Sapporo Sumo Club Complete Guide: Prices, Showtimes, Booking, and What to Expect on the Day
If you are spending an evening in Sapporo and looking for a place to watch sumo over dinner, Sapporo Sumo Club in Susukino is a sumo show restaurant endorsed by yokozuna (sumo’s highest rank). Even so, there are plenty of details worth checking before you go, starting with how pricing and booking work.
The essentials come down to approximate prices, the three daily showtimes, how to choose your seat type and gozen (a Japanese-style set meal with one person’s dishes arranged together), and what to expect from check-in to departure. A few limitations are worth knowing before you book, and you can also explore sumo experiences beyond Sapporo.
Contents
- Who Is Sapporo Sumo Club Best Suited For?
- Key Information About Sapporo Sumo Club
- How to Book Sapporo Sumo Club and What Happens on the Day
- Choosing Seats and Gozen at Sapporo Sumo Club
- Limitations to Know Before Booking Sapporo Sumo Club
- Other Sumo Experiences in Japan Beyond Sapporo Sumo Club
- Common Questions About Sapporo Sumo Club
- Book Early for Sumo and Chanko-Nabe at Sapporo Sumo Club
Who Is Sapporo Sumo Club Best Suited For?
Knowing that Sapporo has a place where you can experience sumo doesn’t necessarily tell you whether it fits your travel plans. The key difference is between travelers who want entertainment with a meal and those who expect to watch sumo as a competitive sport.
Ideal for Enjoying a Sumo Show with a Meal in Susukino
Sapporo Sumo Club is a sumo entertainment restaurant endorsed by yokozuna where you can enjoy a meal and a show around a real dohyo (the sacred clay ring where sumo bouts take place). It is officially endorsed by the 63rd yokozuna Asahifuji and the 70th yokozuna Harumafuji, setting it apart from typical tourist-oriented shows.
A single show combines sumo bouts, a gozen that includes chanko-nabe (a hearty hot pot eaten from a shared pot, which rikishi, or sumo wrestlers, eat as part of their daily diet), and a commemorative photo with the rikishi. The combination makes the venue a practical choice if you want to host friends visiting Japan or if your family wants to experience sumo, nihon buyo (Japanese classical dance), and mochitsuki (the traditional pounding of steamed rice into rice cakes with wooden mallets) in one visit.
Located about a 2-minute walk from Susukino Station, Sapporo Sumo Club is also easy to combine with hotels in central Sapporo and an evening stroll around the city.
Details
| Item | Details |
| Address | B1F, Minami 4 Nishi 2 Building, 2-10-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido |
| Hours | Three shows daily at 1:30 pm / 5:00 pm / 7:30 pm (about 2 hours each) |
| Closed | Irregular holidays (temporarily closed July–end of September 2026 for dohyo repair work; scheduled to reopen in October) |
| Official Website | https://sapporo-sumo.com/ |
| Recommended For | Those hosting guests visiting Japan; families; those who want a meal and a show in one visit |
Hours can differ by season. Please check the official website before visiting.
Not the Place to See Active Rikishi Compete
All the performers are former rikishi, and the bouts are not serious contests with an official win or loss. The show explains the rules and kimarite (the named techniques used to win a bout) with plenty of humor, so anyone seeking the tension of a competitive bout with rankings on the line may find the experience different from what they expected.
If you want to watch active rikishi compete, the reliable option is one of the six annual Grand Tournaments (professional sumo’s official tournaments) held in Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, and Fukuoka. Tickets can be purchased through the official site, Ticket Oosumo, and all seats are reserved. Think of Sapporo Sumo Club as a place to learn about sumo while having fun, and choose a Grand Tournament if you want to watch professional sumo itself.
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Key Information About Sapporo Sumo Club
Before deciding whether to book, many visitors want to check the basics—price, duration, and access—in one place. Below are the key details.
A Yokozuna-Endorsed Sumo Show Restaurant
Sapporo Sumo Club opened in August 2025 on the first basement floor of the Minami 4 Nishi 2 Building in Susukino, with official endorsement from the 63rd yokozuna Asahifuji and the 70th yokozuna Harumafuji. The venue is the first sumo show restaurant in Sapporo.
