Ryogoku sumo town history / culture and chanko-nabe lunch
This small group tour with commentaries by a sumo expert guide gives you a chance to get to know all about sumo including its history / culture, and sumo wrestlers' daily life. While you may or may not have a chance to see real sumo bouts during your stay in Japan, this tour will prime you with all the background knowledge to increase your joy of watching sumo, be it in Japan or back home. The tour consists of two components.
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Walking tour around Ryogoku, a sumo town. Visit sumo-related landmarks; learn how sumo started and developed over 1600 years. Look at sumo stables from outside where sumo wrestlers live and train. Learn from your knowledgeable guide how their life and career look like. Get answers to any sumo-related questions.
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Lunch at a chanko-nabe restaurant Have lunch at one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in Ryogoku. This nutrient hot-pot dish is in the centerpiece of sumo wrestlers’ diet to gain weight and muscles to build their bodies.
Options
Ryogoku sumo town history / culture and chanko-nabe lunch
What's included in Ryogoku sumo town history / culture and chanko-nabe lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Drop in for a short visit at the famous stable, and look at the sumo stable from outside where sumo wrestlers live and train.
Nominosukune Shrine
Visit this shinto shrine where the founder of sumo is enshrined. Learn from the guide how he instigated sumo 1500 years ago; how the sumo rules have been refined to take a form as of now over years; how a ring entering ceremony is held here when a new grand champion (Yokozuna) comes into being; that Japan Sumo Association visits it to pray for a successful tournament 3 times a year.
Ryogoku Kokugikan
View the sumo arena from outside, a mecca of sumo where the Grand sumo tournaments are held three times a year. Learn from your guide lots of interesting stories this sumo-dedicated arena has including its overall structure, drum tower, and banners.
Inclusions
- Chanko-nabe lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Actual sumo viewing like practice or matches
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The meeting place is Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Sta. (E12) A3 Exit on the ground. Please note that there are two Ryogoku Stations: Toei and JR. It should be Toei but NOT JR. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toei_%C5%8Cedo_Line
End Points
- The tour will end at the chanko-nabe restaurant.
