Sumo Wrestling Kyoto: A Complete Guide to Watch, Experience, and Taste
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, a 1,500-year-old living tradition where ancient ritual meets raw athletic power. While Tokyo often comes to mind when thinking of sumo wrestling, the ancient capital of Kyoto holds its own profound connection to this revered tradition. From imperial court sumo performed before emperors to Kyoto’s signature chanko-nabe and sacred shrine rituals that continue to this day, the city preserves a unique sumo heritage.
This guide explores three ways to experience sumo wrestling in Kyoto:
- Watch: Annual tours and performances by former wrestlers
- Experience: Step into the ring wearing a mawashi belt
- Taste: Savor chanko-nabe, the traditional wrestler’s meal
You’ll find detailed information on viewing spots, experience facilities, and chanko restaurants, plus essential etiquette and manners. We’ve included thorough explanations designed specifically for international visitors, even those new to sumo.
Additionally, we cover sumo spots in nearby Osaka (just 30 minutes from Kyoto), including March tournaments, authentic training facilities, and renowned restaurants. Choose the experience that best fits your travel style.
Contents
- What to Know Before Experiencing Sumo in Kyoto
- Where to Watch and Experience Sumo Wrestling in Kyoto
- Where to Taste Sumo Food Culture in Kyoto
- Day Trip to Osaka: More Sumo Adventures Await
- Choosing Your Sumo Experience in Kyoto by Purpose
- Etiquette to Know for Sumo Experiences
- Your Sumo Wrestling Adventure in Kyoto Starts Here
What to Know Before Experiencing Sumo in Kyoto
Understanding the culture and history behind sumo will transform your experience from mere observation into something truly meaningful. Learning about the spiritual essence woven into sumo by Japanese culture and its deep connection to Kyoto will multiply the depth of your appreciation.
Sumo Basics: Understanding Japan’s National Sport
The rules of sumo are beautifully simple—no language barrier here. The winning condition is straightforward: force your opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body except the soles of their feet touch the ground. That’s it.
Unlike boxing, sumo has no weight classes. Watching a smaller wrestler use technique and speed to topple a giant is one of the greatest thrills in sumo.
Pay attention to the rituals before each bout. These are sacred ceremonies. When wrestlers throw salt into the ring, they’re purifying the space and making it sacred. White salt crystals arc through the air, catching the light as they scatter across the clay ring. It’s a beautiful, photogenic moment that marks the transition from ordinary space to sacred ground.
The shiko (leg stomping) involves lifting the leg high and stomping down forcefully to drive away evil spirits lurking beneath the earth. Every gesture carries deep meaning.
Kyoto’s Unique Sumo Culture
You might think “Tokyo for sumo,” but Kyoto actually shares a profound historical connection with the sport. As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto hosted imperial court sumo over 1,200 years ago during the Heian period, where wrestlers performed before the emperor.
This tradition lives on in modern Kyoto. Visitors can touch its essence.
The annual autumn Grand Sumo Tournament brings professional wrestlers to Kyoto in a more relaxed touring atmosphere than official competitions. The historic city also offers authentic sumo experience programs led by former professional wrestlers.
In food culture, the chicken broth-based soy sauce style of chanko-nabe is said to have originated in Kyoto. Experience the traditional flavor at its birthplace.
What Are Kyoto’s Traditional “Shinji Sumo” Rituals?
Kyoto’s shrines still preserve the original meaning of sumo as an offering to the gods. This is called Shinji Sumo (ritual sumo). In these ceremonies, wrestlers don’t just compete for strength. They serve as intermediaries praying for regional peace and bountiful harvests.
Unlike competitive sumo, ritual sumo emphasizes harmony and prayer over victory. Kyoto’s shrines continue to uphold this spirit, and visitors can observe these traditional events.
The spirit of ritual sumo carries into tourist experience programs. Through activities like throwing salt and performing shiko, you can feel the reverence and respect for nature that Japanese people have cherished for centuries.
Three Ways to Enjoy Sumo in Kyoto
Kyoto offers three distinct approaches to sumo wrestling. Choose what fits your travel style.
1. Watch
Observe the annual Kyoto tour or performances by former wrestlers. Perfect for those who want to feel the raw power, love photography, or enjoy cultural observation. Experience the heavy thud of colliding bodies and an electric atmosphere. While Kyoto tours happen in autumn, performances are available year-round.
2. Experience
Wear a simplified mawashi-style suit or belt and face a former professional wrestler in the ring. Ideal for active travelers and families wanting special memories. Feel the power and technique that watching alone can’t convey. Former wrestlers are entertainers who guide you safely and enjoyably.
3. Taste
Enjoy chanko-nabe, the wrestler’s meal, at specialty restaurants. Suited for food culture enthusiasts and those preferring relaxed experiences. Admire photos and decorative mawashi displayed in restaurants while connecting with the world of sumo through cuisine. Perfect if intense physical activity isn’t your preference.
Where to Watch and Experience Sumo Wrestling in Kyoto
Unlike Tokyo, opportunities to see real wrestlers in Kyoto are limited, making each encounter all the more special. Below, you’ll find information about the autumn “official tour (public viewing)” and year-round “private special performances (chartered experiences).” Find what matches your schedule and budget.
Grand Sumo Kyoto Tour
If a tour coincides with your travel dates, you’re incredibly lucky. This event brings professional Grand Sumo wrestlers to Kyoto. While not held every year, when it happens, it’s a rare chance to see authentic sumo up close.
Tours differ from official tournaments, offering a festival-like atmosphere focused on fan interaction. Held in gymnasiums, the ring feels closer than in massive stadiums. Beyond competitive matches, enjoy entertainment like Shokkiri (comedic demonstration of forbidden moves) and wrestlers singing.
Tour announcements come several months in advance. Check the schedule before your trip.
Details
| Event Name | Grand Sumo Tournament in Kyoto (Tour) |
| Schedule | Irregularly held |
| Venue | Kataoka Arena Kyoto (Kyoto City Gymnasium) and others |
| Recommended For | Those wanting to feel authentic power, visiting Kyoto in mid-October |
Oharano Shrine “Kami-Sumo”
At the ancient Oharano Shrine in western Kyoto, a ritual sumo ceremony called Kami-Sumo takes place every September during the harvest festival. This tradition spans over 300 years, with community representatives dressed as wrestlers entering the ring.
What’s unique: the outcome is predetermined. As a sacred ritual praying for abundant harvests, divine harmony is preserved by ensuring each bout ends in a “one win, one loss” draw. You can witness sumo’s original form—not as combat, but as a prayer for peace and harmony offered to the gods.
Facility Information
| Location | 1152 Minamikasuga-cho, Oharano, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 10-minute walk from Minamikasuga-cho bus stop (city bus/Hankyu bus) |
| Schedule | Second Sunday of September annually |
| Admission | Free |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Recommended For | Those wanting to see traditional Japanese festivals (Matsuri), photography enthusiasts |
Kyoto Sumo Tour Viewing Package
“I know a tour is happening, but I don’t know how to get tickets” or “I’m worried about understanding the rules.” If this sounds like you, joining a viewing tour organized by the Kyoto Tourist Information Center is your best option.
No worries about language or arrangements. A dedicated guide accompanies you, carefully explaining match rules, ritual meanings, and wrestler profiles. Enjoy sumo viewing during the day, then explore the Gion area with your guide in the evening. It’s an efficient plan combining sumo and Kyoto sightseeing in one day. Traditional makunouchi bento (compartmented lunch box) is often included, eliminating meal planning concerns.
In years when tours are held, this is the most stress-free way to enjoy the experience.
Former Wrestler Sumo Performance (Motenas Japan)
Perfect for group trips, special private parties, or creating anniversary memories. This mobile performance brings former wrestlers to your chosen location (hotel banquet halls, event spaces, etc.) rather than visiting a fixed facility.
Plans are fully customizable to your requests. Watch professionals clash in a private setting. Incorporate workshops where all participants perform shiko together or representatives challenge the wrestlers. You can also request authentic chanko-nabe catering.
Pricing is quote-based, but it creates a truly unique experience.
Details
| Service Name | Sumo Performance by Motenas Japan |
| Location | On-site service (Kyoto city hotels, etc.) |
| Budget | Quote required (for groups/private bookings) |
| Language | English-speaking staff available |
| Recommended For | Groups wanting private experiences, those seeking something special |
Where to Taste Sumo Food Culture in Kyoto
Kyoto’s sumo experience doesn’t end when you leave the ring. To truly understand what builds those legendary physiques, you need to taste chanko-nabe—the hearty hot pot that’s fueled champions for generations.
Chanko-nabe features chicken meatballs, fish, tofu, and heaps of vegetables simmered in broth in a large pot. This nutritionally balanced hot pot combining vegetables, meat, and fish supports the rigorous training of wrestlers.
Kyoto offers many specialty restaurants, from venerable establishments over 50 years old to casual spots. Particularly, Sop-nabe (a light, Kyoto-style chanko hot pot) said to originate in Kyoto features a chicken-and-soy-sauce-based soup accessible to first-timers.
Traditional Favorites: Where Generations Have Eaten
These establishments have preserved traditional sumo flavors for generations. Experience chanko-nabe untouched by trends.
Kyoto’s standard is Sop-nabe. Golden soy sauce-based soup made from slowly simmered chicken broth combines with chicken meatballs and fresh vegetables. Rich, savory umami coats your palate before melting away with a surprisingly clean finish. The warmth spreads through your body with each sip, making you want to drain every last drop.
The time spent around a bubbling pot in a calm Japanese space becomes an experience of Japanese food culture itself.
Chanko Sakahoko
This long-established chanko specialty restaurant has been loved in Kyoto’s Kiyamachi area since 1966. Their signature Sop-daki features secret-recipe broth made from slowly simmered chicken bones. Dine in a renovated Kyoto machiya townhouse while feeling the city’s history.
Details
| Name | Chanko Sakahoko (ちゃんこ逆鉾) |
| Hours | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Address | 203-5 Shimokobiki-cho, Takoyakushi-sagaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station Exit 5 4-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station Exit 3 |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Recommended For | Those wanting authentic flavors, groups |
Sumojaya Ikoro
Located in Maruyama Park adjacent to Yasaka Shrine, this restaurant offers completely private rooms where you can dine while gazing at a tranquil garden. Perfect for spending luxurious time on special occasions.
Details
| Name | Sumojaya Ikoro (相撲茶屋 いころ) |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Closed | New Year holidays |
| Address | 350 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | About 10-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted, electronic money accepted |
| Recommended For | Special occasion dinners, those preferring quiet dining |
Casual & Convenient: Easy Access Options
To use limited travel time effectively, choose conveniently located restaurants. The bustling downtown area offers chanko restaurants that are easy to drop by during sightseeing while serving authentic flavors.
Tourist-friendly spots make ordering easy. Most provide English menus and photo guides, perfect for first-timers.
Sumojaya NAGOMI
This popular restaurant is run by a former wrestler. Located in the Shichijo area within walking distance of Kyoto Station, access is excellent. With lunch service available, you can easily enjoy “wrestler’s food” between sightseeing. The interior displays photos from the owner’s active days and ranking charts, bringing the world of sumo closer.
Details
| Name | Sumojaya NAGOMI (相撲茶屋 和) |
| Hours | Tue-Fri 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sat-Sun-Holidays 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Address | 479 Wakamiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 2-minute walk from Keihan Shichijo Station |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted |
| Recommended For | Those seeking station proximity, solo travelers, lunch use, families |
Kyochanko Edojimanbeya
Located in Kiyamachi, Kyoto’s nightlife center, the interior displays wrestler handprints and decorative mawashi for enjoying the atmosphere of sumo. Completely private rooms let you celebrate without concern for surroundings. The convenient downtown location makes it perfect for post-sightseeing dinner.
