Tokyo’s Ryogoky district has been the center of the sumo world for about two centuries. The district is home to many sumo stables and the Kokugikan sumo stadium where three of the six annual tournaments are held. Below are a few more of Ryogoku’s attractions that could be of interest to sumo fans:

Sumo Stables 

Sumo stables are the places where sumo wrestlers live and train. Among the several dozens of sumo stables currently in existence, many are located in the Ryogoku area. At some stables, it is possible to view the sumo practice in the early mornings. Most require advance applications by phone and some request that guests are accompanied by a Japanese speaker.

Kokugikan Sumo Stadium

The Kokugikan seats over 10,000 visitors and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments (in January, May and September). On non-tournament days, a small sumo museum and a shop selling various sumo goods are open to visitors. During tournaments, they are only accessible to ticket holders.

Sumo Museum

This small museum is located inside the Kokugikan sumo stadium. It houses rotating exhibitions about sumo, including a collection of portraits of past and present yokozuna, pictures of significant events in the history of sumo, and ceremonial aprons worn by retired prominent wrestlers. During Tokyo tournaments, the museum is accessible only to tournament ticket holders.

Ekoin Temple

Before the first sumo stadium was built in 1909, sumo tournaments were held outdoors at Ekoin Temple, just a short walk from Ryogoku Station. Today, visitors to the temple can see a stone monument on the temple grounds that honors past wrestlers and stable masters.

Chanko Nabe Restaurants

Chanko nabe is the staple food of sumo wrestlers. It is a hot pot dish that comes in many varieties and contains vegetables, seafood and meat. There is a high concentration of chanko nabe restaurants in the Ryogoku area, many of which are managed by retired wrestlers. Some restaurants even have a dohyo ring in them, which patrons can take pictures with or enter for the experience.