Sumo Training in Tokyo: Learn from a Former Makuuchi Wrestler

Train with a former champion wrestler in Tokyo's sumo stable

This 60-minute sumo workshop in Tokyo pairs hands-on training with a former makuuchi wrestler (one of only 40 elite-ranked competitors in Japan), who teaches you real techniques used in daily stable training. The class welcomes beginners of all ages and genders, includes training wear, a photo session in a hand-embroidered kesho-mawashi, and a signed shikishi souvenir board handprinted by your instructor.

The experience

You arrive at the sumo stable in Tokyo and spend an hour learning asa-geiko: the morning training routine that shapes every wrestler's day. Your instructor is a former makuuchi wrestler, one of roughly 40 who ever reach that elite rank out of 700 active competitors in Japan. The workshop is built on real techniques: footwork, hand placement, pushing drills, and the fundamentals that separate sumo from any other sport. No experience is required. The class is designed for complete beginners, and men, women, and children train together.

After the training session ends, you change into a hand-embroidered kesho-mawashi (the ornate silk belt worn by champions), for a photo session. You can film and photograph freely during the class itself. Before you leave, your instructor handprints and signs a shikishi board, a traditional wooden plaque that becomes a keepsake of the day. The workshop also includes bottomless chanko-nabe, the protein-rich stew that fuels sumo wrestlers' training.

Sessions run at fixed times: 11:00, 13:00, 15:30, and 17:00. Arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will shorten or cancel your slot, and rescheduling depends on availability and is not guaranteed. Training wear is provided. The venue operates on a cashless system, so bring a credit card for any on-site purchases.

What’s included

• Hands-on 60-minute sumo training with a former makuuchi wrestler.
• training wear provided.
• bottomless chanko-nabe.
• kesho-mawashi photo session.
• signed and handprinted shikishi souvenir board.
• photos and videos welcome throughout the workshop.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00, 15:30 and 17:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by 株式会社Japanticket

Is this one for you?The training is physically active and requires at least moderate fitness, so it suits travelers with some baseline stamina who want to move and learn rather than observe. If you're in Tokyo for just an afternoon or a free morning, the fixed 60-minute slots fit easily into a day without requiring transportation arrangements to a distant site.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

29 verified traveler reviews

5 ★29

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly do you learn in a 60-minute sumo workshop?

You learn asa-geiko, the daily morning training routine performed in sumo stables, working directly with your former makuuchi instructor on footwork, hand techniques, and pushing drills. The class teaches real sumo fundamentals used by professional wrestlers, scaled for beginners with no prior experience needed.

What do you get to take home from the sumo experience?

You receive a shikishi board, a traditional wooden plaque, that your instructor handprints and signs as a souvenir. You also wear a kesho-mawashi for a photo session during the workshop, and can photograph and film throughout the training.

What time slots are available for the sumo workshop?

Sessions run at 11:00, 13:00, 15:30, and 17:00 on a fixed schedule. You must arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will shorten or cancel your training time, and rescheduling is subject to availability.

What should you bring or wear to the sumo training?

Training wear is provided by the stable. Bring a credit card, as the venue is cashless and all payments must be made by card. Wear comfortable clothes you can change out of easily.