Details
| Name | Kyochanko Edojimanbeya (京ちゃんこ 江戸自慢部屋) |
| Hours | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Address | 215 Nabeyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 1-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted, electronic money accepted, QR payment accepted |
| Recommended For | Those wanting downtown dining, izakaya experience seekers, groups |
Local Favorites: Neighborhood Atmosphere
“I want to avoid tourist-heavy restaurants” or “I want to go where locals eat.” For you, we recommend establishments in areas slightly removed from tourist zones. Hidden gems nestled in residential neighborhoods offer unpretentious charm.
You can order chanko-nabe from single portions, making solo travelers comfortable. Diverse soup options including salt, miso, and kimchi let you choose your preferred flavor. Enjoy Kyoto’s relaxed, everyday side.
Chankoya Ozeki
Loved for over 30 years in the Saiin area away from tourist spots, this restaurant offers authentic hot pot at reasonable prices in a homey atmosphere. Recommended for those wanting to dine among locals.
Details
| Name | Chankoya Ozeki (ちゃんこや 大関) |
| Hours | 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Address | 19-21 Mibudonouchi-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Hankyu Saiin Station |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted |
| Recommended For | Budget-conscious diners, local experience seekers |
Chanko Shinkawa
This authentic restaurant continues to be loved by locals. With dedicated parking, car access is convenient. Beyond carefully crafted hot pot soup, extensive side dishes let you enjoy Japanese izakaya culture simultaneously.
Details
| Name | Chanko Shinkawa (ちゃんこ しん川) |
| Hours | 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Address | 70-1 Higashikujo Yagishita-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto |
| Access | 1-minute walk from Kujo Station (subway) |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted |
| Recommended For | Those preferring local atmosphere, solo travelers, those traveling by car |
Day Trip to Osaka: More Sumo Adventures Await
If your itinerary allows, consider extending slightly from Kyoto to Osaka. Just 30 minutes by train, Osaka is western Japan’s sumo center.
Osaka hosts an official tournament every March, plus year-round experience facilities and numerous chanko restaurants run by former wrestlers. Check out these Osaka sumo spots you can enjoy as a day trip from Kyoto.
Watching Sumo in Osaka: Grand Sumo Tournament
If you’re traveling in March, head to Osaka. During this period, the official Spring Tournament (Haru-Basho) takes place. This is a genuine competitive arena where wrestlers’ rankings are determined.
This 15-day official tournament happens every March. The highlight begins around 4:00 PM with makuuchi-level wrestlers. Experience colorful mawashi-clad wrestlers entering, yokozuna performing solemn rituals, the breathless tension filling the venue, and thunderous cheers when matches conclude.
However, tickets are extremely difficult to obtain, often selling out immediately after release. Check the official website for sale dates and purchase the moment sales begin, or use ticketed viewing tours.
Basic Information
| Location | Edion Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) |
|---|---|
| Access | 5-minute walk from Namba Station (various lines) |
| Schedule | Every March (15 days) |
| Price Range | Chair seats from ¥3,500 / Box seats from ¥8,500 |
Experiencing Sumo in Osaka
Ready to feel 300 pounds of pure muscle? For active travelers, nothing beats the thrill of wearing a mawashi and stepping into the ring yourself. Osaka offers everything from English-friendly casual experiences to authentic training facilities with real rings.
Sumo Studio Osaka
Learn about sumo culture in English from former professional wrestlers and challenge yourself in the ring at this popular spot. The “former wrestlers” here are genuine professional athletes. They belonged to the Japan Sumo Association, an extremely selective group with only about 600 members nationwide.
The 90-minute live show proceeds systematically. First, you’ll watch powerful matches between former wrestlers up close. Then, your guide explains rituals like shiko, salt throwing, and tachiai, all in English. The highlight is the participatory challenge where audience members step into the ring to push against or grapple with former wrestlers. Feeling the immovable “human wall” creates unforgettable travel memories. Conclude with photo opportunities and Q&A with the wrestlers.
The location is outstanding: 10 seconds’ walk from Hanazono-cho Station Exit 4. Access from Osaka Station (Umeda) takes about 16 minutes, from Namba about 10 minutes. Five daily sessions let you fit participation into your schedule.
