Asakusa Sumo Club Guide: Prices, Booking, Main Venue vs. ANNEX, and What to Know Before You Go
Asakusa Sumo Club lets you watch a sumo show while eating chanko-nabe, a hearty hot pot dish that sumo wrestlers eat to nourish their bodies. Information about the venue is scattered, though, and many visitors are unsure whether to book a spot at the main venue or the ANNEX, or what the price actually includes.
The two venues differ in food and experience, and prices vary by plan. How to make a reservation, how the day will unfold, and a few restrictions are also worth checking before you choose the plan that suits you.
Contents
- Who Is Asakusa Sumo Club Best For?
- Asakusa Sumo Club Essentials: Location, Prices, Hours, Access, and Language
- How to Book A Spot at Asakusa Sumo Club and What to Expect
- Three Common Points of Confusion About Asakusa Sumo Club
- Restrictions to Know Before Booking at Asakusa Sumo Club
- Other Sumo Experiences in Japan Besides Asakusa Sumo Club
- Things to Do in Asakusa on the Same Day as a Sumo Show at Asakusa Sumo Club
- Common Questions About Asakusa Sumo Club
- Choose Between the Main Venue and ANNEX at Asakusa Sumo Club
Who Is Asakusa Sumo Club Best For?
Asakusa Sumo Club suits some travelers well, but others may find it differs from what they expected.
Best for Those Who Want a Meal and a Sumo Show Together in Asakusa
Asakusa Sumo Club is a sumo entertainment facility where former rikishi (sumo wrestlers) perform a sumo show in a real sumo ring while guests watch and eat. Each show lasts about two hours. The performers introduce the techniques and rules of sumo with plenty of humor, and at your seat you’ll enjoy a meal of chanko-nabe. Unlike a typical restaurant or theater, you can dine and enjoy a show at the same time.
Shows start at 12 pm and the last one ends at 10:30 pm, so you can fit one in as a meal at lunch or dinner. The venue is also within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple, making it easy to build into a day of sightseeing in Asakusa. For example, you can visit the temple in the morning then head to the midday show, or stroll the area in the late afternoon and have dinner at an evening performance. Asakusa Sumo Club suits anyone who wants visiting friends or family to experience both Japanese food and sumo.
Not Ideal for Those Who Want to See Wrestlers Train
The performers at Asakusa Sumo Club are retired professional wrestlers, and amateur student sumo wrestlers sometimes make an appearance at the main venue. The show is chiefly entertainment that introduces the rules and techniques of sumo with humor, so it’s a different experience from watching sumo wrestlers clash in earnest.
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.
Asakusa Sumo Club Essentials: Location, Prices, Hours, Access, and Language
Asakusa Sumo Club operates two venues, and prices and plan names differ between them. Before booking, we recommend confirming these five things: location, price, show times, access, and language support.
Location: The Main Venue and ANNEX
Asakusa Sumo Club has two venues, the main venue and the ANNEX venue. They’re about a three-minute walk apart from each other, but prices and plan names differ, so always double-check which location you’re selecting when you book.
Details
| Main Venue | ANNEX | |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 1F, 2-10-12 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo | B1F, 2-11-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | About a 2-min. walk from Exit A1 of Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) | About a 2-min. walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) |
| Hours | 12:00 pm–10:30 pm (4 shows daily) | 12:00 pm–10:30 pm (4 shows daily) |
| Closed | Irregular closures | Irregular closures |
| Official Website | https://asakusa-sumo.com/ | https://asakusasumo-annex.com/ |
| Recommended For | Guests who need wheelchair or stroller access; those who want chanko-nabe with a rich dashi broth | Those who want an upper-tier plan with sukiyaki and unlimited drinks; those who want to try salt-throwing or take photos in a ceremonial sumo belt |
Prices: From ¥16,000 per Adult, Meal Included
Every plan includes both the sumo show and a meal. At the main venue, the price depends on seat location. At the ANNEX, pricing is influenced by seat location as well as the content of the meals.
| Venue & Plan Name | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Main Venue Standard | ¥16,000 | ¥12,000 (under 12) |
| Main Venue VIP (front row, closest to the ring) | ¥20,000 | Check the official website |
| ANNEX ECONOMY CLASS | ¥16,000 | ¥12,000 (ages 2–11) |
| ANNEX BUSINESS CLASS | ¥30,000 | ¥20,000 (ages 2–11) |
| ANNEX FIRST CLASS | ¥50,000 | ¥40,000 (ages 2–11) |
Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
As you can see from the above table, the main venue’s Standard plan and the ANNEX’s Economy Class are the most affordable at ¥16,000 per adult. The Business Class and First Class plans at ANNEX differ significantly in the number of dishes and the drinks served (these differences are outlined in the section, “3 Common Points of Confusion at Asakusa Sumo Club”). Prices are current as of September 2026.
