Viator Rating : 5 (12 reviews)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
Nagoya Sumo Tournament: Culture, Tickets & Chanko Dinner!
Overview
The Sumo Tournament Experience in Nagoya offers a rare chance to see the famous Grand Sumo Tournament, held only once a year in Nagoya in July. This experience lets guests dive into the world of sumo, learning about its traditions and culture from an English-speaking sumo expert while watching exciting matches at the Sumo Tournament (Basho).
Guests will enjoy premium seating with either S-class or A-class reserved seats. A local sumo expert will guide the group, explaining the history, rules, and significance of sumo wrestling. Guests will receive helpful materials such as a sumo information pamphlet and a Banzuke-hyo, a table of rankings of the wrestlers. The tour is a join-in group experience, with a minimum of 15 guests required. If the minimum is not met, the tour will be canceled and a full refund will be given.
This experience includes service fees for securing the ticket and the option to request a vegetarian meal at least one week in advance. For an even more immersive experience, guests can choose the dinner option at a local chanko hot pot restaurant. This meal offers a taste of what sumo wrestlers eat to gain strength and energy. Please note that hotel pick-up is not included, and meals and drinks are not included unless the dinner option is selected. 
Highlights
See Sumo Wrestling Live: Watch the Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, a once-a-year event!
Learn About Sumo Culture: An English-speaking expert teaches you about sumo traditions.
Enjoy Premium Seating: Get great views of the matches with reserved S-class or A-class seats.
Eat Like a Sumo Wrestler: Opt for a chanko hot pot dinner at a local restaurant.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed getting to watch sumo wrestling live and up close.
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People liked learning about sumo history and culture from the guide.
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The reserved seating was a great perk for viewing the sumo wrestlers.
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Guests loved having the option to eat an authentic chanko hot pot.
Some guests were not sure if the vegetarian option was available.
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Some guests were not happy about the tour being canceled if there was not enough people.
The Journey
Sumo Tournament (Basho)
Experience the raw energy and deep-rooted traditions of a Sumo Tournament (Basho), the official arena for Japan's national sport. Delve into the ancient rituals, including the symbolic salt purification, that precede each bout. Secure a coveted B or C-class reserved seat for unparalleled views of the intense matches. Learn about the storied history of sumo wrestling, its legendary figures, and the cultural significance that resonates throughout Japan. Feel the ground shake as you cheer on your favorite wrestlers amidst a sea of dedicated local fans, guided by an expert who will illuminate the nuances of this captivating spectacle.
Know Before You Go
Included in the experience are a sumo information pamphlet, private tour with S-class or A-class reserved seats, an English-speaking tour guide, service fee for getting the ticket, and a Banzuke-hyo (ranking table). A vegetarian option is available upon request at least one week in advance, and a chanko hot pot dinner option can be selected. Not included is hotel pick-up, and other meals and drinks are not included unless the dinner option is chosen. The meeting point is at the Sumo Tournament (Basho).
Hot Tip
To make the most of the experience, guests should be sure to arrive early to find their seats and soak in the atmosphere before the matches begin. Consider learning a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance interactions with locals and wrestlers. Do not be afraid to ask the guide about sumo culture!
Review Summary
Customers find this experience to be a well-organized, educational, and memorable way to engage with Japanese sumo culture. Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable English-speaking guides who provide fascinating historical context and cultural insights into sumo traditions, rituals, and famous wrestlers. Positive feedback highlights the festive atmosphere, excellent seating with clear views of matches, and the opportunity to observe wrestling stars up close. A few travelers note that the experience is enhanced when arriving early to explore the venue and that second-floor seating with proper chairs is preferable to floor cushion seating. The included Chanko Nabe meal and expert commentary throughout the matches are frequently mentioned as standout elements that make the experience feel authentic and worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
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