Facility Information
| Location | AI Building, 1-5-1 Asahi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka |
| Access | 10-second walk from Hanazono-cho Station Exit 4 (subway) 5-minute walk from Haginochaya Station (Koya Line) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Price Range | ¥14,000 |
| Recommended For | Those wanting direct wrestler interaction, learning sumo culture deeply in English |
Active Square Daito
Experience training on an authentic ring using the same soil as Ryogoku Kokugikan. Wear an actual mawashi, step into the ring, and learn basic movements like shiko and suriashi.
This authentic experience of training barefoot on the soil like wrestlers suits those interested in martial arts and Japanese cultural experiences, and those seeking deeper involvement.
Facility Information
| Location | 3-28-3 Fukano, Daito City, Osaka |
| Access | About 5-minute walk from JR Nozaki Station (Gakken Toshi Line) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed | Year-end/New Year holidays |
| Price Range | From ¥8,800 |
| Recommended For | Those wanting authentic ring exercise, martial arts experience enthusiasts |
Immersing in Sumo Culture in Osaka
Rather than intense experiences, prefer immersing in culture at leisure? Tour historical spots, observe morning training, or visit chanko restaurants. Enjoy the history, spirituality, and delicious food of sumo at your own pace.
Ohama Park Sumo Hall
This indoor sumo hall holds over 100 years of history as the “birthplace of student sumo.” The weathered retro architecture stands quietly in the park, its aged wooden frame and dusty ring carrying a sacred stillness worlds apart from the roar of professional tournaments.
Experience traditional rituals like salt throwing under former wrestler guidance, touching the spiritual essence of sumo in the silence. Recommended for those interested in history and architecture.
Facility Information
| Location | 4-2 Ohamakita-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka |
| Access | 10-minute walk from Sakai Station (Nankai Main Line) |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Closed | First Monday of each month, Year-end/New Year holidays |
| Fee | ¥22,000 |
| Recommended For | Those interested in sumo history and culture, wanting to see inside a sumo hall |
Morning Training Observation (March Only)
During tournament periods, quietly observe wrestlers’ early morning intense training. This precious opportunity touches the “authentic” side behind the glamorous ring.
Using English-guided tours ensures safe observation while respecting manners. The heavy collision sounds and labored breathing create deeply impressive moments.
Chanko Restaurant Tour
Osaka features authentic chanko restaurants run by former wrestlers. Interiors often display photos from active days and decorative mawashi, letting you feel the world of sumo while dining.
Sumojaya Terao Osaka (Umeda)
Made with secret family recipes passed down through former sekiwake Terao’s family (the late Shikoroyama-oyakata). The soy sauce-based soup is light yet deeply flavorful, combining chicken broth and rich vegetable umami.
| Location | 2-4-6 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Station 3-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station (subway) |
| Hours | Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM / Dinner 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Budget | From ¥4,000 |
| Recommended For | Those enjoying traditional soy sauce flavor, groups wanting calm private rooms |
Sumo Kitchen Saganoboro (Namba)
This chanko restaurant is run by former makuuchi wrestler Saganoboro. The signature salt chanko features yuzu kosho for a refined flavor with select ingredients.
| Location | 2-4-6 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka |
| Access | 2-minute walk from Namba Station (subway) |
| Hours | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Budget | From ¥4,000 |
| Recommended For | Those wanting sophisticated dining, special dinners |
Chanko Izakaya Taichizan (Umeda)
This izakaya is run solo by former wrestler Taichizan. The rare “individual pot” style lets solo travelers drop by easily. Chat with the owner across the counter while hearing sumo stories.
| Location | Osaka Ekimae Dai-2 Building B2F, 1-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka |
| Access | 3-minute walk from JR Kita-Shinchi Station |
| Hours | 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Closed | Thursdays, Sundays |
| Budget | From ¥3,000 |
| Recommended For | Solo travelers, those wanting authentic flavors affordably |
Access from Kyoto to Osaka
Kyoto to Osaka is extremely close, perfect for day trips. Here are the main access methods. Choose based on your destination.