Duration and Show Times: Two-Hour Shows Four Times a Day
Both venues offer four performances a day: 12 pm–2 pm, 3 pm–5 pm, 6 pm–8 pm, and 8:30 pm–10:30 pm. The 12 pm show makes a great lunch option before or after seeing Senso-ji, while the 6 pm and 8:30 pm slots are good for dinner plans.
Both venues close on irregular days, so shows might not run on your preferred date. Once your travel dates are set, check the booking page first to see whether shows are scheduled on the day you want.
Access: Asakusa Station Via the Tsukuba Express Is the Closest
The closest station is Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express line, about a two-minute walk from both venues. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line also have stations called “Asakusa.” They’re some distance away from the Tsukuba Express station, however, and it’ll take you ten minutes or more to walk to the venue from these stations.
Simply searching your map app by station name alone might result in you ending up at an Asakusa Station on a different train line, so set the venue’s address as your destination in your transit app or on Google Maps. Dedicated parking isn’t available at the venue, so a train or taxi is the most reliable way to reach Asakusa Sumo Club.
Language: You Can Book Your Spot and Participate in English
The booking pages on the official websites for both venues are in English, and you can choose a plan and pay for it without using Japanese. Explanations during the show also include English commentary, so you’ll be able to follow along even if you don’t know the meaning of certain Japanese words.
How well individual questions or detailed requests are handled varies between staff members, however. It’s more reliable to sort out complicated matters like allergies or seating preferences by email than to raise these issues with staff on the day of the performance.
How to Book A Spot at Asakusa Sumo Club and What to Expect
Performances at Asakusa Sumo Club are by reservation only, and cancellation terms depend on what site you use when you book your spot. Guests using a wheelchair or stroller also have a few points to check in advance.
Book via the Official Website or a Booking Site: Reservation-Only and Spot Sell Out Fast
You can’t see a performance without a reservation, so booking in advance is required. Besides the official website, you can make a reservation through sites such as Klook, and either site allows you to complete the process in English. Performances in the evenings and on weekends can sell out several weeks ahead of time, so reserve your spot early once your itinerary is set.
Cancellation terms depend on the booking channel. Some booking sites allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the performance or until the day before, but the terms vary by vendor, so always check them before paying.
| Booking Channel | Free Cancellation Deadline Estimates |
|---|---|
| Official website | Until the day before your booking |
| Klook / Viator / GetYourGuide | Up to 24 hours before the start |
| KKday | Until the day before your booking |
Same-day time changes aren’t possible. If you want to switch to a different show, contact the venue by the day before to ask whether a change can be made. And if you need a vegetarian or vegan meal, make sure to request this at least two days in advance (as of September 2026).
The Day of Your Visit: From Opening Curtain to Photos
There’s no meeting point, so go directly to the venue you booked by the start time. At the main venue, the program runs in this order:
- Opening: A geisha (a female entertainer in kimono who performs traditional Japanese dance and other arts) opens the show with a dance
- Meal: Enjoy a meal of chanko-nabe
- Demonstration: Former professional sumo wrestlers demonstrate movements such as shiko and the salt-throwing ritual, and explain the rules and forbidden techniques
- Matches: Watch the athletes face off in the ring
- Sumo Challenge: Volunteers put on a sumo suit or a replica sumo belt and take on one of the wrestlers
- Q&A: An opportunity to ask the athletes questions about sumo
- Photos: Take photos with the performers in the ring
- Souvenirs: Receive a souvenir when the show ends
In the Sumo Challenge, you’ll wear a sumo suit or mawashi over your clothes and move around. To make participation easier, avoid skirts and wear clothes you can move around in freely.
Wheelchair and Stroller Access
The main venue is on the ground floor, so guests with wheelchairs or strollers can enter. However, wheelchair-accessible viewing spots are limited, so let the venue know you’ll be using a wheelchair when you book. Calling ahead (03-5246-3344) to discuss your needs is the best approach.
