Watch the Grand Sumo January Tournament 2026 at Tokyo’s iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Experience the intensity, tradition, and atmosphere of Japan’s most prestigious sumo event.
A rare opportunity to witness live sumo at its peak in the heart of Tokyo.
Tour Overview: Grand Sumo January Tournament Experience
Experience Japan’s national sport at its most exciting moment — the Grand Sumo January Tournament held at Tokyo’s historic Ryogoku Kokugikan.
This special plan allows you to watch official sumo matches from comfortable Chair A seats, followed by a traditional chanko-nabe dinner, the hearty hot pot famously eaten by sumo wrestlers.
Taking place only once a year, this limited winter event offers a rare opportunity to enjoy both sumo culture and Japanese food traditions in one unforgettable evening.
About the Grand Sumo January Tournament (Hatsu Basho)
The January Tournament, known as Hatsu Basho, is the first official grand sumo tournament of the year and is held every January in Tokyo.
In January 2026, this tournament is especially notable, as both East and West Yokozuna are scheduled to compete — a rare and highly anticipated occurrence not seen in several years.
Top-ranked wrestlers, newly promoted stars, and fierce title contenders all come together, creating an atmosphere filled with tension, excitement, and tradition.
From the ceremonial entrances to the decisive final bouts, the January Tournament is considered one of the most prestigious and popular events in the sumo calendar.
Sumo Viewing at Ryogoku Kokugikan (Chair A Seats)
Ryogoku Kokugikan is the spiritual home of professional sumo and the main venue for official tournaments in Japan.
With Chair A seating, you can enjoy an excellent balance of comfort and clear views of the ring, allowing you to fully appreciate the power, technique, and rituals of each match.
The unique atmosphere — the calls of the referees, the tension before each bout, and the reactions of the crowd — can only be experienced inside the arena and makes live sumo viewing truly unforgettable.
Chanko-Nabe Dinner After the Matches
After the sumo tournament, the experience continues with a chanko-nabe dinner at a local restaurant in the Ryogoku area.
Chanko-nabe is a traditional hot pot dish closely associated with sumo wrestlers, designed to be nutritious, warming, and deeply satisfying.
Enjoying this meal after the matches allows you to reflect on the bouts of the day while experiencing an essential part of sumo food culture.
This dinner completes the experience, transforming sumo from something you simply watch into something you truly taste and remember.
Event Details
Date
Friday, January 23, 2026
Meeting Time & Place
2:00 PM at “EDO NOREN”, next to JR Ryogoku Station
Venue
- Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Tournament)
- Restaurant near Ryogoku area (Chanko-nabe dinner)
Schedule Overview
Tour ends after dinner
Watch official sumo matches at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Move to chanko-nabe dinner venue after the tournament
▶ Ready to experience sumo like never before?
This limited January event offers a rare chance to witness top-level sumo and enjoy authentic chanko-nabe in one seamless experience.
Seats are limited and available only for this date.
👉 Click below to secure your spot today.
▶ Book Now
（Grand Sumo January Tournament in Tokyo）
Enjoy the First Grand Sumo Tournament of the Year at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Watch the first Grand Sumo tournament of the year (Hatsu-basho) at the home of sumo, Ryogoku Kokugikan. From Arena A seats you can feel the power and tension of the rikishi right in front of you.
Both the East and West yokozuna are scheduled to appear, and the bouts featuring the new ōzeki against the two yokozuna will be one of the biggest highlights of the tournament.
The 13th day of the basho often features many decisive and dramatic matches, so you can expect an especially exciting day of sumo.
After the tournament, you will enjoy a special hot pot dinner at Chanko Kirishima Ryogoku Main Restaurant, a famous chanko-nabe restaurant loved by many sumo fans.
Itinerary
Meeting place:
JR Chūō–Sōbu Line “Ryogoku” Station, next to Edo NOREN
Meeting time: 14:00
- 14:10 – Walk to Ryogoku Kokugikan and enter the arena (guidance to 2nd floor Arena A seats)
- 15:40 – Watch the Makuuchi ring-entering ceremony
- 18:00 – Sumo watching ends, leave the arena
- 18:40 – Arrive at Chanko Kirishima Ryogoku Main Restaurant
- 19:00–21:00 – Chanko hot pot and Japanese dinner
Tour ends: Around 21:00 (tour ends on site)
Tour Overview
| Date | January 23, 2026 (Fri) |
| Time | 14:00 – 21:00 |
| Tour Price | 23,800 JPY (tax included) |
| Included | Sumo ticket (Arena A seat), tournament leaflet / program, chanko hot pot and Japanese dinner, consumption tax |
| Not Included | Additional drinks, personal expenses, transportation to and from the meeting / ending point |
| Group Size | Maximum 0 participants (Fully booked) |
Cancellation Policy
- Up to 15 days before the tour: No charge
- 14–7 days before: 20% of the tour price
- 6–2 days before: 30% of the tour price
- 1 day before: 50% of the tour price
- On the day of the tour / no-show: 100% of the tour price