• Hakkaku-beya Sumo Stable - Enjoy a brief visit to this renowned stable and observe the exterior of the sumo stable where wrestlers reside and train.
• Nominosukune Shrine - Explore this Shinto shrine dedicated to the founder of sumo. Discover from the guide how sumo was initiated 1500 years ago, how its rules have evolved over time, the ring-entering ceremony held for new grand champions (Yokozuna), and the Japan Sumo Association’s thrice-yearly visits to pray for successful tournaments.
• Ryogoku Kokugikan - Admire the exterior of the sumo arena, a hub for sumo where Grand Sumo tournaments occur three times annually. Your guide will share fascinating stories about this sumo-focused arena, including its architecture, drum tower, and banners.
• Ryogoku Edo Noren - Experience the ambiance of old Edo (the former name of Tokyo). Observe a full-scale sumo ring and hear numerous sumo tales from your guide while examining the ring closely.
• Ekoin Temple - Visit the site of sumo tournaments from the Edo (samurai) period. Learn about the wrestlers’ social status and the appearance and conduct of tournaments during the pre-modern era.
• Kasuganobeya - Tour the Kasugano stable, home to a Bulgarian-born wrestler. Observe the “wrestler-size” bicycles used in their daily routines.
• Tomoegata Chanko - Experience one of the finest chanko-nabe restaurants in town. Savor this nutritious hot-pot dish, central to sumo wrestlers’ diets for building weight and muscle. Gain insights into sumo from your guide while enjoying lunch.

• Chanko-nabe lunch

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Actual sumo viewing like practice or matches

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.