Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport which is deeply rooted in their culture since the 3^rd century and still practiced professionally to date. It is not like any regular sports, it is highly respected and it is also a religious ritual practice by Shintos.

If there aren’t any Sumo tournaments during your visit to Japan, you can visit the stables and watch their hardcore and brutal 3 hours training from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

However, it’s not that easy to watch Sumo training. As I mentioned that it is something highly respected. The wrestlers live in the stable, so you are basically asking them to allow a stranger into their home.

Where: Ryogoku District is where you will find sumo stables almost at every corner.

How:

• Call in advance to check if they will allow entry
• In case you didn’t find any luck upon calling them, wake up early and go from stable to stable and politely ask if you could watch.

Things to do:

• Arrive at the stable before the practice starts
• Bow to the stable master and wrestlers as you enter
• Stay Quiet
• Do not play on your phone
• Ask permission if you want to take any photos or videos
• Refrain from a lot of movements
• Do not eat or bring any food

Personal Experience: I did not make a prior call arrangement. I went directly to Ryogoku, grabbed a map from the tourist office where it shows where all the stables are located. I walked from stable to stable.

I got rejected in 2 stables and was welcomed in the 3^rd Stable couple of minutes after the training had already started.

They gave me permission to take photos and videos but then I got told off because I was taking too many. So I hid my phone and watched the training attentively.