Kyoto Sumo Show with Chanko-nabe Hot Pot & Geisha Dance

Challenge a sumo wrestler, then sit down to the meal they eat

Kyoto Sumo Club hosts a two-hour sumo entertainment show where you watch live demonstrations and a best-of-three match between retired wrestlers, then step into the ring to challenge one yourself (limited spots selected by lottery if demand is high). The show opens with a traditional geisha dance in kimono, includes English commentary throughout, and ends with an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink meal of Chanko-nabe (the chicken hot pot that is the signature sumo-wrestler dish) plus a souvenir gift bag. Arrive 30 minutes early. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available with two days' notice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sumo show and traditional meal

• Watch geisha dance performance
• See sumo exercises and techniques
• Learn sumo etiquette
• Watch best-of-three sumo match
• Challenge a sumo wrestler (lottery)
• Enjoy all-you-can-eat chicken hot pot
• Receive souvenir gift bag

The experience

The show begins with a geisha in an elegant kimono performing a traditional Japanese dance, setting the tone before the sumo action starts. You'll then watch live demonstrations of morning exercises, learn the classical techniques that define sumo wrestling, and understand the essential rules and etiquette of the sport. A best-of-three match between retired professional sumo wrestlers follows, giving you a real sense of the speed and power of the sport, not a staged performance, but wrestlers who trained at the highest level. The English-speaking guide narrates throughout so you follow what is happening.

The sumo challenge is the centerpiece: you get the chance to step into the ring and face off against one of the wrestlers. Spots are limited, and if more people want to participate than there is room for, the operator selects challengers by lottery on the day. This is a fun, family-friendly moment, not a serious bout. The wrestler is there to give you a memory and a story, and every seat in the intimate venue offers a clear view of the ring so others can watch and cheer.

After the show, you move to the dining area for all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink featuring Chanko-nabe, the traditional hot pot that sumo wrestlers themselves eat. The meal includes a wide range of dishes beyond the hot pot, and you can order as much as you want for the duration of the show. Vegetarian and vegan versions are available if you request them at least two days before your visit. You leave with a souvenir gift bag to remember the experience. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are nearby. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts so you are settled when the geisha takes the stage.

What’s included

• All-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink featuring Chanko-nabe chicken hot pot and a wide range of dishes.
• traditional geisha dance performance in kimono.
• live sumo demonstrations, techniques and etiquette explained in English.
• best-of-three match between retired sumo wrestlers.
• chance to challenge a wrestler in the ring (limited spots, lottery selection if needed).
• souvenir gift bag.
• intimate seating with a clear view of the ring.

Options for this experience

3 options

Regular seats, without a meal planGuide in English · 12:00, 15:00 and 21:00Drinks-only plan: a budget-friendly option with unlimited drinks, but no meals or souvenirs

Regular seats, meal includedGuide in English · 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00Meal plus all-you-can-drink: unlimited food and drinks, including signature Chanko-nabe and a wide variety of dishes

VIP front-row seating with mealGuide in English · 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00VIP front-row seating with meal and all-you-can-drink: unlimited food and drinks, including signature Chanko-nabe and a wide variety of dishes

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kyoto Sumo Club

Is this one for you?Choose the standard show with meal if you want the full sumo experience: the entertainment, the participation, and the traditional wrestler's dinner all in one evening. The Late Night Show option skips the meal, so pick that if you are eating elsewhere or want just the performance and the chance to challenge a wrestler.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

Can I actually challenge a sumo wrestler, or is it just watching?

You can step into the ring and challenge one of the wrestlers as part of the show. Challenger spots are limited per performance, and if there are more applicants than spots available, participants are selected by lottery on the day of the show.

What is Chanko-nabe and will there be enough food?

Chanko-nabe is a chicken hot pot that is the traditional meal of sumo wrestlers, and it is the centerpiece of the all-you-can-eat dinner included in your ticket. You can order as much as you want during the meal, along with a wide range of other dishes, and drinks are included as well.

Is this a real sumo tournament or training session?

The Kyoto Sumo Club show is designed as a fun, family-friendly entertainment experience, not a serious morning practice or official tournament. You watch live demonstrations and techniques, see a match between retired professional wrestlers, and get the chance to participate in the ring yourself.

Do I need to arrive early, and how long does the whole thing take?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts so you are seated when the geisha dance begins. The entire experience, including the show and the all-you-can-eat meal, runs for two hours.

Can I bring my infant, and do they need a ticket?

Infants aged 0–1 years can join free of charge and sit on an adult's lap. If your group includes two or more infants under 2 years old, please inform the operator in advance so they can arrange seating.

What if I am vegetarian or vegan?

Vegetarian and vegan versions of the Chanko-nabe meal are available, but you must request them at least two days before your visit when you book.