Based on the tour overview, it doesn’t appear that purchasing souvenirs is an option at the sumo stable. The tour focuses on observing the sumo wrestlers’ morning practice session, and does not mention any opportunities to buy souvenirs on-site.

Will We Be Able to Speak Directly With the Sumo Wrestlers?

You won’t be able to speak directly with the sumo wrestlers during the tour. However, you’ll have the opportunity to observe their intense daily training and take photos with them, as the tour guide provides insights into sumo history and local information.

Is There a Dress Code We Need to Follow?

There’s no strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended. Visitors should avoid hats, sunglasses, and bring neither food nor drinks. Flash photography and cellphones are prohibited during the practice session.

Can We Video Record the Sumo Practice Session?

Video recording is prohibited during the sumo practice session. The tour restrictions state that flash photography and cellphones are not allowed. Visitors should refrain from using any devices that could disrupt the wrestlers’ intense training.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Try on the Sumo Wrestlers’ Outfits?

No, there won’t be an opportunity to try on the sumo wrestlers’ outfits. The tour doesn’t allow visitors to wear the wrestlers’ traditional garments, as they’re considered sacred and reserved for the rikishi themselves.

The Sum Up

The Sumo Morning Practice Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the intense training and rich traditions of professional sumo wrestling. Participants can observe the rikishi’s rigorous exercises, immersed in the energetic atmosphere of the sumo stable. Led by an English-speaking guide, this small group experience provides personalized insights into the fascinating world of this iconic Japanese sport.

You can check availability for your dates here: