Sumo Experience in Ryogoku, Tokyo | Enjoy Chanko Nabe, Mochi Pounding, and a Bout with a Sumo Wrestler

Experience Sumo with All Five Senses in Ryogoku, the Home of Sumo

At "SUMOLAND TOKYO RYOGOKU" in Ryogoku, Tokyo, you can enjoy an interactive program that combines a performance by a former professional sumo wrestler, mochi pounding, a hands-on sumo experience on the dohyo (sumo ring), and chicken chanko nabe (sumo wrestlers' hot pot).

Rather than simply watching sumo from your seat, the real appeal here is learning about its history and connection to Shinto rituals, moving your body alongside a sumo wrestler, and even tasting the food that fuels sumo culture.

At the end of the experience, you'll have the chance to take a commemorative photo with the wrestler and receive an original souvenir. Watching, learning, making, eating, and participating all come together in one seamless cultural experience.

Feel the Power of a Former Professional Wrestler Up Close

This program has been developed as a sumo culture experience supervised by the 63rd Yokozuna.

On the dohyo, a former professional sumo wrestler demonstrates basic sumo movements, techniques, and powerful bouts. Feeling the sound of bodies colliding and the force of their movements up close is an experience quite different from watching sumo on screen.

The program is designed as fun, accessible entertainment, even for travelers seeing sumo for the first time.

Learn About Sumo's History, Rules, and Sacred Rituals

Sumo is not only a sport but is also deeply connected to Japan's Shinto rituals and traditional culture.

Through live demonstrations, the program explains the dohyo, the wrestlers' movements, and the basic rules of sumo.

Beyond simply enjoying the powerful bouts, understanding the meaning behind each movement will make watching sumo even more fascinating afterward.

Try Mochi Pounding with a Sumo Wrestler

Join a sumo wrestler in mochi pounding (mochitsuki), a tradition cherished at Japanese celebrations and events.

Lifting the large wooden mallet to pound the mochi is a highlight not just for participants but also for family and friends capturing the moment in photos and videos.

Enjoying freshly pounded mochi is a unique way to experience both sumo culture and Japanese food culture at the same time.

Step Onto the Dohyo and Try Sumo Yourself

This experience goes beyond watching—participants get the chance to step onto the dohyo and try sumo moves or even a bout with a former wrestler.

Facing a wrestler in person gives you a much clearer sense of their build, stability, and pushing power.

If there are many participants who wish to join, representatives may be selected by group or by lottery. Please follow the staff's instructions on the day for how to participate.

Chicken Chanko Nabe Supervised by Isegahama Stable

The meal includes a soy sauce-based chicken chanko nabe, prepared under the supervision of Isegahama Stable.

Chanko nabe is widely known as the dish sumo wrestlers eat to build their bodies. Savoring a warm pot filled with the rich flavors of meat and vegetables lets you experience sumo culture through food as well.

If you have any dietary requests, please check the terms and advance request deadlines of your selected package.

Commemorative Photos and Souvenirs with a Sumo Wrestler

At the end of the experience, you'll have time to take photos with the wrestler.

Smartphone photography is allowed, and staff are on hand to help take photos of your entire group.

Before you leave, you'll receive an original souvenir set and photos, so you can take home a lasting memory of your time in Ryogoku.

Box Seating for Families and Groups

Alongside the full standard experience course, the booking page also offers box seating for 1 to 6 people.

If you'd like to sit together with family or friends, or are looking for seating that suits your group, be sure to compare package details on the booking page.

Please check the latest seating arrangements and terms for your selected date.

Easy Access on Foot from Ryogoku Station

The venue is within walking distance of Ryogoku Station on both the JR line and the Toei Oedo Line.

Large sumo wrestler signs and banners mark the venue. Before or after the experience, you can also enjoy strolling around Ryogoku Kokugikan and the sumo-themed streets nearby.

Its location makes it easy to combine with sightseeing in eastern Tokyo, including Asakusa, Akihabara, and the area around Tokyo Skytree.

What to Check Before You Book

How participation in mochi pounding or the dohyo experience works may vary depending on the number of participants and operational conditions on the day.

If you have any dietary requests, be sure to check the available menu options, how to contact the venue, and application deadlines before booking.

Before booking, please confirm the start time, meeting point, seating, what's included, and cancellation policy for your selected date on the booking page.

In Summary

This program lets you enjoy a former wrestler's performance, a dohyo experience, mochi pounding, and chanko nabe all in one place in Ryogoku, the heart of sumo culture. It's ideal for families and groups who want more than just watching—who want to eat, participate, and create memories together.