Using JR: The Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line takes about 30 minutes from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station for ¥580. No transfers, smooth journey. Frequent service is convenient.
Using Shinkansen: The Tokaido Shinkansen takes about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. Fare is ¥1,450 (unreserved seat). Recommended for time-savers and JR Pass holders. Transfer to subway from Shin-Osaka to downtown Osaka.
Using Private Railways: Hankyu Railway takes about 45 minutes from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Osaka-Umeda Station. Keihan Railway takes about 50 minutes from Gion-Shijo Station to Yodoyabashi Station.
Choosing Your Sumo Experience in Kyoto by Purpose
As introduced, Kyoto offers diverse ways to enjoy sumo culture. For those wondering “which should I choose,” here are the best options by purpose. Find what matches your travel style.
1. Casually Touch Sumo Culture While Sightseeing
“Temples and shrines are my main focus, but I’d like to touch sumo culture too.” For you, restaurants near tourist spots or short-duration spots work best. Experience the essence of sumo efficiently without spending time traveling.
Recommended Options
- Sumojaya NAGOMI: 2-minute walk from Keihan Shichijo Station with lunch service, easy to visit between sightseeing
- Chanko Sakahoko: 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, long-established spot in atmospheric Kiyamachi
- Sumojaya Ikoro: 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, completely private rooms in Maruyama Park for quiet dining
- Kyochanko Edojimanbeya: 1-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station, open late for post-sightseeing dinner convenience
2. Deeply Learn Authentic Sumo Culture
“I want to understand not just watching, but the history and spirituality.” For you, tours with expert guides or programs with direct former wrestler instruction fit best. Touch the essence of why sumo is called a “ritual.”
Recommended Options
- Kyoto Sumo Tour (KTIC): English guides carefully explain sumo history, rules, wrestler profiles, reassuring for first-timers
- Motenas Japan: Private performances by former wrestlers at your chosen location with bout demonstrations and training experiences. Customizable with English-speaking staff
- Chanko Sakahoko: Long-established since 1966, savor traditional Sop-daki flavors
3. Leisurely Enjoy Kyoto’s Traditional Food Culture
“I want to feel culture through delicious food without intense exercise.” For you, chanko restaurants are perfect. Experiencing traditional flavors like Sop-nabe suits sophisticated Kyoto travel.
Recommended Options
- Chanko Sakahoko: Since 1966, enjoy Kyoto-origin Sop-daki in an atmospheric machiya building
- Sumojaya Ikoro: Completely private rooms for leisurely dining while gazing at gardens, perfect for special occasions and celebrations
- Kyochanko Edojimanbeya: Kawaramachi downtown location, open late, accepts credit cards, electronic money, and QR payment
- Chankoya Ozeki: Over 30 years in Saiin area with homey atmosphere, recommended for mixing with locals
4. Create Fun Memories with Family or Friends
For family or friend trips, choose conveniently accessible spots everyone can enjoy.
Recommended Options
- Sumojaya NAGOMI: 2-minute walk from Keihan Shichijo Station with lunch service, easy to visit between sightseeing
- Kyochanko Edojimanbeya: 1-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station, open late, accepts credit cards, electronic money, and QR payment for convenience
- Motenas Japan: Mobile performances by former wrestlers at your chosen location for bout demonstrations and experiences, with English-speaking staff for reassurance
- Grand Sumo Kyoto Tour: Annual special event to watch powerful real wrestler bouts
Etiquette to Know for Sumo Experiences
The world of sumo values respect and safety. Following rules lets you share the sacred tension. While it might feel formal, these practices all serve to protect wrestlers, other spectators, and the sacred space.
Foreign visitors often miss these etiquette points.
Viewing Manners
Sumo is decided in an instant. Important rules exist to avoid disturbing wrestlers’ extreme concentration.
