Sumo Practice Viewing Guided Tour and Photo with Sumo Wrestlers
Description
This rare tour takes customers to a sumo stable where sumo wrestlers live and train every day. Get an up-close look at the morning practice, where sumo wrestlers fiercely collide with each other. The tour will visit a sumo stable where active Makuuchi Division wrestlers belong. The tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter who will provide basic information about sumo and introduce the wrestlers of Tatsunami-beya, the sumo stable that the tour will be visiting. Whispering and talking are strictly prohibited while watching the practice, but an audio guide service is available. After watching, customers can look forward to taking photos with the wrestlers and even seeing some personal belongings. Includes JTB Sunrise Tours original merchandise exclusive to this tour! Customers will be able to take home a souvenir from the tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This rare tour takes you to a sumo stable where sumo wrestlers live and train every day. This remarkable stable holds a unique distinction in the world of sumo: it is the one in Tokyo that currently houses an active Yokozuna, the highest and most prestigious rank in professional sumo wrestling. *Please note that the Yokozuna does not appear at every practice session.
Viewing Lecture: To ensure that customers can enjoy watching the practice while observing proper etiquette, the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter will provide basic information about sumo and the Tatsunami Stable, as well as important points to follow when watching the practice. Those who do not agree to the terms and conditions may not be allowed to watch the practice. The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter will give explanations about the audio guide service. Whispering and talking are strictly prohibited while watching the practice, but customers can listen to commentary from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, allowing them to enjoy watching with a deeper understanding.
Practice Viewing with Audio Guide: Get an up-close look at sumo wrestlers as they train for the Grand Sumo Tournament, which is held 6 times a year. Customers will watch seated on a wooden floor, but cushions will be provided. Chairs will be provided for customers who have difficulty sitting. Please make a reservation in advance. While whispering and talking are strictly prohibited during the practice, an audio guide service is available, allowing customers to listen to explanations from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, gaining a deeper understanding and making the practice viewing more enjoyable. Depending on the number of wrestlers practicing on the day, the time for practice viewing may be shorter than 45 minutes. In this case, the tour may end earlier than the indicated time, but refunds will not be issued. Furthermore, depending on the number of wrestlers, the time for practice viewing may be longer.
Commemorative Photo with Sumo Wrestlers & Personal Belongings Viewing and Q&A Corner: After the practice, customers can take a commemorative photo with the wrestlers. Customers can also check out personal belongings such as sumo-sized yukata and bath towels, as well as the training equipment used during practice, giving a glimpse into the life of a sumo wrestler. There will also be a Q&A corner where customers can ask questions to the sumo wrestlers. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to converse with an active sumo wrestler!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The training hall is a sacred place where sumo wrestlers train hard every day in order to obtain the highest rank of yokozuna. Please be sure to understand and follow the precautions when watching to avoid distracting the wrestlers and preventing injury
- Please stay quiet as whispering and talking are strictly prohibited / Do not stand up or move around / It is strictly forbidden to step on the ring or touch the wrestlers without permission / When seated, do not stretch your legs out towards the sumo wrestling ring (It is considered impolite to show the soles of the feet to sumo wrestlers) / Excessive perfume or fabric softener scents are strictly prohibited / Eating and drinking are not allowed / Please keep your mobile phone on silent mode or turned off, and do not use flash photography / Please refrain from leaving midway / During the visit, please take off your shoes. Please keep shoes neatly in place / The restroom may be used, but due to limited availability, customers are advised in general to use a restroom prior to entry / In addition, strollers and large baggage such as suitcases cannot be brought
- Please note that times listed on the itinerary are estimates. Depending on the number of wrestlers practicing on the day, the time for practice viewing may be shorter than 45 minutes. In this case, the tour may end earlier than the indicated time, but refunds will not be issued. Furthermore, depending on the number of wrestlers, the time for practice viewing may be longer. In this case, the tour may end later than the indicated time
- Children 0-3 years old may not join this tour
- Please refrain from bringing food and drinks into the sumo stable
- Please remove sunglasses and hats inside as it is considered rude
- Please note that excessive perfume or fabric softener scents are strictly prohibited
- While whispering and talking are strictly prohibited during the practice, an audio guide service is available, allowing customers to listen to explanations from the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and make the tour more enjoyable
- While watching the practice, experience Japanese culture with the provided cushion seating on tatami mat flooring. Chairs will be provided for customers who have difficulty sitting. Please make a request in the Remarks in advance
- Please note that the Yokozuna does not appear at every practice session
- Tatsunami Stable entrance is located approximately 30 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Toei Line, Tokyo Metro Line, Tobu Railway.) It can also be accessed by taking the Toei Bus East 42-Ko route bus or the Taito Ward Kita-Megurin loop bus
- Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Reviews(42)
Nice experience to learn how hard the Sumo wrestler work. Kaoru-san explained thoroughly. At the end you get to interact with the Sumo wrestler
Awesome experience but prepare to sit on floor with cushion.
Incredibly insightful to the Sumo practice with clear audio throughout the practice via headphone . Up close observation of a complete practice session , interactive photo at the end .
This was very interesting, although the location was hard to find and a long walk to get to public transportation. Enjoyed the commentary, explaining everything we were seeing. Description should add that it is "floor seating". We were lucky to be early and be given chairs but they only have a few. Definitely worth the time and effort to be so close to the competitors
This Tour was a main highlight in our Trip. To be able to witness a real Sumo Training session where fighters are rigurously preparing for a Tournament has been such a privilege. We the audience are required to collaborate in creating an atmosphere of respect that makes the Experience even more unique, as one can truly be immersed in the whole session and see it as a Ritual. Couldn't have asked for a more authentic japanese experience. This should be a MUST for anyone looking to have a real glimpse of what a true Sumo Session is about.
I really enjoyed this moment. The organization's on board. I highly recommend
Excellent insight into the Sumo wrestler training regimen. Well delivered and informative.
Its very interesting to watch them train but its a little bit cold near the entrance so pack a jacket or a sweater.
Wonderful visit to Tatsunami. Very helpful guides. Very Hard for bad knees and hip. There were few chairs available. Great experience. Wrestlers appreciate foodgifts.
Superbly arranged experience. It was very interesting to see the wrestlers go through their morning routine, having the audio guide to explain everything was very helpful as well
