Sumo Stable Experience

Sumo is a traditional Japanese martial art with deep roots in history and spirituality. It began in the year 726, when two Rikishi competed in front of Emperor Shōmu who ordered shrines throughout Japan to hold sumo matches as prayers for abundant harvests.
If you watch a sumo match today, you’ll notice that it begins with ritualized ceremonies. These rituals reflect sumo’s strong connection to Shinto beliefs and its origins as a sacred practice rather than merely a sport.
Of course, sumo is also a competitive match. Rikishi fight with great passion and determination, striving for victory and honor—just as their predecessors were once rewarded and recognized by the emperor in ancient times.

When watching a sumo match, you may notice the Rikishi scattering something onto the ring before the bout, this is salt. It is used to purify the ring and to pray for a fair and sacred match before the gods.
Just before they begin the fight, Rikishi raises one leg high and forcefully stomps it onto the ground. This action is believed to drive away evil spirits and cleanse the space. At every sumo stable, you will also find a Shinto altar. Daily training begins and ends with paying respect to the deities.
Once you know these small hints, the way you watch sumo will surely change. It is a sport and ceremony deeply connected to Shinto beliefs and sacred rituals.

Yokozuna is the highest rank in Sumo, and every Rikishi trains with the dream of reaching this prestigious title one day. However, the path to becoming a Yokozuna is not easy.
The world of sumo is built on a strict hierarchical system. Young men, usually after graduating from high school or that age, enter a sumo stable and begin their careers from the lowest rank. They live communally in the stable, sharing a large room with other young Rikishi, each allotted only about 1.5 tatami mats of personal space (less than 3m²).
As they win matches and rise through the ranks, their lives gradually change. Higher-ranked wrestlers are allowed to live independently and even get married. Their income is also directly tied to their rank.
You can imagine young Rikishi devote themselves passionately to daily training, enduring hardship with the hope of one day achieving the rank of Yokozuna—and earning both great honor and reward.

Unlike official tournaments, where spectators sit at a distance from the ring, practice sessions are raw and unfiltered. You will see their skin glistening with sweat, feel the heat radiating from their bodies, and hear their heavy breathing just in front of your eyes.
You’ll also notice that size alone does not determine success. Each rikishi has a own fighting style, and sometimes a smaller Rikishi displays remarkable technique and strategy.
In Japan, many fans have a favorite rikishi. Watching their training, cheering for them during tournaments, and celebrating as they rise through the ranks.
After experiencing our tour, hearing the background story of each Rikishi from our expert guide, you may just find yourself discovering and cheering for your own favorite rikishi.

Sumo is deeply rooted in religious tradition. For this experience you will visit real training, not a show, and we kindly ask for your understanding of the following guidelines and your respectful behavior.

- Seating will be on tatami mats. Please avoid sitting in a way that shows the soles of your feet toward Rikishi.
- Photography and video recording are permitted; however, please refrain from using flash. Any use of photos or videos for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
- Please remain quiet during the practice. Cheering or speaking loudly disturb Rikishi's concentration.
- Please refrain from leaving during the practice.

Availability of this experience depends on the Sumo tournament schedule. Please send us an inquiry with your preferred dates, and we will advise you of the available options.

*This experience must be combined with and included in a 6-hour or 8-hour Tokyo private tour. It cannot be booked as a standalone experience.