Pay particular attention to these points:
- No Flash Photography: Camera flashes can blind wrestlers and cause serious injury, strictly forbidden
- Remain Seated During Bouts: Standing in excitement blocks others’ views. Always cheer while seated
- Silence at Tachiai: When the referee raises the gunbai and wrestlers place fists on the ground, the entire venue falls silent. Refrain from loud voices and watch with bated breath
While excited spectators once threw seat cushions, this is now prohibited as dangerous. For wonderful matches, send enthusiastic applause rather than throwing objects.
Experience Facility Manners
When participating in programs where you step into the ring, safety matters as much as enjoyment. Unprepared experiences can cause injury when facing wrestlers.
For preparation, bring comfortable T-shirts and shorts. Remove all rings, earrings, necklaces, and watches. They could injure you or your partner. Never participate after drinking alcohol.
During experiences, always follow former wrestler instructors’ directions. The ring is considered sacred space, so bow lightly before stepping up and after stepping down. Imitate what you see and experience Japan’s spirit of respect.
With proper preparation and manners, you’ll have a safe, enjoyable, unforgettable experience.
Chanko Restaurant Manners
Chanko restaurants offer more than delicious food. They’re places to experience Japanese hot pot culture. The style of everyone sharing one large pot has its own rules.
When transferring ingredients from the pot to your plate, use provided serving chopsticks or ladles, never your own chopsticks. This is for hygiene.
Even for wonderful service, tipping is unnecessary. Just pay the bill amount. Instead, saying “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) when leaving is appreciated.
Popular restaurants and private rooms fill quickly, so advance reservations are recommended. Following these basic manners ensures comfortable, enjoyable dining for staff and other customers alike.
Interacting with Wrestlers
Encountering wrestlers on the street or at events, you’ll be amazed by their size and want photos. Many wrestlers are friendly to fans, but remember they’re athletes living in a world of serious competition.
When wanting photos, always ask permission first. Unauthorized photography is rude. Avoid approaching during training or pre-match movement when they’re concentrating. Fan service time during tours or after events is appropriate timing.
Also, the wrestlers’ topknot (mage) is sacred and must never be touched.
Wrestlers value fan interaction, but don’t forget to respect their dignity as athletes. Respectful engagement creates wonderful memorable exchanges.
Photography Rules
Creating personal travel memories is generally fine, but some places have strict rules. The following acts are prohibited as they violate safety and rights. Always observe them:
- Flash: Universally prohibited everywhere as it can blind wrestlers and cause injury. Check your settings
- Occupying Space: Going right up to the ring and standing, or blocking aisles with tripods
- Live Streaming or Commercial Use: Broadcasting matches on YouTube or selling recorded footage
- Privacy Invasion: Posting photos clearly showing other spectators’ faces on social media without permission
These rules ensure everyone can enjoy sumo safely and comfortably. Following manners while photographing lets you capture wonderful photos that become lifelong memories.
Your Sumo Wrestling Adventure in Kyoto Starts Here
Kyoto is a special place to enjoy sumo wrestling through three dimensions: watching, experiencing, and tasting.
Feel real wrestlers’ power at annual tours and shrine dedication sumo. Have precious experiences wearing mawashi and stepping into the ring under former wrestler guidance. Savor wrestlers’ food culture at long-established chanko restaurants.
Sumo, with over 1,500 years of history, is not mere sport but culture condensing Japanese spirituality and aesthetics. Ritual sacredness, wrestlers’ decorum, traditional flavors: all these can be tasted more deeply in Kyoto, a city where history and tradition coexist.
Imperial court sumo traditions continuing from the Heian period, Kyoto-origin Sop-nabe, and ritual sumo still preserved at shrines. Kyoto maintains unique sumo culture distinct from Tokyo.
Choose the optimal enjoyment from viewing, experiencing, and dining to match your travel style. Limited time? Try station-area chanko lunch. Want deep learning? Choose English-guided tours. Want special memories? Select private experiences with former wrestlers.
While following the manners and etiquette introduced in this guide, touch Kyoto’s unique sumo wrestling culture. It will become an unforgettable memory.
From ancient rituals to modern thrills, your sumo wrestling adventure in Kyoto awaits. Step into tradition, feel the power, taste the culture.
Enjoy your sumo experience in Kyoto!