Sumo Training in Ginza: Spar with Champions

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You step into the ring and the wrestler moves toward you.

The TRY! Sumo Training option is a one-hour hands-on workshop in Ginza where you learn authentic sumo techniques from a former Makuuchi (top-division) wrestler, practice shiko leg stamping and salt throwing, and spar against a real champion. The session includes an unlimited chanko-nabe feast, a commemorative photo in a kesho-mawashi (ceremonial belt), and a signed handprint board to take home. Arrive 10 minutes early. The fixed schedule means late arrivals will shorten or cancel your time in the ring.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Sumo Experience and Chanko Feast

  • Arrive 10 minutes early
  • Watch sumo bouts and rituals
  • Participate in sparring challenge
  • Enjoy all-you-can-eat chanko-nabe
  • Take photos in kesho-mawashi
  • Receive exclusive souvenirs

The experience

The workshop happens in the basement of Ginza Inz 1, a few blocks from the main shopping district. You'll work with a former top-division sumo wrestler who teaches in English or Japanese. The first part is technique: you learn shiko, the explosive leg stomp that builds a wrestler's foundation, and the ritual of throwing salt for purification. These are not demonstrations. You do them, feeling the weight shift through your legs and the floor respond.

Then comes the sparring. When you're ready, you step into the ring against the wrestler. The match is real in the sense that you're both moving with full intention. It's not choreographed, but it's also not a competition. The wrestler controls the outcome (you won't be thrown), but the pressure and the movement are genuine. Afterward, you change into a kesho-mawashi, the ornate ceremonial belt wrestlers wear, and a staff member photographs you in full regalia. You can record video throughout the session.

The meal is all-you-can-eat chanko-nabe, the hot pot stew that sumo wrestlers eat to build strength and size. It's served in the same venue, and you can eat as much as you want. You leave with a shikishi (a wooden board signed by your instructor) as a record of the day.

What’s included

  • One-hour hands-on sumo training with a former top-division wrestler.
  • instruction in shiko stamping and salt-throwing ritual.
  • sparring session in the ring.
  • all-you-can-eat chanko-nabe hot pot.
  • professional photo in a kesho-mawashi (ceremonial belt).
  • signed handprint board (shikishi) to take home.
  • English and Japanese commentary throughout.

Options for this experience

3 options
SEE! General Seat: Show&Feast5 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 20:30
TRY! Sumo Training&Pro Sparring11:00, 13:30, 15:00 and 17:00
SEE! Premium Seat: Show&Feast5 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 20:30
You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 20:30
Book up to2d before
AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)
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
Paid on siteJP¥ 2,000

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know
Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by 株式会社Japanticket

Is this one for you?Book the TRY! option if you want to move and learn, not watch. The hands-on format and the sparring are what set this apart from the SEE! show. You're inside the ring, not in a seat, and the former wrestler is teaching you, not performing for you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What exactly do I learn in the one-hour TRY! workshop?

The TRY! workshop teaches shiko (the leg-stomping foundation move), salt-throwing ritual, and basic sparring technique. You practice these with the former wrestler, then face off against them in the ring.

Do I actually wrestle, or is it more of a demonstration?

You actually spar. The wrestler guides the match so it's safe, but you're both moving with real force and intention. It's not a show or a choreographed performance.

What's included in the chanko-nabe, and can I eat as much as I want?

Chanko-nabe is an all-you-can-eat traditional sumo hot pot served after the training. It's the stew wrestlers eat to build strength. You can order as much as you want during the meal portion.

Where exactly is the venue, and how do I get there?

The workshop is at Ginza Inz 1, B1F (basement level), in the Ginza district of Tokyo. Public transportation is nearby. If you arrive by taxi, show the driver the Japanese address provided in your confirmation.

Can I take photos or video during the training and sparring?

Yes. Photography and video recording are allowed throughout the session. You'll also get a professional commemorative photo taken of you in the kesho-mawashi (ceremonial belt).

What should I know before I book?

The schedule is fixed, so arrive 10 minutes early: late arrivals will shorten or cancel your experience. The TRY! plan is not recommended for children under 5, pregnant guests, or anyone with serious health conditions. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and staff can assist if you contact them in advance.

Sumo Training in Ginza: Spar with Champions

1h–1h 20m

from JP¥ 9,000 per person

4.84425 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
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