Sumo Grand Tournament – Tokyo

The 2008 May Grand Sumo Tournament will be held from May 11th – May 25th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Sumo tournaments are held six times each year but only three of the tournaments are held in Tokyo (January, May & September). So if you want to see some Sumo in Tokyo this is your last chance until September!

Some highlights of a day at the tournament include:

Free entrance to the Sumo Museum on the premises which houses a fascinating and informative display covering various aspects of the sport.

Famous Sumo bouts of the past will be shown daily, from noon -1:30PM, on large screen monitors in front of the restaurant on the second floor.

Everyone attending the tournament on May 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th will receive a clear file of both Yokozuna. (Asashoryu & Hakuho)

Sumo’s famous “champion building” stew, chanko-nabe, will be served at the Kokugikan during the May tournament from noon to 4:00. It’s a taste treat you will not want to miss. The price for one bowl is 200 yen. (From the main entrance circle around to the left towards the back of the Kokugikan.)

I have seen Sumo in person and it is something that I will never forget. It is definitely an experience that you don’t want to miss if you will be in Tokyo around this time!

Event Details:

Dates: May 11-25, 2008
Ticket Information: Prices range from Y3,600 for a single seat to Y61,800 for a box that holds 6 people. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or by phone.
Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan – Tokyo, a 2 minute walk from Ryogoku station on the JR Sobu Line
Times: A Typical Tournament Day starts around 8AM with the lower division matches. The real action starts at 3:55 with the Makuuchi Ring Entering Ceremony and ends with the Bow Dance at 6PM.

Photo Credits: Personal Collection & Flickr, chanko dining #03

Tags: 2008, Grand Tournament, Japan, May, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Sumo, The Tokyo Traveler, Tokyo, Travel

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POSTED IN: Events, Sports & Recreation