Sumo Show & Experience at the Former Kitanoumi Stable in Tokyo | Watch Ex-Wrestlers and Step into the Ring

From Watching to Stepping into the Ring at the Former Kitanoumi Stable

Tokyo Sumo Beya is a sumo experience held at the former Kitanoumi stable, where the great yokozuna Kitanoumi trained wrestlers as stablemaster. According to the operator, this is the only place in Japan that holds sumo shows in a former sumo stable that was actually used as one. The venue itself, steeped in sumo history, is a big part of the appeal.

After watching ex-wrestlers train and bout up close, those who wish can put on a mawashi (sumo belt) and step into the ring. With the meal plan, you can also enjoy chanko nabe (the hearty hotpot sumo wrestlers eat), made by ex-wrestlers, with unlimited refills. Why not spend time watching, learning about, and experiencing sumo in this very training hall?

First, Learn the Basics of Sumo

When the show begins, a guide first explains the history and rules of sumo in English. Even if you know little about sumo, you can learn how a winner is decided and how wrestlers move in the ring before you watch, and you are welcome to ask questions.

With the 11:00 and 19:00 chanko nabe plans, you can enjoy chanko nabe made by ex-wrestlers while you listen to the commentary. Refills are available, so take your time and enjoy a meal you can only have at a sumo stable.

Next, Watch Ex-Wrestlers Train and Bout Up Close

Next comes a training demonstration by the ex-wrestlers. You can see the movements that build a wrestler's body right before your eyes, such as shiko (lifting one leg high and stomping it down) and matawari (a split exercise to build flexibility). There's also a humorous introduction to forbidden moves, which makes the rules of sumo feel even more approachable.

Then come the bouts between ex-wrestlers. The sound of the initial clash, hands gripping the mawashi, feet digging in at the edge of the ring. The sumo you just learned about unfolds as a real contest right in front of you.

Then, Put On a Mawashi and Take on the Ring

After the show, it's the turn of those who wish to step into the ring. The dohyo experience is limited to 7 people per session. An ex-wrestler will help you put on a mawashi, and you'll practise basic sumo movements such as shiko and sonkyo (the deep squat).

At the end of the training, you can even take on an ex-wrestler in a bout. Grappling for real, you'll likely feel a strength very different from what you sense while watching. Enjoy the experience as the staff and ex-wrestlers guide you through it.

Participation in the dohyo experience is optional. If you'd rather simply enjoy the show, you can cheer on the participants from your seat.

Finally, a Photo with the Ex-Wrestlers

The experience ends with a commemorative photo with the ex-wrestlers. Even guests who didn't take part in the dohyo experience can join in, so everyone can capture their time at the sumo stable.

Strike a pose beside an ex-wrestler or take a group shot with your friends. A photo taken against the backdrop of a real training hall will become a keepsake of your trip to Tokyo.

FAQ

■ Can everyone take part in the dohyo experience? The dohyo experience is limited to 7 people per session, chosen from those who wish to take part. Guests who don't take part can still join the commemorative photo at the end.

■ Is chanko nabe included in every plan? Chanko nabe is served with the 11:00 and 19:00 meal plans. The chanko nabe made by the ex-wrestlers comes with unlimited refills. When booking, please check that the plan you choose includes a meal.

■ Are vegetarian or halal meals available? Vegetarian meals can be prepared even on the day. If you'd like one, please let the staff know. Halal meals are not available.

■ Can wheelchair users take part? Yes, wheelchair users can take part. The staff will assist you, so please let them know what help you need. If you have any concerns about seating or getting around the venue, it's reassuring to ask before you book.

What to Check Before You Book

• Your date, start time, and duration
• Whether the plan includes chanko nabe
• The meeting point and how to get there
• That the guide's commentary is in English
• That the dohyo experience is limited to 7 people per session, chosen from those who wish to take part
• Comfortable clothing for moving around if you plan to join the dohyo experience
• Letting the staff know if you'd like a vegetarian meal
• That halal meals are not available
• Any support you need if you're attending in a wheelchair
• The cancellation policy for the plan you choose

Prices, times, and plan details may change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

The appeal of Tokyo Sumo Beya lies in watching ex-wrestlers train and bout up close at the former Kitanoumi stable, where the great yokozuna Kitanoumi coached his wrestlers. You can learn about sumo through English commentary, and those who wish can put on a mawashi and take on the dohyo experience.

It all ends with a photo with the ex-wrestlers. If you'd like to enjoy a meal too, choose the 11:00 or 19:00 plan with chanko nabe.

Why not add time at a sumo stable to your trip to Tokyo? Check availability and plan details at Tokyo Sumo Beya: Sumo Show & Experience.