Where to Watch Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo


Experiencing sumo wrestling in Tokyo is a unique and unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Whether you’re attending a major tournament, visiting a sumo stable, or enjoying a sumo-themed experience, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this ancient and fascinating sport.

Planning ahead to experience Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo is essential as Tournaments, Experiences and the Sumo Stables book out very quickly and are only becoming more and more popular.

This blog will outline where you can watch, and experience sumo wrestling in Tokyo and enjoy the rich traditions of Japan’s national pastime.

Where to Watch Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo

1. Experience a Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan: The Heart of Sumo Wrestling

When it comes to sumo wrestling, Ryogoku Kokugikan is the ultimate venue. Located in the Ryogoku district, this arena is the most famous sumo stadium in Japan and hosts 3 of the 6 annual sumo tournaments (honbasho). The tournaments usually take place in January, May, and September, and each event runs for approximately 15 days.

What to Expect:

  • Sumo Tournaments: During these tournaments, you’ll witness top-ranked sumo wrestlers. The atmosphere is electric, with traditional rituals and ceremonies adding to the experience.
  • Finding Events:

Tickets: Tickets should be booked in advance, as they will likely sell out quite quickly. They can be booked below

Detailed 5 Day itinerary and Map

No matter if it’s your first time, or your fifth, this detailed Day by Day – 5 Day Tokyo itinerary makes planning a holiday to Japan’s capital, easy, and way less overwhelming.

Over 5 jam packed days, we will share how to fit everything into your Tokyo itinerary

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Planning a trip to Tokyo? 🗾 No matter if it’s your first time, or your fifth, this detailed 5 day Tokyo itinerary (plus a super handy pinned google map!) makes planning a holiday to Japan’s capital, easy, and way less overwhelming.

Over 5 jam packed days, we will share how to fit everything into your Tokyo itinerary, including all the iconic sites that are non-negotiables. Plus, a few hidden gems, unique cultural experiences and unforgettable day trips!

Gotokuji Temple and Gisha's in Kimonos in Tokyo
Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo (Lucky Cat Temple)

📍Day 1 of Your Tokyo Itinerary: Asakusa and Akihabara

Detailed 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary & Map

Start your Tokyo itinerary in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town. You’ll find giant multi story arcades, anime stores, maid cafés, and lots of cute souvenirs. This area is fun, bright, and totally unforgettable. PRO TIP: Sundays they close off the street from 11am

Next, head to Asakusa, one of the city’s more traditional districts. Visit the famous Sensoji Temple, wander down Nakamise-dori Street, and grab traditional snacks as you go.

I have listed below the highlights in both areas, and you can choose to add or substitute any of the below sites and activities from each area.

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Click here to make planning easy and your trip unforgettable!

Things to do in Akihabara

  • Dive into multi-level gaming centers, anime shops, and quirky souvenir stores.
  • Visit an iconic maid café for a uniquely Akihabara experience.
  • Stop by Takakara Akiba for all-you-can-eat karaage (a delicious Japanese fried chicken and local dish of Tokyo)

🚅 Akihabara and Asakusa are located only 1 station apart on the Ginza line (orange)

Things to do in Asakusa

  • Sensoji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple – 🔥Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Plus, don’t miss drawing an Omikuji (fortune slip) for just ¥100. This is a 1,000-year-old Japanese tradition predicting your luck in areas like health, love, work and wealth.
  • Nakamise-dori Street – A lively shopping street leading to Sensoji Temple, lined with traditional souvenir shops and local snacks. 🔥Pro Tip: Try the melon bread or one of the many delicious strawberry desserts.
  • Hikifune Takagi Shrine – ‘The Onigiri Shrine’ – A small quirky shrine located close to the Tokyo Skytree.

Where to Eat in Asakusa

Asakusa Nighttime Highlights

  • Take in the night views of the Tokyo Tower and Sensoji Temple.
  • Hoppy Street – Asakusa’s Night Food Alley – Located just west of Sensoji Temple, in the Asakusa district and famous for local izakayas. 🔥PRO TIP: Most spots open around 5 PM and stay open late into the night


📍Day 2: Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku in One Day

On day two of your Tokyo itinerary, explore three iconic neighborhoods.

End your day in Shinjuku. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free city views and a light show on the exterior of the building.

Finally, explore Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, and the buzzing energy of Kabukicho.

Things to do in Shibuya

  • Shibuya Crossing – One of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings and a Tokyo must-do!
    • 🔥Hot Tip: Get the perfect view from The Share Lounge (above Starbucks) – for a reasonable fee, you’ll get unlimited snacks, drinks OR an unlimited alcohol option). Alternatively, head to the Starbucks above the crossing for a great view. If you want to sit, you’ll need to order a coffee, and seats are hot property and hard to come by.
  • Snap a photo with Hachiko. A statue at the Shibuya crossing of an Akita dog known as the most loyal dog in Shibuya. It’s a sweet, but sad story from the 1920s of man’s best friend going back to the same spot for 9 years to wait for his owner to return, after he had died.
  • Shopping – Fashion and Shoe Stores Galore – Shibuya is packed with trendy shops, boutiques, and cafes.
  • NEW: Shibuya Sakura Stage – A modern new shopping mall with boutiques, restaurants & entertainment.

Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Tokyo

AFTERDARK: Things to do in Shibuya at Night

  • Drunkard’s Alley (Nonbei Yokocho) barhop like a local in this lantern-lit alley.
  • Shibuya Yokocho – A lively alley packed with izakayas, food stalls, and buzzing energy.


Things to do in Shinjuku

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Head up to the free observatories for stunning panoramic views of the city
    • 🔥Hot Tip: Stick around for the nighttime light show on the side of the building from 7:30pm to 9:45pm
  • Neon Dreams – Shinjuku is famous for its glowing streets and giant LED billboards
    • Don’t misEs the 3D Cat Billboard.
  • Shop, Sip, and explore – One of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment and shopping hubs, from department stores to arcades, dart bars and endless dining spots.

AFTERDARK: Things to do in Shinjuku at Night

  • Tokyu Kabukicho Tower – A massive new entertainment complex in the heart of Tokyo’s wild Kabukicho area (yes, it’s the red-light district… but it’s also packed with nightlife, food, and fun)
  • Golden Gai – Step into another world with this maze of tiny bars, each with its own theme and personality. These bars only fit 5-10 people inside and you need climb up narrow staircases to get inside. It really is a unique experience.
  • Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) – A narrow alleyway filled with traditional local izakayas.

Things to do in Harajuku

  • Takeshita Street – A buzzing, colorful street packed with quirky fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and the best people-watching in Tokyo. You’ll find many locals and visitors dressing in cosplay here.
  • Meiji Shrine – Step away from the chaos, you find this beautiful shrine surrounded by the lush forest of Yoyogi Park.
  • Cosplay Culture – Spot locals (and visitors!) dressed in playful, over-the-top fashion – Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo’s cosplay culture.
  • Sweet Treats & Cute Cafes – From the paw in the wall cafe to the highest soufflé pancakes ive ever see. Harajuku is rich in its cafe culture.
  • Rooftop Garden at Tokyu Plaza – Escape the crowds and relax with a coffee or something to eat, at this stylish rooftop space with gardens and expansive views.

📍Day 3: Full Day Excursions From Tokyo

Now it’s time for a day trip! A great Tokyo itinerary should include a full-day escape from the city to experience a quieter side of Tokyo.

Here are some top our favorite organized Day Tour options for your 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary:

Combination Day Tour Suggestions – Double the fun

[DIY Details] Day trips from Tokyo:

Mount Fuji

A Japan Itinerary is NOT COMPLETE without a visit to view the ICONIC Mount Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchi and the Fuji Five Lakes Regions offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji and is a popular destination for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and hot spring resorts. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or the Chureito Pagoda.

Detailed guide to visiting Mt Fuji

Hakone

Hakone, renowned for its onsens, stunning views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone Lake and Tori Gates over the Lake, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

You can also ride the ropeway up to Owakundani and see the Volcanic vents, take in the views, and eat anything and everything black, including black eggs that are said to prolong your life by 7 years.

Things to do in Hakone
  • Take the Hakone Ropeway
  • Ride the Pirate Ship across Lake Ashi
  • Soak in an onsen (hot spring) – see our suggestion below!
  • Eat a black egg at Owakudani
  • Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • See Hakone Shrine and Red Tori Gates on Lake Ashi
  • Stay overnight- see our suggestion below

Where to stay in Hakone

Kamakura and Enoshima

Combining a visit to Kamakura with nearby Enoshima Island, known for its beachside railway lines, beaches, shrines, and caves.

Things to do in Kamakura and Enoshima

  • Kamakura-Mae Station
  • Enoshima Iwaya Cave & Enoshima Shrine (make sure you get the escalator tickets!!)
  • Eno Spa (Onsen facility that overlooks Mt Fuji)
  • Eat at Nakamise Dori Street
  • Hokokuji Temple & Bamboo forest
  • Meigetsu-in (Temple with incredible Hydrangeas in June)

Getting to Kamakura is easy, and only a 1 hour train from Tokyo.

Snow Monkeys Nagano

Head to Nagano to visit the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. The best time to visit is in winter when the Monkeys are at their liveliest and when you will likely have fresh snow.

Izu Peninsula

Known for its beautiful coastline, beaches, hot springs, and outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling.

📍Day 4 of the Tokyo Itinerary: Ginza, Ueno and Toyosu

Let’s mix things up on day four of your Tokyo itinerary.

Start in Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury shopping and fashion hub. Even if you’re not buying, the window shopping is world-class. Visit Itoya for stunning Japanese stationery and check out the food halls in Ginza’s basement department stores. Seriously…. the snacks are next-level.

Next, visit Ueno Park. This area has museums, temples, and even a zoo. Ameyoko Shopping Street nearby offers great street food and local vibes.

Finally, head to Toyosu. Don’t miss the new Toyosu Fish Market, where you can try fresh sushi and seafood bowls. Visit Teamlabs Planets for an unforgettable art experience and wind down at Tokyo Manyo Onsen.

This part of your 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary combines old and new Tokyo…. and it’s always a favorite.


📍Day 5: Another Tokyo Day Trip or Local Experience

You’ve seen a lot…. but Tokyo still has more to offer.

For your final day, choose another Tokyo day trip that we listed earlier or spend time exploring local and cultural experiences you might’ve missed.

Ideas for day five of your icnonic Japan or Cultural Traditional experience. Tokyo itinerary:

Or…. revisit your favorite neighborhood. Sometimes the best part of a Tokyo itinerary is simply wandering soaking it all in.

Don’t miss our full guide to Tokyo’s best traditional experiences It’s packed with loads more ideas and information. Plus, must-dos that go beyond the usual tourist spots.

Tips for visiting Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea


🏨 Where to Stay for This 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary

When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, it’s smart to pick a location along the JR Yamanote Line. This is Tokyo’s main loop trainline that connects major attractions and suburbs. Staying near stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ueno puts you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife, and top sights.

Asakusa is another good option on Ginza line which is another main line within Tokyo. It offers a more traditional Tokyo vibe with lots of local attractions

These areas also make day trips a breeze and help you cut down on transit time (and cost!). Look for hotels or accommodations within walking distance to a JR OR metro station so you can explore the city efficiently and comfortably.

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku in Tokyo
CLICK: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku


🚉 Tokyo Transport Made Simple

You’ll ride trains a lot in Tokyo. But don’t stress…. it’s easy with the right tools.

Use Google Maps for train routes…. it’s accurate and detailed.


🎟️Attractions You Should Pre-Book

Many popular Tokyo Attractions sell out…and sell out fast. So if you want to include these in your Tokyo itinerary you will have to book early!

Use code TRAVELLIVNLOOK on Klook for 10% off.


Final Tips for the Perfect Tokyo Itinerary

Here’s my final tips to make your 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary even better:


📌BONUS: Get My Full Japan Map with 300+ Pins!

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Join our Facebook Group [Japan Travel Forum & Q & A] and you’ll find (pined to the top) my PDF Itinerary and access our Japan Map with over 300+ saved pins of Iconic landmarks & hidden gems!

Other useful resources to help you plan your Ultimate Japan Itinerary:

2. Sumo-Themed Experiences

If the timing doesn’t work out in your favor for seeing a live tournament, then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND looking at something like this sumo-themed experience in Asakusa.

Asakusa Sumo Club:

Asakusa Sumo Club is a NEW Sumo experience in Asakusa Tokyo, which recently opened in January 2024. It combines a Sumo Demonstration, a Bout and a meal of Chanko nabe, a traditional hot pot meal eaten by sumo wrestlers.

You also get a chance to challenge a Sumo Wrestler at the end of the match. This was ALOT of FUN, and our son represented our family, and provided us many laughs. 👇🏼

Overall, it was a great experience and one I definitely recommend!

Unique & Traditional Experiences in Tokyo

Discover more Unique & Traditional things to do in Tokyo

3. Sumo Stable Visits: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

For a more sumo wrestling training experience, consider visiting a sumo stable (beya). These are training grounds where sumo wrestlers live and train. Access is limited and often requires a tour guide / translator to watch training sessions.

How to Arrange a Visit:

  • Book in Advance: I would suggest using a local guide when booking an experience like this one. This will ensure the best experience for you. I also suggest booking in advance as these types of tours book out quickly. (Book Below)
  • Where: Sumo stables are usually found in the Ryogoku area of Tokyo.
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About me

Hey, nice to meet you, I’m Shannon Thomson and I am a Diploma Qualified Photographer and Social Media / Marketing graduate with a passion and love for Travel.

I have been lucky enough to be working in the field of Travel, and as a successful Social Media Manager, Content Creator and Blogger for the past 6 years. Throughout this time, I have been lucky enough to travel to some of the most sought out destinations around the world.

Within this Blog you will find all my best travel tips, guides and itineraries.

MY Top 5 favorite countries: Japan, China, Egypt, Tanzania, Philippines!