Tokyo Ryogoku: Sumo Show, Chicken Hot Pot & Mochi Experience

Summary

Sumo wrestling up close with chanko hot pot and mochi fun in Ryogoku

You’ll step right into Tokyo’s sumo world in Ryogoku—watch powerful performances up close, join mochi-pounding with pro wrestlers, and share steaming chicken chanko hot pot at long tables. Try your hand at a sumo bout (or just cheer), snap photos with real wrestlers, and take home souvenirs—plus maybe a new story or two.

What’s the experience like?

Li nudged me when the first sumo wrestler stomped into the ring — honestly, I jumped. The floor shook a little, or maybe it was just nerves. We were in Ryogoku, the home of sumo in Tokyo, but this wasn’t some stiff museum thing. Real wrestlers (one of them used to be a Yokozuna — our guide whispered that like it was a secret) did their ring entrance while kids giggled and someone’s grandma clapped along. You could smell the broth from the kitchen already — that chicken chanko hot pot is no joke; it’s got this rich steam that hangs in the air, kind of like when you walk past ramen shops on a cold night.

I didn’t expect to actually get in the ring. They called my name for the sumo bout challenge and I swear everyone looked at me like I was about to do something heroic (I wasn’t). The wrestler grinned — huge guy, but gentle eyes — and showed me how to slap my legs before charging. We laughed so hard I almost forgot to try. After that, we all lined up for mochi-pounding with these massive wooden mallets. My timing was off and Li laughed when I tried to say “mochi-tsuki” in Japanese (probably butchered it). There were kids everywhere covered in rice flour.

The best bit? Sitting down after all that noise and eating together — wrestlers included. The chanko hot pot is hearty; you can tell it’s made by people who know what it means to feed a team. Our guide explained how every stable has their own recipe. Someone passed around little souvenir sets while we scrolled through photos on our phones (the staff took some great ones). It felt more like being part of something than just watching a show, you know? I still think about that moment when the room went quiet except for slurping noodles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sumo show and mochi-pounding experience

• Enter SUMOLAND Tokyo Ryogoku
• Watch ring entrance ceremony
• Enjoy chicken chanko hot pot
• Try mochi-pounding challenge
• Watch sumo show performance
• Participate in sumo bout challenge
• Take photos with wrestlers
• Collect photo and souvenir set

Top questions

Where is SUMOLAND Tokyo located?

It’s on the first floor of Takashima Ryogoku Mansion at 4-32-19 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0026.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a chicken chanko hot pot meal prepared by sumo wrestlers is included.

Can children participate in the sumo or mochi activities?

Yes, both kids and adults are welcome for the sumo challenge and mochi-pounding.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes—request at least two days in advance for vegetarian or vegan options.

How do I get there from central Tokyo?

The venue is a short walk from Ryogoku Station; public transport options are nearby.

Can I choose my seat location?

No—seats are assigned by the venue and cannot be selected in advance.

What’s included with my ticket?

Your ticket includes entry fee, lunch (chicken chanko hot pot), photo time with wrestlers, and an original souvenir set.

Is it suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—the experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to SUMOLAND Tokyo Ryogoku, participation in live sumo performances supervised by former champions, hands-on mochi-pounding with pro wrestlers (kids can join), a hearty chicken chanko hot pot lunch prepared by wrestlers themselves, photo opportunities (with staff help if needed), plus an original souvenir set before heading out again into Tokyo.