Tokyo: Sumo Show with Lunch & Meet Retired Wrestlers

Sumo up close in tokyo with lunch and real wrestler stories

You’ll sit ringside in Tokyo as retired sumo wrestlers share their world: explaining rituals, sparring live, and inviting you to step into the ring yourself (if you’re brave). Enjoy tonkatsu and chanko nabe cooked by the wrestlers themselves before snapping a souvenir photo. It’s lively, welcoming, and surprisingly funny. Something you’ll remember long after lunch is over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sumo show and dinner experience

• Arrive at sumo show venue
• Learn sumo history and etiquette
• Watch explanation of sumo actions
• See introduction of sumo techniques
• Watch three sparring matches
• Try sumo wrestling with retired wrestlers
• Wear costume provided for sumo tryout
• Enjoy Tonkatsu and Chanko Nabe meal
• Take souvenir photo with wrestlers

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the floor: the sumo ring set right there in the middle of a restaurant, not some big arena. It smelled faintly of broth and wood polish. Our guide, Yuto, grinned as he waved us over. He introduced two retired sumo wrestlers (one still had that topknot), and I’ll admit, I felt tiny just standing near them. There was a low hum of chatter from other tables: mostly Japanese families, plus a couple from France who kept whispering “incroyable” every time someone hit the mat.

They started with these slow, ritual movements (stomping, clapping), and Yuto explained what each meant. I didn’t expect to laugh so much. One wrestler joked about his old training diet (“chanko nabe for breakfast, lunch, dinner… and snacks”). The tonkatsu came out crispy and hot, with that sweet-salty sauce you only get right in Japan. And then the chanko nabe, hearty but somehow light? Maybe it’s just better when you know who cooked it. I tried to say thank you in Japanese and totally butchered it. Everyone laughed, including me.

And then they asked for volunteers to try sumo. My friend nudged me forward (traitor). They wrapped me up in this padded suit (I could barely move my arms), and suddenly I’m facing off against a guy twice my size but grinning like we’re old friends. The whole place cheered when I managed to stay on my feet for three seconds. There’s a souvenir photo somewhere on my phone. I look ridiculous but happy. Honestly, I still think about how warm everyone was. Even if you know nothing about sumo, you feel pulled into their world for that hour and a half.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to a Tokyo restaurant with its own sumo ring where you'll watch live demonstrations by retired wrestlers, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of tonkatsu and chanko nabe (with vegetarian or pork-free options if needed), have chances to interact and even spar with the wrestlers using special costumes provided for guests, plus a souvenir photo to remember it all by before heading back out into Tokyo's busy streets.

Options for this experience

3 options

Rear Frontside SeatingGuide in English · 13:00Seated at a table at the rear-center of the ring

Standard Ringside SeatingGuide in English · 13:00Seated at a table along the side of the ring

Premium FrontsideGuide in English · 13:00Frontside table, premium

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 60

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Beauty of Japan

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long does the Sumo Show experience last?

The Sumo Show lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is lunch included in the Sumo Show in Tokyo?

Yes, lunch is included: tonkatsu and chanko nabe are served.

Can vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions join?

Yes, vegetarian options or pork substitutes are available if requested at booking (at least 5 days ahead).

Do I get to meet real sumo wrestlers?

Yes, you'll meet and interact with retired competitive sumo wrestlers during the show.

Is there an option to try wrestling with the sumo wrestlers?

Yes, guests can try wrestling with retired sumo wrestlers using provided costumes.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Sumo Show take place?

The experience takes place inside a restaurant in Tokyo equipped with a real sumo ring.