The 78 seats are arranged in tiers on the east and west sides of the central dohyo. Even from the back rows, the tiered layout helps keep the view clear. You’re close enough to hear the rikishi collide and feel the vibration as they perform shiko (a ritual stamp in which a rikishi raises one leg high and brings it down firmly to drive away evil spirits) on the dohyo.
Prices: From ¥18,000 per Adult, Meal Included
The price depends on your seat type, not the gozen you choose, and every seat type includes a gozen and one drink. Prices as of September 2026 (tax included) are as follows.
| Seat Type | Adult (Tax Incl.) | Child, Ages 2–12 (Tax Incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| STANDARD | ¥18,000 | ¥13,000 |
| VIP | ¥20,000 | ¥14,000 |
| V-VIP (1–4 people) | ¥100,000 per seat | Not offered |
Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
The official price list shows that children aged 0 and 1 are free. V-VIP is priced at a flat ¥100,000 per seat, regardless of the number of people using it. That works out to ¥25,000 per person for a group of four, but the per-person cost is much higher for one or two people. For smaller groups, STANDARD or VIP may be a more practical choice.
Duration: About 2 Hours for the Meal and Show
From being seated to the commemorative photo takes about 2 hours. The meal is followed by nihon buyo, mochitsuki, the sumo show, Challenge Sumo in which audience members take on former rikishi, closing remarks, and the commemorative photo.
Because dining and cultural activities are combined into a single show, you do not need to set aside separate time for dinner and sightseeing. Allow 15–20 minutes of travel time before and after the show, and you should have ample time to reach your next destination.
Showtimes: Three Shows Daily
Performances begin at 1:30 pm, 5:00 pm, and 7:30 pm. The 1:30 pm show is the only daytime option that can double as lunch, and it pairs easily with afternoon sightseeing. The 5 pm show works as an early dinner, leaving you free to enjoy Susukino at night afterward. The 7:30 pm show ends around 9:30 pm, making it suited to those who want to wind down their day of sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
Start times may change without notice, so once your itinerary is set, check the exact times for your preferred date in the slots shown on the booking page, TableCheck.
Access: About 2 Minutes on Foot from Susukino Station
Two stations are nearby: Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line is about a 2-minute walk away, while Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line is about a 1-minute walk away. From JR Sapporo Station, transfer to the Namboku Line and you can reach Susukino Station in about 3 minutes.
If you take a taxi, show the driver the Japanese address, “札幌市中央区南4条西2丁目10-1 南4西2ビルB1F,” on your booking confirmation screen or in Google Maps. This makes it easy for the driver to find the venue even if you do not share a language.
Language: English Commentary Makes the Show Easy to Follow
The performers explain the rules and etiquette of sumo in both Japanese and English, so you can follow the show without understanding Japanese. Former rikishi demonstrate shiko and other training techniques right in front of you, making the movements easy to understand even if you do not know the terminology.
The official website is available in English, and you can complete your booking online using the English information. On the day, simply present the voucher (booking confirmation) sent by email, making check-in at Sapporo Sumo Club straightforward.
How to Book Sapporo Sumo Club and What Happens on the Day
Without knowing how to book or how check-in works, it can be difficult to decide whether to fit the show into your itinerary. Groups of 10 or more also require an additional step.
Booking: Online or by Phone, with Same-Day Bookings Available
Sapporo Sumo Club accepts bookings through the booking page (TableCheck) linked from the official website and by phone at 011-205-3068. Same-day bookings are also possible if seats are available. You specify the type of gozen and the number of people when making your reservation, so it helps to confirm your companions’ preferences in advance.
If you use an overseas booking site, cancellation terms vary by product. Some products offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, so always check the booking screen before paying. Items that require ingredients to be arranged in advance, such as the Vegan Gozen, may not be available for same-day bookings. If this applies to you, book as soon as your dates are set.
On the Day: Check In at the B1F Front Desk and Don’t Be More Than 15 Minutes Late
The venue is on the first basement floor of the Minami 4 Nishi 2 Building. When you arrive, give your booking name at the front desk to check in. If you are more than 15 minutes late and the staff cannot reach you, the venue may cancel your reservation, so call as soon as you know you will be delayed.
In winter, icy roads in Susukino can slow your walking pace to nearly half your usual speed, so aim to arrive 15 minutes before the show starts. The train from New Chitose Airport to Susukino takes about 52–54 minutes. Snow can disrupt services, so if you are heading straight from the airport, allow at least 30 minutes of extra time for connections.
Group Size: Contact the Venue First for Groups of 10 or More
The official website allows a maximum of 9 people per online booking, so groups of 10 or more are asked to split into two reservations. However, if you book separately online, one slot may fill up before the other, leaving your group split across different shows.
The most reliable approach is to call first at 011-205-3068 and discuss your group size and preferred date and time. Providing up to three preferred dates and times can make it easier to find seats and gives the staff more flexibility when accommodating requests about seating arrangements.
Choosing Seats and Gozen at Sapporo Sumo Club
You choose your seat type and gozen when booking, and changing either one later can take some effort. The seat types differ in their distance from the dohyo, while the three gozen options each feature a different main dish.
Your Seat Type Determines How Close You Are to the Dohyo
The seating surrounds the dohyo, and your distance from the rikishi depends on the seat type you choose. V-VIP seats are directly in front of the dohyo, close enough to feel the impact of each clash and even see the sweat fly. VIP seats are in the front row, offering a balanced view that lets you take in each bout as a whole while still feeling its power.
STANDARD seats are farther from the dohyo than the other options, but the tiered layout keeps your view clear and lets you take in the atmosphere of the entire show from above. You may not be able to choose your exact position within a seat type, so if being close to the dohyo is your priority, choosing a higher seat type is the more reliable approach.
All Three Gozen Options Cost the Same
The price stays the same regardless of which gozen you choose. The “Wagyu Gozen” centers on sukiyaki (beef and vegetables simmered in a sweet soy-based broth) made with Furano Wagyu (beef from Furano, Hokkaido). The “Crab Shabu Gozen” features snow crab shabu-shabu (thinly sliced ingredients swished through hot broth). The “Vegan Gozen” consists of dishes made without animal products, including fresh yuba (tofu skin) sashimi and a soy milk hot pot.
The Wagyu Gozen and Crab Shabu Gozen come with chanko-nabe endorsed by former yokozuna Asahifuji, and ordering different gozen at the same table incurs no extra charge. The Vegan Gozen and allergy accommodations require advance notice, so book early if either applies to you. For allergies and other dietary restrictions, confirm with the venue before booking whether it can accommodate your needs and how far in advance you need to notify them.
You can bring outside food into the venue. Menu items may change without notice depending on ingredient availability.
Limitations to Know Before Booking Sapporo Sumo Club
Even a memorable experience can feel like wasted time if what happens on the day doesn’t match your expectations. Know these three limitations before you book.
You May Not Get to Step onto the Dohyo
Toward the end of the show comes Challenge Sumo, where audience members put on inflatable sumo costumes and grapple with former rikishi. However, only some guests are chosen during the show to step onto the dohyo, so it is better to think of participation as a possibility rather than a guarantee.
Even if you are not selected, everyone gets time after the show to line up with the former rikishi for a commemorative photo.
No Morning Shows
Performances currently run three times a day at 1:30 pm, 5:00 pm, and 7:30 pm, with no morning slot. When the venue first opened, it also offered an 11:00 am show, but the schedule has since been consolidated into three performances starting in the early afternoon.
If you would like to finish your sumo experience in the morning and spend the afternoon on other plans, it is easier to reverse the order. The Sapporo Clock Tower (opens at 8:45 am), Nijo Market (open from around 7:00 am), and Odori Park (about a 5-minute walk from the Sapporo Clock Tower) are all within walking distance of Susukino. You can comfortably finish your morning sightseeing and then head to the 1:30 pm show.
No Show-Only Plan Without a Meal
Every seat type includes a gozen, and you cannot book the show without one. The price covers the gozen, chanko-nabe, one drink, the commemorative photo, and a souvenir.
