Sumo Tokyo Tickets Explained: Pricing, Seasons, and Seat Types

Tokyo Tournament Seasons

Ryōgoku Kokugikan stages three 15-day tournaments annually. Tickets typically go on sale about one month before opening day.

• January Tournament: January 12–26, 2025 — on sale from December 7, 2024
• May Tournament: May 11–25, 2025 — on sale from April 5, 2025
• September Tournament: Mid-September 2025 (exact dates announced midsummer)

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Seat Types and Pricing

Kokugikan offers ringside cushions, traditional box seats, and upper-bowl chairs. Prices vary by proximity to the dohyo and whether you attend on weekdays or weekends.

Tamari (Ringside Cushions)

Closest to the ring, tamari cushions put you within arm’s reach of the wrestlers. Seats cost ¥20,000 per person regardless of day, are limited to guests aged 16+, and prohibit eating, drinking, or phone use during bouts.

Masu-Seki (Tatami Box Seats)

Four-person tatami boxes offer a classic viewing experience. Pricing is per box; divide by the number in your group for a per-person estimate.

• Masu S: ¥60,000 weekends / ¥56,000 weekdays
• Masu A: ¥52,000 weekends / ¥48,000 weekdays
• Masu B: ¥42,000 weekends / ¥40,000 weekdays
• Masu C: ¥38,000 weekends / ¥34,000 weekdays

S-class boxes sit directly behind ringside, while C-class provide strong value slightly farther back.

Arena Chair Seats

Western-style chairs in the upper bowl are ideal for travelers who prefer back support.

• SS: ¥11,000 (all days)
• A: ¥8,000 (all days)
• B: ¥5,500 weekends / ¥5,000 weekdays
• C: ¥4,000 weekends / ¥3,500 weekdays

Even the most affordable arena seats provide clear views of the dohyo and ceremonies.

Essential Booking Notes

All tickets grant all-day access, so you can arrive for the lower divisions at 8:30 AM or enter later for the elite bouts. When booking through Ticket Oosumo, expect a handling fee of ¥1,500–¥2,000 per seat. After purchase, retrieve tickets at any 7-Eleven in Japan by scanning your confirmation QR code.

Best Dates to Watch Tokyo’s Top Wrestlers

The tournament’s second week delivers the most dramatic matchups as title contenders emerge. Prioritize these windows:

Days 12–15 (Weekdays)

High-ranked wrestlers face off with championship implications, yet weekday pricing remains lower and availability higher than weekends.

Day 15 (Final Sunday)

The Emperor’s Cup showdown happens on the last afternoon. Expect sell-outs and premium pricing, but unmatched atmosphere.

Days 1, 7, and 8 (Opening + Middle Weekends)

Opening day showcases every star, while the mid-tournament weekend reflects emerging storylines. Matchups are slightly less intense than the finale but perfect for travelers on limited schedules.

Daily Schedule for Elite Divisions

Regardless of the day you attend, yokozuna and ozeki appear on the same afternoon timetable.

• 2:00 PM: Juryo division entrance ceremony and matches
• 3:40 PM: Makuuchi division entrance ceremony
• 4:00 PM: Makuuchi bouts begin
• 5:30 PM: Yokozuna and ozeki matches
• 6:00 PM: Final bout and bow-twirling closing ceremony

Arrive by 2:00 PM to enjoy the lead-up pageantry and lock in your seats before the arena reaches capacity.

Yokozuna Appearances

Yokozuna wrestle once daily on every tournament date unless sidelined by injury. For 2025, expect to see:

• Hōshōryū Tomokatsu — 74th yokozuna, promoted in 2025
• Ōnosato Daiki — rapid-rise yokozuna who reached the rank in record time

The crowd’s collective “Yoisho!” cheer erupts as they step into the arena around 4:00 PM, making the late afternoon the can’t-miss window for any visitor.