Tokyo: Sumo Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Photo in Asakusa

Summary

Sumo moves laughter and chanko-nabe in lively Asakusa night

You’ll sit ringside in Asakusa as retired sumo wrestlers perform up close, try your luck stepping into the ring yourself, and share laughter over steaming chanko-nabe chicken hot pot. With live bilingual commentary and a geisha dance to start things off, you’ll leave with a printed photo and a small gift—plus maybe a new respect for sumo’s mix of power and humor.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a sumo show in Tokyo. The moment we stepped into the venue near Asakusa, it felt like something between a sports arena and a cozy dinner party — there’s this big, sandy ring right in the middle, and you can actually smell the tatami mats if you lean close enough. Our host switched between English and Japanese with this easy rhythm, making sure nobody felt lost. At one point he asked if anyone wanted to try stepping into the ring — I nearly raised my hand but chickened out (pun not intended). A couple of brave folks did though, and honestly, watching them try those sumo stances was hilarious. The wrestlers grinned the whole time.

The food came out steaming — chanko-nabe, which is this hearty chicken hot pot that sumo wrestlers apparently eat for strength. It tasted like comfort after a long walk through Tokyo’s busy streets. There were side dishes too, simple but good. I kept getting distracted by the sound of palms slapping thighs and feet thumping on sand during the matches. The wrestlers moved with this surprising grace for their size; one of them winked at a kid in the front row who was wide-eyed the whole time.

There was even a geisha dance before things really kicked off — delicate movements against all that sumo energy made for an odd but kind of perfect pairing. Afterward, everyone lined up for a group photo with the wrestlers (they’re retired pros but still look like they could flatten you). I’m not usually one for souvenirs but they handed us these little gift sets at the end — mine’s on my desk now. Sometimes when I see it, I remember how warm it felt inside that room while outside Tokyo was already cooling off for the night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sumo show and chicken hot pot dinner

• Arrive at sumo-themed venue
• Watch geisha dance performance
• Listen to bilingual sumo commentary
• Watch retired sumo wrestlers demonstrate techniques
• Watch playful sumo matches
• Try sumo challenge (lottery selected)
• Enjoy all-you-can-eat chicken hot pot meal
• Take photo with sumo wrestlers
• Receive souvenir gift set

Top questions

Is this sumo show held by active or retired wrestlers?

The show features retired sumo wrestlers performing demonstrations and matches.

Can I participate in the sumo challenge during the show?

Yes, guests may be chosen by lottery to step into the ring and try a friendly bout.

Is food included in this Tokyo sumo entertainment show?

Yes, all-you-can-eat chicken chanko-nabe hot pot with Japanese side dishes is included.

Is there an English-speaking guide or commentary?

Yes, live bilingual commentary is provided in both English and Japanese throughout the show.

Do I get to take photos with the sumo wrestlers?

A printed group photo with the wrestlers is included at the end of your experience.

Where is this sumo entertainment show located?

The venue is in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district.

Are vegetarian or vegan meal options available?

Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if requested at least 2 days before your visit.

Is wheelchair access available at this event?

The venue is wheelchair accessible but has limited accessible seating—please inform when booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to an interactive sumo entertainment show led by retired wrestlers in Asakusa, all-you-can-eat chicken chanko-nabe hot pot with Japanese set meal, one free drink (with more available for purchase), live bilingual commentary, a traditional geisha dance performance to open things up, participation lottery for a chance to enter the ring yourself, plus a printed group photo with the wrestlers and geisha—and you’ll head home with an exclusive souvenir gift set as well.