Attraction

Рёгоку Кокугикан

To many Western visitors, the most exotic Japanese martial art is sumo. It’s not just a sport but an ancient ritual with deep traditions and religious roots. Tokyo’s legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan is the main arena for sumo tournaments — very atmospheric and beautiful. Ryogoku is a whole neighborhood considered the capital of sumo: besides the arena there are heya (stables where wrestlers live and train) and many restaurants serving chanko-nabe (the traditional sumo stew). Tickets for official sumo tournaments, especially the final days, sell out months in advance. It’s usually possible to attend morning training sessions, however. Tickets are sold on sites such as Klook and the Japan Sumo Association; prices start from around ¥10,000. As a souvenir you can buy a tegata (手形) — a sumo wrestler’s autograph in the form of a signed handprint.