More Tourists Are Adding Sumo to Their Itineraries

Grand sumo is attracting growing interest from inbound tourists to Japan. Many foreign spectators can be seen at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament (New Year Basho), currently underway at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena through January 25.

In response, more sumo stables are opening their doors to tour groups for early-morning practice viewings ahead of the tournament. With tickets sold out for all 90 days of the six annual grand sumo tournaments for two consecutive years through 2025, overseas demand has surged.

Guided Tours

On January 14, the fourth day of the tournament, overseas visitors began gathering around 2 PM at the meeting point for guided sumo tours in front of JR Ryogoku Station. Travis Frost, 44, from Oregon in the United States, said, "Watching grand sumo was the main reason I came to Japan. I'm deeply drawn to its long history and traditions."

Guided tours operated by Tokyo-based Guide Concierge have been running for two years. They offer detailed explanations of sumo's origins as well as proper spectating etiquette. Frost, who is familiar with combat sports such as wrestling, said he was highly satisfied. "I got to see powerful throwing techniques, and the atmosphere inside the Kokugikan was incredible."

A 39-year-old man from Norway said he joined the tour because tickets were difficult to obtain. "This may be the only chance in my life to see grand sumo," he said. "In Norway, sumo is almost synonymous with Japan."

*Tourists take part in a guided grand sumo tournament tour — January 14, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo.*

Strong Inbound Turnout

Foreign spectators account for a large share of the second-floor seating at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Many enjoy popcorn or fries from concession stands while applauding enthusiastically during exciting bouts.

Based on the distribution of English-language match schedules, the Japan Sumo Association estimates that about 2,000 foreign visitors attend each day at the 11,000-seat Ryogoku Kokugikan. Some fans even study Japanese and purchase tickets on their own, with popularity especially strong among visitors from Europe and North America.

Watching Morning Practice

Interest in sumo extends beyond tournament days. In mid-December 2025, around 50 overseas visitors gathered in a quiet corner of Tokyo's Nihonbashi-Hamacho district. Arashio stable, home to komusubi Wakamotoharu and top-division wrestler Wakatakakage, has become a hidden attraction by allowing free viewing of morning practice through large glass windows.

*Tourists watch morning practice at Arashio Stable — December 2025, Tokyo.*

Sokokurai, the Arashio stablemaster and a former top-division wrestler, said, "We're grateful that people come to watch. I tell the wrestlers, 'You're being watched far more than you think.' "

With only about 600 professional sumo wrestlers worldwide, interest in the sport appears to be far stronger than many Japanese people realize.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun