6 Grand Sumo Tournaments in Japan [2026]

Sumo is more than just Japan’s national sport, it’s a centuries-old tradition that comes to life during the six Grand Sumo Tournaments (Honbasho) held each year. These official tournaments, spread across four cities, determine wrestler rankings and showcase the sport at its highest level. Each tournament lasts 15 days, with matches building in intensity as the top wrestlers compete for victory in the final days.

The Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo hosts three of these tournaments, making it the best place for visitors to experience sumo. Other tournaments take place in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, each offering a unique atmosphere. Tickets can be hard to secure, especially for major match days, so planning ahead is essential.

When we attended the September sumo tournament in Tokyo, we were amazed by the energy of the crowd and the powerful clashes in the ring. Craig, our Tokyo-based writer, took a different approach. He booked a guided sumo tour to the January tournament, where his guide provided expert insights into the traditions, wrestlers, and tournament structure.

In this guide, we’ll cover where and when each sumo tournament takes place, what to expect at the venues, and how to get tickets—plus our top tip on how to catch sumo outside of the main tournaments.

Click here to check out and purchase our 70-page First-Timers Guide to Watching a Sumo Tournament – everything you need to know to plan your day and make the most of your sumo tournament experience!

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The Six Grand Sumo Tournaments in Japan

If you’re planning to witness the excitement of sumo tournaments in Japan, timing your visit is key. Below are the grand sumo tournament schedules for 2025 and 2026.

📅 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament Schedule

• January 11–25, 2026 – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan – Tickets on sale: December 6, 2025
• March 8–22, 2026 – Osaka, Edion Arena Osaka – Tickets on sale: January 31, 2026
• May 10–24, 2026 – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan – Tickets on sale: April 4, 2026
• July 12–26, 2026 – Nagoya, IG Arena – Tickets on sale: May 30, 2026
• September 13–27, 2026 – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan – Tickets on sale: August 1, 2026
• November 8–22, 2026 – Fukuoka, Fukuoka Kokusai Center – Tickets on sale: October 3, 2026

The Japan Sumo Season

Sumo wrestling follows a structured annual season, with six Grand Sumo Tournaments (Honbasho) held throughout the year. These tournaments are the only official ranking events and determine each wrestler’s position for the next competition. Each tournament lasts 15 days, beginning with lower-ranked matches in the morning and culminating in top-division bouts in the afternoon.

The sumo season kicks off in January with the Hatsu Basho in Tokyo, setting the tone for the year. The season then moves to Osaka in March, back to Tokyo in May, and continues through Nagoya (July), Tokyo (September), and Fukuoka (November). By the final tournament, rankings for the following year are determined, making the November Kyushu Basho particularly intense.

Since sumo is a year-round sport, wrestlers train continuously, with no true “off-season.” Between tournaments, many participate in regional sumo exhibitions (Jungyo), where fans can see sumo up close in a more relaxed setting.

January Sumo Tournament – Tokyo

The Hatsu Basho, or “First Tournament,” is held every January at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. As the opening event of the sumo season, it sets the tone for the year, with wrestlers eager to make a strong start.

The tournament attracts large crowds, as many fans attend to see how the top-ranked wrestlers perform after the winter training season. Ryogoku Kokugikan, sumo’s most prestigious venue, is located in Tokyo’s sumo district, making it the ideal place to experience the sport’s deep traditions.

The final days of the tournament are the most thrilling, as wrestlers battle for the first championship title of the year.

March Sumo Tournament – Osaka

The Haru Basho, or “Spring Tournament,” takes place every March at Edion Arena Osaka. Unlike Tokyo’s more formal atmosphere, Osaka fans are known for their boisterous and passionate cheering, making this tournament one of the most exciting to attend.

The energy inside the arena builds as the tournament progresses, with mid-tournament matches often determining which wrestlers emerge as championship contenders.

May Sumo Tournament – Tokyo

The Natsu Basho, or “Summer Tournament,” is held every May at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. By this point in the sumo season, wrestlers have settled into their rankings, and the competition intensifies as they fight to improve their standing.

The May tournament is crucial because it often determines mid-year promotions and demotions.

The warm weather and longer daylight hours make it a great time for tourists to visit Tokyo and explore the Sumo Museum inside the stadium before watching the matches. The final weekend is especially thrilling as the championship race reaches its peak.

July Sumo Tournament – Nagoya

The Nagoya Basho is held every July. In the past, this tournament was held at Dolphins Arena, and starting in 2025, this tournament will be held at the larger IG Arena. The Nagoya tournament is known for its brutal summer conditions. The humid weather adds an extra layer of challenge for wrestlers, testing their endurance over the 15-day tournament.

While Nagoya’s sumo scene is less traditional than Tokyo’s, the smaller venue allows for a more intimate viewing experience, bringing fans closer to the action.

The first few days of the tournament are a great time to attend, as wrestlers are fresh and eager to start strong.

September Sumo Tournament – Tokyo

The Aki Basho, or “Autumn Tournament,” takes place every September at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. As the third and final Tokyo tournament of the year, it’s a critical event for wrestlers looking to secure their ranking before the season’s final competition.

The cooler temperatures make it one of the most comfortable tournaments to attend. Fans often arrive mid-tournament to see how the championship race unfolds, while the final weekend brings high stakes and intense competition.

November Sumo Tournament – Fukuoka

The Kyushu Basho, or “Kyushu Tournament,” marks the end of the sumo season and is held every November at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. This tournament is crucial, as final rankings are determined for the upcoming year.

The smaller venue in Fukuoka provides a unique experience, bringing fans closer to the ring than at larger arenas. Wrestlers often engage in local events, making it a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in sumo culture.

The last few days of the tournament are particularly intense, as wrestlers give their all to secure a strong finish for the season.

Smaller Regional Sumo Tournaments – A Little-Known Alternative

In addition to the six Grand Sumo Tournaments, sumo wrestlers participate in regional sumo tours known as Jungyo. These smaller, non-ranking tournaments take place across Japan throughout the year, bringing sumo to areas that don’t host official competitions. While these events don’t impact wrestler rankings, they offer a rare chance to see sumo up close in a more relaxed setting.

Unlike the intensity of the Honbasho, Jungyo events have a lighter, more interactive atmosphere. Wrestlers often engage with fans, participate in exhibition matches, and demonstrate sumo techniques. Attendees may even have opportunities to take photos with wrestlers—something that is not possible at the major tournaments.

The Different Jungyo Tours

Jungyo tours take place between major tournaments and are divided into several key tours throughout the year:

• Spring Jungyo (Haru Jungyo) – Held after the March Osaka Tournament, this tour visits locations across western and central Japan.
• Summer Jungyo (Natsu Jungyo) – Takes place following the May Tokyo Tournament, bringing sumo to regions across the countryside.
• Autumn Jungyo (Aki Jungyo) – Runs after the September Tokyo Tournament, covering northern Japan and rural areas.
• Winter Jungyo (Fuyu Jungyo) – Occurs after the November Fukuoka Tournament, often including stops in Okinawa and other southern regions.

Each tour features one-day exhibition events in multiple cities, giving fans in different regions the opportunity to experience sumo without travelling to the main tournament locations.

What to Expect at a Jungyo Event

Jungyo events are more relaxed and fan-friendly compared to the intense competition of the Grand Sumo Tournaments. A typical Jungyo day includes:

• Morning practice sessions, where you can watch wrestlers train up close.
• Practice bouts and demonstrations, including explanations of sumo techniques.
• Fan interactions, where wrestlers sign autographs, take photos and even let children “challenge” them in fun matches.
• Special exhibition matches, where wrestlers showcase sumo in a more lighthearted way.
• Ring purification ceremonies are similar to those in major tournaments but often have extra explanations for the audience.

Since Jungyo events are held in smaller venues, seats are closer to the ring, making it a great alternative for those who want a more personal sumo experience. Tickets are easier to obtain than for the major tournaments, and prices are often lower.

Tickets for Jungyo events are generally easier to obtain, and the seating is often closer to the ring than at larger venues like Ryogoku Kokugikan. To find upcoming regional sumo tournaments, check the Japan Sumo Association’s official schedule – for each event there is a link to find out more about each event and how to book your tickets.

If you have issues purchasing tickets or want to purchase last-minute tickets, there are ticket reseller options on viaGoGo or StubHub.

How to Buy Sumo Tournament Tickets

Sumo tournaments are incredibly popular, and tickets sell out fast. Whether you’re planning to attend a tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo or Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka, securing tickets in advance is essential.

Unfortunately, the limited number of tickets is due to the majority of seats being pre-sold through the Japan Sumo Association fan club lotteries, which are not available for international tourists.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to buy sumo tournament tickets, from official sales to guided tour packages and resale options. See a summary of the options below.

What to Expect at a Sumo Tournament

Attending a sumo tournament in Japan is a unique and unforgettable experience that blends sport, tradition, and ceremony. Each tournament day runs from morning to evening, with lower-ranked wrestlers competing early and top-division bouts in the afternoon. The atmosphere builds throughout the day, reaching its peak when the highest-ranked wrestlers step into the ring.

Match Schedule and Atmosphere

Doors typically open around 8:00–9:00 AM, with early matches featuring lower-division wrestlers. The crowd gradually grows, and by mid-afternoon, the stadium is packed as the top Makuuchi division wrestlers compete. The final day of the tournament (Senshuraku) is the most exciting, often deciding the championship winner.

Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals

Sumo is deeply rooted in Shinto traditions, and each match is preceded by rituals, including:

• Dohyo-iri (Ring Entering Ceremony): Top-ranked wrestlers enter the ring in ornate ceremonial aprons.
• Salt Throwing: Wrestlers purify the ring before each match by tossing salt.
• Staredowns: Opponents engage in a psychological battle before charging at each other.

Food and Drink at the Venue

Sumo tournaments allow spectators to eat and drink during matches, and food is an integral part of the experience. You can buy bento boxes, snacks, and drinks at the venue. Nearby, you’ll also find restaurants serving chanko nabe, the high-protein stew eaten by sumo wrestlers.

Etiquette and Tips for Spectators

• Arrive early if you want to explore the venue, watch practice sessions, or visit the Sumo Museum.
• Cheering is encouraged, but be respectful during rituals and pre-match ceremonies.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash, as it can distract the wrestlers.
• Stay seated during matches, especially during high-profile bouts.

Whether you watch sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo or a smaller venue, the combination of fierce competition, historic rituals, and an electrified crowd makes for an unforgettable event.

Conclusion

Attending a sumo tournament in Japan is one of the best ways to experience the country’s national sport and cultural traditions. With six Grand Sumo Tournaments held throughout the year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, there are plenty of opportunities to witness sumo live. However, tickets sell out fast, so planning ahead is crucial.

If you can’t attend a Grand Sumo Tournament, regional sumo exhibitions (Jungyo) offer a fantastic alternative, allowing fans to see wrestlers up close in a more relaxed setting.

To make the most of your experience, consider booking a guided sumo tour, which provides expert insights into the sport’s history and rituals. Whether you choose ringside seats for an intense view of the action or an arena seat for comfort, sumo tournaments offer an unforgettable mix of sport, history, and tradition.

Make sure to purchase our 70-page First-Timers Guide to Watching a Sumo Tournament. It includes how to plan your tournament day out, as well as information on how to purchase tickets, learn the basics of sumo ranks, understand how tournaments work, and learn about sumo wrestling rules and traditions.

Make sure you plan ahead to book your tickets, using the options detailed below.

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