If you plan to have dinner at another restaurant, be mindful of the timing. The 5:00 pm show ends around 7:00 pm, so you can still stop at another restaurant in Susukino afterward. Alternatively, you could have a light lunch, attend the 1:30 pm show, and enjoy dinner wherever you like in the evening.
Other Sumo Experiences in Japan Beyond Sapporo Sumo Club
Cities outside Sapporo also offer opportunities to experience sumo. In Osaka, a hands-on venue lets you step onto the dohyo yourself.
For a Sumo Experience Alongside Osaka Sightseeing: Sumo Studio Osaka
If your itinerary includes a stay in Osaka, Sumo Studio Osaka, located directly in front of Exit 4 of Hanazonocho Station on the Osaka Metro, is another option. Five shows run daily starting at 10:00 am, each lasting about 90 minutes, so you can experience sumo in the morning and spend the afternoon sightseeing elsewhere.
The biggest difference is that stepping onto the dohyo is built into the program. A one-round bout by former professional rikishi, followed by demonstrations of winning techniques, leads into the Audience Challenge, where selected participants ascend the dohyo and grapple with the rikishi. The number of participants is limited. A Meet & Greet for commemorative photos follows, creating a continuous experience from the bout to the photo session. The performers also explain the meaning of sacred customs in English, including the purifying salt ritual, shiko, and tachiai (the initial charge).
The venue holds up to about 50 people, and every seat is just a few meters from the rikishi. You can order Japanese beer and umeshu (plum wine) at the in-house bar and stay in the bar area after the show ends. Prices start at ¥9,600. Food is not included, so you are free to eat wherever you like before or after the show. Sumo Studio Osaka also offers luggage storage for suitcases and other large bags, making it easy to fit into a travel day.
Details
| Item | Details |
| Address | 1F Hanazonocho AI Building, 1-5-1 Asahi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka |
| Hours | Five shows daily at 10:00 am / 12:30 pm / 3:00 pm / 5:30 pm / 8:00 pm (90 minutes each); ticket counter 9:00 am–10:00 pm |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Official Website | https://sumowrestlingshow.jp/ |
| Recommended For | Those who want a sumo experience without a meal during their stay in Osaka; those who want to step onto the dohyo; those who want to drop by on a travel day and store their luggage |
Hours can differ by season. Please check the official website before visiting.
Hands-OnGet hands-on with sumo in Osaka
Watch former professional sumo wrestlers demonstrate authentic sumo techniques. Learn the history, rituals, and rules of Japan’s national sport, then step into the ring for a hands-on sumo experience in Osaka.
Common Questions About Sapporo Sumo Club
We prepared this Q&A section to answer some of the most common questions people have before booking. Visiting with children, taking photos with the rikishi, and souvenirs are among the topics guests ask about most often.
Can Children Join?
Yes. The show includes activities where guests get involved rather than simply watching, such as mochitsuki and Challenge Sumo, so children can enjoy the experience too. However, the 7:30 pm show ends around 9:30 pm, so families with small children may find the 1:30 pm or 5:00 pm show easier to manage.
Can I Take Photos with the Rikishi?
Yes. After the show, each group has its photo taken with the former rikishi and dancers, and you can pick up the printed photo at the exit.
Do Guests Receive a Souvenir?
You receive a small gift when you pay. The contents may vary depending on the show and the season.
Book Early for Sumo and Chanko-Nabe at Sapporo Sumo Club
Sapporo Sumo Club is a hands-on restaurant unique to Sapporo, where you can enjoy a sumo show on a real dohyo and chanko-nabe in one visit. With only three shows a day, once your travel dates are set, check the seat prices and showtimes and book early through TableCheck or by phone at 011-205-3068.
Sapporo Sumo Club combines a sumo show and chanko-nabe on a real dohyo—an experience specific to Sapporo and a distinctive way to spend an evening of your trip.
Hands-OnGet hands-on with sumo in Osaka
Watch former professional sumo wrestlers demonstrate authentic sumo techniques. Learn the history, rituals, and rules of Japan’s national sport, then step into the ring for a hands-on sumo experience in Osaka.
