Sumo Experience in Marutamachi, Kyoto | Challenge a Rikishi in a Real Dohyo & Watch a Sumo Show Up Close

From Kyoto Station, just 7 minutes by subway to "Sumo-an Kyoto" in Marutamachi

The venue, "Sumo-an Kyoto," is located in central Kyoto, just 7 minutes by subway from Kyoto Station and a 1-minute walk from Exit 6 of Marutamachi Station—an easy spot to find. The experience lasts about 90 minutes, and participants meet on-site.

Step inside and you're greeted by a large wall featuring a logo of a rikishi in a ceremonial kesho-mawashi, along with colourful paper lanterns. Tucked away in a city street that's easy to stop by between sightseeing spots, the space transforms into the world of sumo the moment you step through the door.

Once you've checked in here, it's time to head to the hall where the dohyo awaits.

A dohyo of real clay, right in front of you—close to the audience

At the centre of the hall stands an authentic dohyo built with real clay rather than a mat. A circle is marked out with straw bales (tawara), a purple suspended roof hangs from the ceiling, and a screen is set up at the front.

What stands out is how close the seating is to the dohyo. Seats surround the ring, and you can choose from VVIP, VIP, family table, or standard seating. Close enough to hear the sand scatter and the wrestlers' breathing, this is a rewarding experience not only for participants but also for spectators.

Later on, this is also where participants put on a mawashi and take on a rikishi in a match. It's not just a chance to watch up close—it's a chance to experience sumo yourself.

Start with an MC's introduction to sumo's history and today's sport

The experience begins with a multilingual MC well-versed in sumo culture explaining the sport's background. Photos of yokozuna and other images appear on the screen as the MC walks you through sumo's history all the way to today's professional matches.

Things that are hard to grasp just from watching on TV—like the ranking system or dohyo customs—can be asked about on the spot, which is one of the great things about this experience. The MC is happy to answer any question.

Having this background makes the rikishi demonstration that follows even more meaningful to watch.

Watch former makuuchi rikishi compete, close enough to feel the sand fly

After the introduction comes the rikishi demonstration. Sumo-an Kyoto is home to wrestlers with deep experience, including former makuuchi-ranked rikishi and former student yokozuna, and you can watch their powerful bouts and technique demonstrations up close.

During the tsuppari and body-slam training (butsukari-geiko), the sound of bodies colliding and feet scraping the clay reaches all the way to the seats. Sand flies at the moment a throw lands, creating scene after scene worth capturing in photos and videos.

Once you've felt that intensity firsthand, it's the audience's turn to step onto the dohyo.

Put on a mawashi and step onto the dohyo: the rikishi challenge

One of the biggest highlights of this experience is the chance for participants to step onto the dohyo themselves and take on a rikishi. Those chosen for the challenge actually put on a mawashi, step into the ring, and go head-to-head with a professional wrestler.

On a dohyo made of real clay rather than a mat, you'll learn sumo basics—such as lowering your hips into a stance and moving your feet—under the guidance of the rikishi. There are moments when children charge at the wrestlers all together, making this a great time for families to enjoy together.

Standing on a real dohyo and facing a rikishi directly lets you feel an intensity that simply watching can't convey.

Cheer for the rikishi together, then take a commemorative photo

As the bouts near their end, it's time for the whole venue to cheer the wrestlers on together. Spectators surround the dohyo with hands raised, and the moment salt is thrown high into the air—lit up under the lighting—makes for a great photo.

The screen displays the competing rikishi's profiles under "East" and "West," so you can learn their names and cheer them on. Even those who are only watching naturally get swept up in the excitement.

Afterwards, you can take photos with the rikishi. Whether you keep your mawashi on or change back into your regular clothes is entirely up to you.

Meal-included plans let you enjoy chanko-nabe too

Meal-included plans feature Japanese cuisine including chanko-nabe, the hot pot dish famously eaten by sumo wrestlers. Since plans without meals are also available, be sure to check what's included when you book.

Seeing the steaming pot in front of you gives you a real sense of the kind of food that builds a rikishi's physique. The menu is adjusted to suit the time of your visit.

Vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements can be accommodated, so it's best to let the organiser know in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

■How long does the experience take? Approx. 90 minutes is the standard. Please also check the start and end times of the plan you book.

■Is there a required dress code or items to bring? There's no special dress code or items required.

■Can children take part? There's no age restriction. Children aged 3 and under can watch for free. For participation in the rikishi challenge, please follow staff instructions on the day.

■Can I join if I have dietary restrictions? For meal-included plans, you can discuss dietary needs such as vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. If needed, please contact the organiser with your specific requirements after booking.

■Is the venue wheelchair accessible? The facility has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible. If you need assistance with seating or moving around, please contact the organiser in advance.

Things to check before booking

• The start and end times of your plan, and the meeting point
• Whether your plan includes a meal or not, and the type of seating
• How to take part in the rikishi challenge and on-the-day instructions
• There's no age restriction, and children aged 3 and under can watch for free
• No special clothing or items are required
• If you have dietary restrictions, please contact the organiser in advance with specifics
• If you need wheelchair access or assistance with seating or moving around, please consult in advance
• Cancellation/change policies and the latest pricing and plan details

Pricing, schedules, and plan details may change depending on the season. Please check the latest information before booking.

In summary

At "Sumo-an Kyoto" in Marutamachi, Kyoto, you can watch powerful demonstrations by experienced rikishi up close and even try sumo yourself on a dohyo made of real clay.

With former makuuchi-ranked rikishi and former student yokozuna on staff, the closeness between the seats and the dohyo is a defining feature—letting you feel the wrestlers' size, movement, and the sound of collision right beside you. The rikishi challenge even gives you the chance to put on a mawashi and step into the ring yourself. Choose a meal-included plan, and you can also enjoy Japanese cuisine featuring chanko-nabe. This experience is perfect for anyone who wants to go beyond watching rikishi up close and step into sumo culture themselves.

Book here: Kyoto Sumo Experience: Rikishi Challenge with Meal