Embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of sumo wrestling with our exclusive Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Arashio Stable. Witness the intensity of Japan's skilled sumo wrestlers as they train just feet away from you, offering an unparalleled experience of this ancient sport.
What makes our morning practice tour so special? While other morning practice tours only allow you to watch the wrestlers practice in silence, our tour allows you to watch the practice while the guide explains in real time what kind of practice is taking place through earbuds you will be wearing.
Meet your guide at Hamacho Station(Toei Shinjuku Line) and head to Sumo Stable. Enhance your understanding of the sumo training with a live audio guide, as your expert guide provides insightful commentary from behind a glass wall through your earbuds.
Once the morning practice is over, you may even have the opportunity to take a memorable photo with the sumo wrestlers. Don't miss this unique chance to immerse yourself in the captivating world of sumo.
[What is Sumo Morning Practice?]
The sumo stable is where the sumo wrestlers live, train, eat and sleep. Almost every morning they train and have serious and vigorous practice bouts. In the greater Tokyo Region, there are approximately 40 sumo stables, many of which are located in the Ryogoku area.
The sumo training session starts with cleaning up the ring. This includes throwing salt to purify the ring. After warming up individually, the morning practice begins! The main part of the training consists of Moushiai (winner stays on), Sanban Geiko (two wrestlers go at it again and again), Butsukari Geiko (head-to-head training sparring bouts), and so on.
[What to Expect During the Tour]
On this tour, you will be able to watch the dynamic sumo wrestlers practice up close while getting a feel for the intense atmosphere.
Only a select few sumo stables allow people to come and see their morning practice. However, there are strict rules and manners when you are a part of the audience. All sumo stables require tourists to be accompanied by someone fluent in Japanese and familiar with the customs of the sumo world. Furthermore, visitors are expected to strictly follow the house rules and not disrupt the training session in any way. Normally it is almost impossible for foreign tourists to visit a stable on their own during morning practice, so joining this tour is the perfect way to visit the stable! On this tour, your guide will thoroughly explain the rules of sumo, rituals, and in depth insight into the daily lives of sumo wrestlers.
[How to Prepare for the Sumo Morning Practice Tour]
There are some rules that you have to keep in mind and follow during the tour.
- Keep quiet and sit still during the morning practice. Talking is prohibited out of respect for the wrestlers
- Taking videos is not allowed. If you want to take pictures, please make sure to mute the shutter sound and turn off the flash
- No food or drink is allowed in the sumo stable
- Take off sunglasses and hats when you enter the sumo stable
▼See other options for sumo morning practice tours below
https://www.japanwondertravel.com/lps/sumo-tours
