Ryogoku sumo culture and history tour with chanko-nabe lunch
Overview
Discover the history of sumo while visiting sumo-related landmarks in Ryogoku and enjoy a chanko-nabe lunch on this small-group tour led by a sumo expert guide.
Highlights
- Have lunch at one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in Ryogoku
- Visit sumo-related landmarks and discover the history of sumo
- Enjoy the nutrient hot-pot dish eaten by sumo wrestlers
This small-group tour led by a sumo expert guide gives you a chance to get to know all about sumo history and culture and sumo wrestlers' daily lives. While you may or may not have a chance to see real sumo bouts during your stay in Japan, this tour will prime you with all the background knowledge to increase your joy of watching sumo, be it in Japan or back home.
Enjoy a walking tour around Ryogoku, a sumo town. Visit sumo-related landmarks and learn how sumo started and developed over 1600 years. Look at sumo stables from the outside where sumo wrestlers live and train and learn from your knowledgeable guide what their life and career look like plus get answers to any sumo-related questions.
Next, you'll have lunch at one of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in Ryogoku. This nutrient hot-pot dish is the centerpiece of sumo wrestlers' diet to gain weight and muscles to build their bodies. Eating from the same hot-pot dish ferments a sense of solidarity and teamwork. It is not accidental that chankonabe has become the mainstay of the wrestlers' regimen.
This activity does not include actual watching of sumo bouts.
What's included
- Lunch
- Guided walking tour
- Alcoholic drinks (can be purchased on site)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Meeting & pickup
Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Sta. (E12) A3 Exit on the ground. Please note that there are two Ryogoku Stations: Toei and JR. It should be Toei but NOT JR.
Additional info
Know in advance:
- the tour does not entail viewing sumo practice or matches, since its focus is to get to know a broad array of things about sumo to increase the joy of watching either in Japan or back home
- the prices indicated are per person. If you are a group of 2 or more people you must choose the option "2 or more adults" and increase the quantity according to the total number of participants, up to a max of 8
- children up to 5 years old can participate in this tour for free. However, they will not be served lunch at the restaurant
Remember to bring:
- since the tour entails a moderate amount of walking, you should wear comfortable shoes
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts for a full refund.
Questions
Have a question?
Our team is happy to help before you book — reach out any time.