The ANNEX venue has performances in the basement of the building, and public information doesn’t confirm whether or not it has a barrier-free route or an elevator, so check with the venue before your visit. If you use a wheelchair, or you’re traveling with someone who has limited mobility or an older companion who finds stairs difficult, choose the main venue.
Three Common Points of Confusion About Asakusa Sumo Club
Your experience at Asakusa Sumo Club will differ with the venue and the plan you choose, which can cause confusion when booking. Three points in particular tend to trip people up, so we’ll cover these in this section.
1. The Main Venue and ANNEX Offer DIfferent Food and Show Content
The main venue offers a meal of soy-sauce-based chanko-nabe. The broth blends four kinds of broth (chicken, bonito, kombu kelp, and shiitake mushroom), with the flavors of the ingredients melting into it.
At the ANNEX, food and drinks vary by class. Economy Class tickets include all-you-can-eat chanko-nabe plus inarizushi (vinegared rice stuffed into pouches of sweet-savory simmered fried tofu), Japanese-style fried chicken, edamame, and dessert, with one free drink. First Class and Business Class offer sukiyaki made with Japanese Black wagyu beef and tempura as well as chanko-nabe. These classes also come with one glass of champagne and unlimited orders of whisky, wine, beer, and more.
Besides the show itself, the ANNEX offers the salt-throwing ritual and souvenir photos wearing a replica sumo belt. If you mainly want to savor the flavor of chanko-nabe, choose the main venue. If the number of dishes, the drinks, and the photo experiences matter more to you, the ANNEX is perhaps the better option.
2. At the ANNEX, Your Seat Class Determines Your Row
At the ANNEX, you’ll sit on sofas surrounding the sumo ring, and both seat location and souvenirs differ according to the class of your ticket. To sit in the front row, you need a First Class or Business Class ticket.
Economy Class seats are at the back, but the basement venue is compact, so you won’t be far from the ring. Economy Class is well worth considering if you want to watch the bouts up close on a budget. At the main venue, front-row seats go only to those with VIP tickets.
3. If the Main Venue Is Full, You May Be Asked to Switch to the ANNEX
If your preferred date and time at the main venue are fully booked on the official booking page, the site may offer you the ANNEX Standard plan at the same price. If you book through that offer, you’ll be seated at the ANNEX, not the main venue.
After booking, check the venue name and map in your confirmation email, then head to the address listed there. The ANNEX is in the basement of a building, so if you use a wheelchair, contact the staff before accepting the switch in venues. Each booking can include up to twenty people, and groups of fifty or more can inquire about reserving the entire main venue.
Restrictions to Know Before Booking at Asakusa Sumo Club
A few noteworthy restrictions can leave guests feeling their visit to Asakusa Sumo Club wasn’t what they expected. Check the following three points before you book.
You May Not Get to Join the Sumo Challenge
The Sumo Challenge happens near the end of the show, where audience members put on a sumo suit or sumo belt and face an athlete. Spots are limited, however. At busy shows, you may not get to step into the ring even if you volunteer.
That being said, you can still step into the ring for photos after the show. Standing beside a former sumo wrestler, you’ll see up close just how imposing their physique is, something that’s easier to grasp in person.
No Morning Shows
The first show at both venues starts at 12 pm, so you can’t see a sumo show in the morning. If you’d hoped to fit sumo into the morning and keep the afternoon for other plans, that schedule won’t work.
If you explore the Senso-ji area in the morning, you can go straight to the venue for the 12 pm show.
No Show-Only Plan
Every plan includes a meal, and you can’t book the sumo show alone. So if you’ve already reserved dinner at another restaurant on the day of your visit, choose the 12 pm or 3 pm show and make the meal at Asakusa Sumo Club your lunch.
Other Sumo Experiences in Japan Besides Asakusa Sumo Club
Some goals are hard to meet at Asakusa Sumo Club. Another option is to watch a sumo performance in Osaka, outlined below.
Try Sumo in Osaka: Sumo Studio Osaka
If you’re staying in Osaka, consider Sumo Studio Osaka, right in front of Exit 4 of Hanazonocho Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. It’s about ten minutes by train from Namba Station, so it’s easy to reach from Osaka’s main sightseeing spots.
During the show, retired professional sumo wrestlers demonstrate the salt-throwing ritual, the iconic foot stamping, and the initial charge when both wrestlers collide at the beginning of a sumo match. Staff also explain in English how sumo connects to Shinto (Japan’s indigenous religion) and samurai culture. The audience is capped at about fifty people, and the ring (built from clay and sand to traditional specifications) sits just a few feet from the seats, so you can hear the collide up close. After the show, volunteers can step into the ring and face a former pro in the Audience Challenge. This is followed by time to meet and take photos with the former athletes. At Sumo Studio Osaka, you can both watch and take part during a ninety-minute show.
Because meals aren’t included, you can fit Sumo Studio Osaka in before or after eating at a place of your choosing. This is a key difference from Asakusa Sumo Club, where the meal is part of the admission price. The in-house bar serves Japanese beer and umeshu (a sweet liqueur from plums), and you can leave suitcases and other large luggage at the venue during the show, making it easy to visit on your way to or from the airport. Tickets cost ¥14,000 per person, there are five shows a day, and cancellation is free up to twenty-four hours before the start of your chosen show time.
Details
| Address | 1F Hanazonocho AI Building, 1-5-1 Asahi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka |
| Hours | 5 shows daily (10:00 am/12:30 pm/3:00 pm/5:30 pm/8:00 pm), 90 minutes each |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Official Website | https://sumowrestlingshow.jp/ |
| Recommended For | Travelers staying in Osaka; those who want to step into the ring and face a former professional sumo wrestler; those who want the freedom to choose where to eat |
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.
Things to Do in Asakusa on the Same Day as a Sumo Show at Asakusa Sumo Club
Asakusa Sumo Club’s shows start at 12 pm or later, leaving free time in the morning and before and after your show. In this section, we’ll introduce three Asakusa experiences that can be enjoyed together with a sumo show on the same day.
Senso-ji Walking Tour
To make use of the morning, consider Japan Guide Stars’ “Tokyo: Asakusa & Sensoji ー Oldest Temple Walking Tour (2hrs).” You’ll walk around Senso-ji and Nakamise with an English-speaking guide for about two hours. Along the way, the guide explains the history of Senso-ji, said to be Tokyo’s oldest temple, and etiquette such as temizu, the act of rinsing your hands and mouth with water before praying.
Join the tour in the morning and you can head straight to the 12 pm sumo show for lunch. The meeting point at Kaminarimon Police Box is within walking distance of both Asakusa Sumo Club’s main venue and the ANNEX. Before booking your show, make sure that you’ll have enough time to get to the performance on time after the end of the tour. You can browse the full list of Japan Guide Stars walking tours here.
Details
| Meeting Point | In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, 1-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Duration | About 2 hours |
| What’s Included | English-guided tour of Senso-ji and Nakamise |
| Booking | https://japanguidestar.com/tour/tokyo-asakusa-sensoji-ー-oldest-temple-walking-tour-2hrs/ |
| Recommended For | Those who want to see Senso-ji efficiently before the 12:00 pm sumo show; those interested in the temple’s history |
Tokyo: Asakusa & Sensoji ー Oldest Temple Walking Tour (2hrs)
Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple • A rare place where a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine coexist • Local street food with tasting
Chopstick Making in Asakusa
If you have an hour or two free before or after your show, try Japan Guide Stars’ “Asakusa Premium Japanese Chopstick Making Workshop.” Guided by a craftsman, you’ll finish your own pair of chopsticks in about an hour.
Since meals aren’t included in the workshop, the class goes well with a sumo show at any time of the day, such as in the afternoon after the 12 pm show or before the 6 pm show. Your handmade chopsticks are sure to become a travel keepsake to go alongside the souvenir you’ll receive from Asakusa Sumo Club. If you’re looking for other Japanese cultural activities, see this list of Japanese cultural experiences.
Details
| Meeting Point | 6F TheRoom Asakusa, 1-16-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Duration | About 1 hour |
| What’s Included | Chopstick-making materials, instruction by a craftsman, English support |
| Best Time Slots | After the 12:00 pm sumo show, or early evening before the 6:00 pm show |
| Booking | https://japanguidestar.com/tour/asakusa-premium-japanese-chopstick-making-workshop/ |
| Recommended For | Those who want to use free time before or after the show; those who want to take home a keepsake they made themselves |
Asakusa Premium Japanese Chopstick Making Workshop
Choose from our exclusive premium wood collection • Experience hands-on craftsmanship by shaping and sanding your chopsticks • Learn about Japanese culture from passionate local instructors
Asakusa Food Tour
For an exploration of Asakusa’s food culture, consider Japan Guide Stars’ “Tokyo: Asakusa Guided Food Tour with 12 Dishes & 3 Drinks.” In two and a half hours, you’ll visit local izakaya (casual Japanese pubs serving drinks and food) and bars with an English-speaking guide. You’ll sample twelve dishes and three drinks, including monjayaki, yakisoba, sake, and taiyaki for dessert. The route also takes you down Hoppy Street, a strip of pubs and bars with seating spilling out into the street.
