What to Expect
Overview:
According to Japanese mythology, one of the many theories about the origin of Sumo tells the tale of a fight to the death between two legendary fighters, Nominosukune and Taimanokehaya that took place around 36 BC during the period of the 11th Emperor Suinin.
In ancient times, it was practiced as a part of agricultural and Shinto rituals, so it still includes many traditional ceremonial elements to this day. Sumo was established as Japan's national sport in 1909, and continues to be one of the most popular sports in Japan.
In this tour you will be able to observe sumo practice up close in a Tokyo Sumo stable.
• The practice begins at 8:00 am and finishes at 11:00 am (practice may finish at 10:30 am depending on the stable's schedule).
• We will need to sit on hardwood floor (with thin cushion) for about 2 to 3 hours, and must remain quiet to respect the wrestlers who are practicing.
• Since Japanese people are rather sensitive to noise and manners; we will need to avoid chatting with each other, eating, or drinking during the practice.
• Photos are allowed but no flash.
• Taking videos of training and uploading these videos to the internet is prohibited.
• Only children 12 years and older are allowed.
Information of 2018 〜 2019 Sumo tournament schedules and local tours
Nov. 11 – 25, 2018 in Fukuoka, Kyushu
Jan. 13 – 27, 2019 in Tokyo
Mar. 10 – 24, 2019 in Osaka
May. 13 – 26, 2019 in Tokyo
Jul. 7 – 21, 2019 in Nagoya
Sep. 8 – 22, 2019 in Tokyo
Nov. 10-24, 2019 in Fukuoka, Kyushu
There will be no morning practice in Tokyo stable during (even two to three weeks before) the period of tournaments in Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya.
In April, July, September and December after the tournaments, they might not have morning practice every day due to their local touring schedules.