Japan Awaits

Dive into the captivating world of sumo wrestling with this exclusive 4-hour Sumo Stable Morning Practice tour! Join a small group (maximum 16 people) led by an expert sumo guide for an intimate look at a real sumo stable’s morning practice. Equipped with audio headsets, you’ll gain insights into training rituals and techniques as you watch these incredible athletes train up-close. After the session, get unforgettable access – converse and share tea with the wrestlers themselves! To top it off, enjoy comfortable seating with ample legroom and savor a delicious chanko nabe lunch, the hearty stew that fuels these sumo giants. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into sumo culture, not to be missed!

Highlights:

• Intimate Sumo Stable Tour: Witness the dedication and power of sumo wrestlers in a small group setting.
• Expert Sumo Guide: Gain in-depth knowledge about the sport’s history, rituals, and techniques (audio headsets provided).
• Up-Close Observation: See sumo wrestlers train firsthand and appreciate their athleticism.
• Interactive Experience: Converse and share tea with the wrestlers for a truly unique encounter.
• Authentic Lunch: Savor a delicious chanko nabe lunch, a staple in a sumo wrestler’s diet.

Book your exclusive sumo stable tour today and delve into the fascinating world of sumo wrestling!

Availability: Tour from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on available dates (see calendar)

Location: Meet at Warabi Station (30 minutes by train from Tokyo Station)

–     The directions to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

Price:

Standard Tour (Join-in small group): ¥23,000 per person

Private Tour: See price at checkout

Included:

• English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
• Sumo information and/or pamphlet
• Audio headset to listen to explanations from expert guide
• Morning tea and discussions with sumo wrestlers
• Lunch without drinks at a local chanko hot pot restaurant to experience what sumo wrestlers eat (with explanations from tour guide). Sukiyaki or vegetarian option is available upon request (must be requested at least one week in advance).
• Photo opportunities with sumo wrestlers

Excluded:

• Hotel pick-up not included
• Drinks are not included at lunch

Attire

Lunch Option

Chanko nabe, also known as “sumo stew”, is a Japanese stew (hot pot) that contains chicken stock as the soup base with various vegetables. Chanko originated from the Ryokoku area and sumo wrestlers are known to eat a lot of it because a large amount of chanko can be cooked at once and many people can eat at the same time, perfect for sumo wrestlers who are hungry from training.

Lunch is included in this tour. The chanko hot pot without drinks will be the default meal. Please let us know if you would prefer sukiyaki, vegetarian, or if you have any other special dietary requirements on the “Special Requirements” field at checkout. Please note that traditional chanko nabe broth is typically made with pork or chicken, but the restaurant may substitute the broth for those who prefer vegetarian option.

Please understand that once we have accepted your request, changes cannot be made one week before the tour date.

Important Regulations

Seating option: cushions on the floor will be the default seating, but low chairs may also be available upon prior request. Please be aware that low chair seating is limited and will be guests who have mobility issues or other needs will have priority.

How to sit: Guests are welcome to sit however they please, but we ask that guests do not show the soles of their feet to the ring when seated (for example, extending their legs with their feet showing) as a form of respect.

Photography: Photography and videography are permitted, but please refrain from using flash. We advise checking your phone’s settings before entering the stable and before capturing any images.

No food inside: No outside food or drinks are allowed inside of the sumo stable (guests are allowed to bring bottled water or tea for personal consumption).

Age Requirement

Age 6 and over. Children must be accompanied by adult (18 or older). Adult pricing applies to all guests of any age. Please note you may be required to show your ID for proof of age at the venue.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Before the tour, please notify us if you or someone in your group will be in a wheelchair. Please note that there is a wheelchair storage area on the first floor of the stable. Guests must be able to climb up one flight of stairs (5 steps) on their own (or with the help from a family member) as staff from the Stable will not be able to assist guests.

Cancellation Policy

Private Options – Strict Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

What if I’m late?

We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time. Since this is a join-in group tour, we will not be able to wait for you if you are late.

What makes this sumo stable different from others?

Traditionally, other companies offer sumo stable morning practice tours starting as early as 6 AM, with large groups of over 30 guests and no guided commentary allowed inside the stable. Guests are required to sit on the floor with their legs crossed for more than 3 hours.

In contrast, Japan Awaits has an exclusive partnership with the sumo stable, allowing us to offer:

1. Expert Guidance: Our tours include a sumo expert guide who provides insightful commentary throughout the morning training session via audio headsets.
2. Smaller, Intimate Groups: We limit our group sizes to create a more personal and up-close experience with the sumo wrestlers.
3. Convenient Timing: Our tours begin at a more comfortable 8:00 AM, unlike other tours that start between 5:30 AM – 6 AM.
4. Exclusive Interactions: Guests have the unique opportunity to talk to sumo wrestlers and take photos with them, an experience not available with other tours.

These features make our tour a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, setting our experience apart from other sumo stable tours.

How often are sumo wrestlers practicing at the sumo stable?

Sumo wrestlers typically travel to multiple locations throughout the year for tournaments and events, spending only a few weeks to a month in their home base at a time. While there is limited availability between matches for the sumo wrestlers to be in their home base, this is the perfect chance for guests to be able to visit sumo wrestlers and see their day-to-day lives and how disciplined their daily training and routines must be.

When do the Sumo Tournaments take place in Japan?

The official basho (tournaments) take place six times a year at various locations with each tournament lasting 15 days (start date and end date both land on Sundays). The exact dates vary, but takes place on the same months each year:

• January Tournament: Tokyo
• March Tournament: Osaka
• May Tournament: Tokyo
• July Tournament: Nagoya
• September Tournament: Tokyo
• November Tournament: Fukuoka

Looking for tour in a different city?

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.