If you join this tour on the same day as a sumo show at Asakusa Sumo Club, split up your mealtimes. Either have lunch at the 12 pm show and join the food tour for dinner later in the day, or make the food tour your lunch and have dinner at the 6 pm or 8:30 pm sumo show. Either way, the chanko-nabe and the food crawl won’t overlap. Portions on the food tour are generous, so leave at least three or four hours in between each activity and fill that time with chopstick making or a stroll around Senso-ji to give your stomach a rest.
Tour times vary by date, so check the booking page. Extra food or drinks not included in the tour price need to be paid for with cash, so bring a small amount of cash with you when you participate.
Details
| Meeting Point | In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, 1-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Duration | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| What’s Included | 12 dishes, 3 drinks, English-speaking guide |
| Booking | https://japanguidestar.com/tour/tokyo-asakusa-food-tour-12-dishes-3-drinks/ |
| Recommended For | Those who want to enjoy food in Asakusa; those who want to visit local izakaya with an English-speaking guide |
See the full list of Japan Guide Stars food tours. To search beyond Asakusa, also check the list of Tokyo tours.
Tokyo: Asakusa Guided Food Tour with 12 Dishes & 3 Drinks
12 unique Japanese dishes for the first time • Sake bars loved by locals • A stroll through Hoppy Street
Tokyo: Asakusa & Sensoji ー Oldest Temple Walking Tour (2hrs)
Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple • A rare place where a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine coexist • Local street food with tasting
Common Questions About Asakusa Sumo Club
Visitors often ask the following questions when making a reservation at Asakusa Sumo Club.
Is Asakusa Sumo Club a Real Sumo Stable?
No. Asakusa Sumo Club isn’t a Japan Sumo Association stable where wrestlers live and train. Asakusa Sumo Club is a restaurant where former professional wrestlers perform shows.
Can I Bring Children to the Show?
Yes. The main venue offers child admission for children under age twelve, and the ANNEX offers admission for children ages two to eleven. The ANNEX’s official website doesn’t state admission conditions for children under two years, so if you’re bringing an infant, contact the venue before booking. The 8:30 pm show ends at 10:30 pm, so families with small children might find the 12 pm or 3 pm shows to be a better fit with bedtimes.
Can I Take Photos with the Athletes?
Yes. After the show, there’s time to take photos in the ring with the performers. At the ANNEX, you can also have your photo taken wearing a replica sumo belt.
Are Vegetarian Meals Available?
Yes. The main venue prepares vegan and vegetarian meals if you request them when booking, and the ANNEX also offers a vegetarian menu. Make your requests at least two days in advance. The main venue can’t accommodate gluten-free diets, however, so if you can’t eat gluten, contact the restaurant before booking.
Choose Between the Main Venue and ANNEX at Asakusa Sumo Club
Asakusa Sumo Club is a sumo entertainment restaurant in Asakusa where you can enjoy chanko-nabe while watching former professional sumo wrestlers perform matches and rituals right before your eyes. The main venue stages its performances on the ground floor for easy access and offers a meal of chanko-nabe with a rich broth. The ANNEX venue, on the other hand, offers sukiyaki and unlimited drinks with the chanko-nabe, depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Food offerings and seating differ by venue, so confirm these differences before you make your reservation.
Evening shows and weekends fill up early, so once your travel dates are set, book through the official website or a booking site without delay. Walk around Senso-ji in the morning, eat chanko-nabe in front of a sumo ring at lunch, and explore pubs in Asakusa in the evening to experience multiple cultural experiences in one day.
Tokyo: Asakusa & Sensoji ー Oldest Temple Walking Tour (2hrs)
Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple • A rare place where a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine coexist • Local street food with tasting
Asakusa Premium Japanese Chopstick Making Workshop
Choose from our exclusive premium wood collection • Experience hands-on craftsmanship by shaping and sanding your chopsticks • Learn about Japanese culture from passionate local instructors
