Upcoming Sumo Tournament Ticket Sales and Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
Starting at 10:00 AM tomorrow (10th August), general ticket sales for the September Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo will begin. Sumo wrestling is highly popular among foreign tourists, making tickets difficult to obtain. Especially for the Tokyo tournament, which attracts many foreign visitors, securing tickets is known to be particularly challenging. The official sales site of the Japan Sumo Association also has an English version, allowing foreign tourists to purchase tickets themselves.
If you are planning to travel to Japan for the September Tokyo tournament (September 8th to September 22nd), you may not be able to obtain tickets once you arrive in Tokyo. We recommend purchasing your tickets before they sell out. Additionally, here is the ticket sales schedule through next July's Nagoya tournament. Please use this information to help plan your trip to Japan.
Ticket Sales Schedule:
September Tournament (Tokyo) 2024
Dates: September 8th – September 22nd
Sale Start Date: August 10th
November Tournament (Fukuoka) 2024
Dates: November 10th – November 24th
Sale Start Date: September 14th
January Tournament (Tokyo) 2025
Dates: January 12th – January 26th
Sale Start Date: December 7th
March Tournament (Osaka) 2025
Dates: March 9th – March 23rd
Sale Start Date: February 8th, 2025
May Tournament (Tokyo) 2025
Dates: May 11th – May 25th
Sale Start Date: April 5th, 2025
July Tournament (Nagoya) 2025
Dates: July 13th – July 27th
Sale Start Date: May 17th, 2025
For more details, visit: Sumo Ticket Sales Information
Alternative Chanko-nabe Dining Options in Kagurazaka During the Tokyo Sumo Tournament
As mentioned in previous blogs, during the Tokyo tournament, restaurants around Ryogoku Kokugikan are very crowded. "Chanko-nabe" restaurants, where sumo wrestlers eat, are especially popular with the general public.
However, there are three "Chanko-nabe" restaurants in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku Ward as well: "Chanko Kuroshio," "Kotonofuji," and "Izakaya Mizumachi with Chanko." "Chanko Kuroshio" and "Kotonofuji" are authentic restaurants run by former sumo wrestlers from the prestigious Sadogatake stable. Kagurazaka is also easily accessible, just an 11-minute train ride from JR Ryogoku Station to JR Iidabashi Station.
Double the Tradition: Enjoy Sumo Wrestlers and Geisha in One Day in Kagurazaka
After watching sumo wrestlers, how about enjoying an Ozashiki Asobi (Geisha Banquet) or chatting with Geisha at a geisha bar in Kagurazaka? The excellent access between Ryogoku and Kagurazaka makes it possible to experience two of Japan's traditional cultures, sumo and geisha, in one day. Why not make it an unforgettable day by enjoying both sumo and geisha?
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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