The Lay of the Land: Understanding the Arena

Think of the arena as a giant bowl centered around the clay ring, called the dohyo. The seating radiates outwards and upwards across two main levels.

  • 1st Floor: Closer to the action, featuring traditional Japanese-style seating on cushions. You'll need to take your shoes off.
  • 2nd Floor (Balcony): Further back and higher up, offering Western-style chair seating. You can keep your shoes on.

Breaking Down the Seat Types

Here are the main seating categories you'll encounter when booking tickets for a sumo tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Seating Type Location The Vibe Comfort & Notes Price Range
Tamari (Ringside) Right next to the ring on the 1st floor. Intense & Immersive. You can hear the wrestlers breathe and feel the impact. Least Comfortable. You sit on a cushion on the floor. Eating, drinking, and photography are strictly prohibited due to the risk of wrestlers falling into the crowd. Highest. Very difficult for the general public to obtain.
Masu (Box Seats) Fills most of the 1st floor, behind the Tamari seats. Traditional & Social. Small, square "boxes" separated by low dividers. A classic sumo experience. Traditional Comfort. You sit on cushions on a raised floor. A standard box fits 4 people, but it's a tight squeeze (think sitting cross-legged or on your knees for hours). You can eat and drink freely. High to Mid-Range. Sold as a whole box, regardless of how many people use it.
Chair Seats (Arena) The entire 2nd-floor balcony. Relaxed & Panoramic. Offers a bird's-eye view of the entire arena. Great for seeing the overall strategy. Most Comfortable. Standard fold-down theater-style chairs with back support and more legroom. Perfect if you can't sit on the floor for long periods. Most Affordable. Categorized into A, B, and C based on proximity to the front of the balcony.

💡 Pro-Tip for Comfort

If you want the traditional masu experience without the cramping, book a 4-person box for just two people. You'll have plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy a "business class" sumo experience!

Knowing Your Directions: Shomen, Higashi, Nishi?

Your sumo ticket will also specify a side of the square arena. Here's what they mean for your view:

  • Shomen (Front/North): The premier view. You face the wrestlers during their pre-bout rituals and see the referee from the front. This is the main TV broadcast angle and where the Emperor's box is located.
  • Muko-jomen (Opposite Front/South): You are on the opposite side of Shomen, facing the wrestlers' backs during rituals. Often slightly easier to get tickets for.
  • Higashi (East) & Nishi (West): These are the side views. A huge perk is that the hanamichi (aisles where wrestlers enter and exit) are on these sides, giving you a fantastic up-close look as they pass by.

Which Seat is Right for You?

After understanding the different sumo seating options at Ryogoku Kokugikan, here's how to choose based on your priorities:

  • For the ultimate bucket-list experience: Go for a masu (box) seat. It's the quintessential way to watch sumo.
  • For comfort and a great overall view on a budget: Choose a chair seat (Category A or B) on the second floor. Your back and knees will thank you!
  • For photography enthusiasts: Seats on the East or West sides offer dramatic profile shots of the bouts and excellent opportunities to capture the wrestlers' grand entrances.

Official Seating Resources

For the most up-to-date official seating information, consult the Ryogoku Kokugikan official arena map PDF from the Japan Sumo Association.

No matter where you sit, the atmosphere at a grand sumo tournament is electric. Enjoy the matches!