Japan · Walking Tour

Ryogoku sumo town history / culture and chanko-nabe lunch

4 Hours Round trip from Sumida City Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Ryogoku, Tokyo’s historic sumo district
02 Learn about sumo history, culture, and wrestler life from an expert guide
03 Visit landmarks including Nomino Sukune Shrine and Edo Noren
04 See the exterior of Kokugikan arena, the home of grand sumo tournaments
05 Pass by sumo stables where wrestlers live and train
06 Enjoy a chanko-nabe lunch in Ryogoku
07 Small-group walking tour with English-language guiding

Discover the world of sumo on a guided walk through Ryogoku, Tokyo’s famous sumo district. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience introduces the history, culture, and traditions behind Japan’s national sport as you visit landmarks connected to the sport and learn about the daily life of sumo wrestlers.

Along the way, explore highlights such as Nomino Sukune Shrine, Edo Noren, the exterior of Kokugikan arena, and nearby sumo stables. Then sit down for a chanko-nabe lunch, the hearty hot-pot dish closely associated with sumo wrestlers, and continue learning about sumo over a memorable meal. Please note that this activity does not include watching actual sumo practice or matches.

Discover the world of sumo on a guided walk through Ryogoku, Tokyo’s famous sumo district.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Tokyo

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Ryogoku town walking tour (2.5 hours)

Walking tour around Ryogoku, a sumo town.

09:30 - 12:00

Visit sumo related must-see spots. Just a few examples are:

1) Nomino Sukune Shrine

Visit this shinto shrine where the founder of sumo is enshrined. Learn from the guide how he instigated sumo 1500 years ago; 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.

2) Edo Noren

Feel the atmosphere of old Edo (as Tokyo was called before). See a full-scale sumo ring. Learn from the guide so many stories about sumo observing the ring.

3) Kokugikan arena

View the sumo arena from outside, a mecca of sumo where the Grand sumo tournaments are held three times a year.

4) Sumo stables

Visit a couple of sumo stables to learn where wrestlers live and train.

Lunch at the chanko-nabe restaurant

We will take you to one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in town.

Enjoy this nutrient hot-pot dish which is in the centerpiece of sumo wrestlers’ diet to gain weight and muscles to build their bodies. Learn from your guide all about sumo while having the lunch.

The route