1. Tokyo: Grand Sumo Tournament Tour
Discover the art of sumo, the 1,500-year-old traditional Japanese martial art. Watch bouts by top-division wrestlers in the Kokugikan arena, try optional Chanko-nabe lunch - a meal favored by sumo wrestlers, and sumo-related landmarks in the town to deepen your knowledge about sumo before viewing it. First, embark on a guided walking tour around Ryogoku, a traditional sumo town. Visit sumo-related must-see spots including the Nomino Sukune Shrine, a Shinto shrine where the founder of sumo is commemorated. Feel the atmosphere of old Edo (as Tokyo was called before) and see the Kokugikan arena and the many colorful banners with the wrestler's name written on each of them around the front gate. Catch a glimpse of the drum tower and see all the awards given to the grand champion. You will also visit a couple of sumo "stables" to see where wrestlers live and train. The sumo arena has two seating floors: first and second. While the first floor has box seats, the second has chair seats. Box seats are closer to the ring than chair seats are. Three types of seats are bookable out of which two types are chair seats whereas one type is box seats. Here is summary features of each type of seats: 1) Chair B seats Most affordable. Located on the second floor. Suitable for those who want to enjoy the tournament most economically. 2) Chair A seats Closer to the ring than chair B seats are. More expensive than chair B. 3) Box B seats Much closer to the ring than chair seats are on the second floor. You can get a significantly better view than from chair seats on the second floor. Each box accommodates a group of not more than four. You can use the box exclusively. Detailed description of the box seats is below: Each box seat in a square shape with each side being 130cm accommodates 4 people; each spectator sits on their own cushion. See a photo in the photo section. We use tiered pricing for Box seat options depending on the size of your group. No matter which Box seat option you choose, you can use the entire box (square) for your own group. In other words, the fewer the number of your group, the more space one can use in the box. It is suitable for use by couples, families, close friends, etc. If the option is booked, you will then have lunch at a Chanko-nabe restaurant. Enjoy a Japanese hotpot dish which is commonly eaten by sumo wrestlers to put on weight and muscle. The dish typically contains chicken broth soup, and rich protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and vegetables. Then, enjoy the spectacle of the Grand Sumo Tournament. Enter the Kokugikan arena to join a group photo session with a recently retired master wrestler. Watch bouts between the Makuuchi wrestlers, including the Yokozuna (grand champion). Immerse yourself in sumo as you listen to the guide’s real-time commentary through the earphone guide system