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Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Stadium) by Goki (GNU Free)

 

About

Ryogoku is famous for Sumo and the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. The Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Sumida Hokusai Museum, Chanko Style Restaurants (a meal in a simmered in a pot Sumo Wrestlers like to eat) and many Sumo Stables (where the wrestlers live and train) are also in Ryogoku. It sits on the Eastern side of Tokyo and is just around a 10 - 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station. It is called "The center of the Sumo World" because Sumo events have been staged in this area since a long time ago. Kokugikan, the biggest Sumo Stadium in Japan, is also here and the current stadium was built in 1985. It can seat 10,000 spectators and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments held during January, May and September. The Edo-Tokyo Museum is right next to the Sumo Stadium and the quaint little park Yokoamicho Park is near bye.

Right next to Ryogoku Station just out the West Exit (South Side) there is a cool little rest/eating area called the Ryogoku Edo Noren. They have a exhibition Sumo Ring in there along with some dining options and gift/tourist shops. Once in a great while they might have some event where Sumo Wrestlers partake in cerimonies and play competitions. It's a great place to take a rest when it's hot outside. Grab an ice cream cone or even a beer to cool down a bit.

As per any sports event/stadium area, the train to Ryogoku and the Ryogoku area will get extremely packed on Sumo Tournament days. Going to a Sumo event tends to be an "all day" thing that includes getting there, watching the event (which can be quite long), eating and drinking around Ryogoku and getting home. Its quite an experience so if your are in Tokyo on a Sumo Event day, its highly recommended to attend the event. Check out the Official Sumo Site for Sumo Events Dates, Places and times. Nothing quite like being smashed by a Sumo Wrestler if sitting in one of the front rows!

You might also be interested in our page, "Sumo Town Ryogoku" if you would like to read about a user experience in the area.

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Ryogoku

Ryogoku
Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0026 Japan

A short 5 min. ride from Akihabara on the Chuo-Sobu Local Line (Local) or about a 10 - 15 min. ride from Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line to Akihabara where you change to the Chuo-Sobu Local Line (Local).

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Ryogoku.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by contacting the attraction before visiting.