Tokyo: Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo

Looking for something truly memorable in Tokyo? This Sumo Show Experience in Asakusa offers an engaging peek into Japan’s national sport along with a delicious chicken hot pot (chanko-nabe) and a chance to take photos with retired wrestlers. For $112 per person, you get a 2-hour session packed with demonstrations, audience participation, and authentic Japanese cuisine—an excellent way to combine culture, entertainment, and a hearty meal.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and fun it is. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want a lively, behind-the-scenes look at sumo, this tour is designed to keep everyone entertained. Plus, the opportunity to challenge a former wrestler in a sumo match makes it a highlight that’s both memorable and uniquely interactive.

One thing to consider: this tour is primarily a staged show for entertainment, not a deep dive into professional sumo training or the strict routines of a sumo beya. If you’re after an authentic, serious sumo experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a lively, educational, and delicious Japanese cultural encounter, this is hard to beat.

This tour suits families, curious travelers, and anyone interested in Japanese traditions who wants a relaxed, engaging introduction to sumo wrestling—and some great food to boot.

Key Points

• Accessible and Entertaining: Designed for all ages, with demonstrations and audience participation.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about sumo rules, rituals, and techniques from bilingual guides.
• Interactive Fun: Challenge and watch retired sumo wrestlers in live matches.
• Delicious Meal: Enjoy a hearty chicken hot pot prepared by former wrestlers, with options for all dietary needs.
• Photo Souvenirs: Take home a printed photo with a wrestler and souvenirs.
• Great Value: Combines entertainment, education, and food at an affordable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Sumo Show Experience

This Sumo Show in Tokyo takes place in the lively Asakusa district, an area known for its traditional charm and bustling streets. The experience lasts about 2 hours, and the price of $112 covers a lot: a lively show, delicious Chanko-nabe (chicken hot pot), a photo with a wrestler, and souvenirs. The tour is suitable for children and adults alike, making it a flexible choice for families or groups of friends.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The event kicks off with a performance by geisha, showcasing traditional Japanese dance in stunning kimonos. This adds a cultural layer to the experience, giving visitors a glimpse of Japan’s refined arts before the excitement begins.

Next, the host provides bilingual commentary—helpful for non-Japanese speakers—explaining the rules of sumo, the significance of rituals, and describing kimarite (techniques). We found this especially useful, as it made the show accessible while keeping it fun. The demonstration of morning exercises (asa geiko) and traditional rituals adds depth to understanding sumo beyond just the fights.

Then comes the highlight: real sumo bouts between retired wrestlers. They engage in a best of 3 tournament, showcasing their strength and charisma. Reviewers frequently mention how engaging and humorous the wrestlers are, with many quoting that the wrestlers—like Asazakura and Roman—are “amazing, friendly, funny, and entertaining.” Their playful attitude makes the event lively and approachable.

Audience Participation and Challenges

One of the most memorable aspects is the chance to challenge wrestlers to a sumo match in the ring. This part is limited to just eight participants per show; if more want to try, a lottery determines who gets in. Several reviewers mention how hilarious and enjoyable the audience participation is, with one noting that their partner was selected to wrestle and “it just made our night.”

While this experience isn’t a full-on professional training session, the opportunity to step into the ring and try a bit of sumo adds an interactive layer many travelers find priceless.

Food and Drinks

A key part of the experience is the chicken hot pot (chanko-nabe), a traditional staple for sumo wrestlers. The meal options are generous, with some reviewers describing it as “all-you-can-eat” and “very good.” Vegetarians and vegans can request special meals if done at least two days in advance. You’ll also receive one drink included, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Many visitors rave about the quality and authenticity of the food, noting that the hot pot is hearty with flavorful broth, vegetables, and chicken. The meal is served before or during the show, contributing to a full, satisfying experience.

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Photos and Souvenirs

A delightful perk is the photo with a retired wrestler, which makes for a fantastic keepsake—especially for those who love to collect unique travel photos. Plus, you’ll receive a souvenir set with items like a wooden sake cup, Japanese hand towel, and sticker. Reviewers frequently mention how these tangible mementos add value to the tour.

Accessibility and Group Size

The experience is wheelchair accessible, although seating arrangements are limited, so it’s wise to inform the organizers in advance. The tour is small-group friendly, which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and allows for better interaction. This is perfect if you prefer a more personal experience rather than a large, impersonal crowd.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $112 might seem like a modest splurge, it’s important to consider what’s included. For that price, you’re not just watching a brief performance—you’re witnessing a multi-layered cultural event with demonstrations, a meal, participation, and souvenirs. Many reviews highlight how you get more than what you pay for, with some describing it as “worth every penny” and “one of the best experiences in Tokyo.”

The combination of entertainment, education, and food makes this a well-rounded cultural introduction. It’s especially appealing for folks who want a fun, relaxed activity that still offers insight into Japanese traditions.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour works wonderfully for families, thanks to its playful and interactive nature. It’s also ideal for culture buffs, curious travelers wanting a taste of sumo beyond the tournaments, or anyone looking for a lively night out in Asakusa. Food lovers will appreciate the hearty hot pot, and those who enjoy quirky photos will treasure the chance to pose with a wrestler.

If you’re traveling with children, they’ll love the audience participation and the humorous antics of the wrestlers. For couples or small groups, it’s a lively way to spend a couple of hours, with lots of opportunities for photos and laughs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the event is designed to be fun and accessible for children and adults alike, with audience participation and demonstrations that keep everyone engaged.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the show, participate if desired, and eat the hot pot without feeling rushed.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be requested at least 2 days in advance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

Can I participate in a sumo match?
Participation is limited to 8 people per show, and challengers are selected via lottery if interest exceeds capacity. It’s a fun, lighthearted challenge rather than a serious competition.

Is the seating close to the action?
All seats provide an intimate view of the dohyo (ring), with the option to upgrade to front-row seats for an even closer experience.

Is this a true sumo training session?
No, this is a staged show intended for entertainment, featuring retired wrestlers rather than current professionals practicing in a sumo beya.

Final Words

This Sumo Show Experience in Tokyo offers a lively, well-rounded introduction to a sport that’s iconic in Japan. The combination of engaging demonstrations, humorous matches, and authentic food creates a memorable outing that appeals to many types of travelers. It’s especially ideal if you want to see sumo in a fun, informal setting without the intense dedication of a professional training session.

The tour’s affordability and inclusiveness—featuring food, photos, and souvenirs—make it a smart choice for families, curious travelers, and anyone keen to enjoy Japanese culture in a relaxed environment. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique story to tell, this experience is likely to leave a smile on your face and a full belly.

In summary, if you’re after an engaging, hands-on cultural activity with great value, lively performances, and delicious food, this sumo experience hits all the right notes. It’s a fun, approachable way to connect with Japan’s traditional sport—and enjoy a hearty meal in the process.

You can check availability for your dates here: