The Japanese consider sumo a gendai budo (a modern Japanese martial art), though the sport has a history spanning many centuries. The sumo tradition is very ancient, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, from the days sumo was used in the Shinto religion.

Life as a rikishi is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association. Professional sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives, from meals to their manner of dress are dictated by strict tradition.

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Sumo Wrestler Morning Training Tour
Time: (7:30am-11:00am)
Meeting Place: Your Hotel or JR Ryogoku Station
Tour Includes: Professional Guide, Watching Sumo training, visiting the Sumo Museum, and Ryogoku Temple.
Tour Notes: *As the Sumo wrestling is a professional sport in Japan and the Sumo wrestlers practice very hard and seriously every day, please adhere to the all rules when in the Sumo Stable. *Tour does not include lunch:
For information on Sumo training packages please contact us