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Sumō Museum, Tokyo Travel Guide

3.9 (974)

Explore the history and traditions of Japan's national sport at the Sumo Museum, located inside Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Located within the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's famed sumo stadium, the Sumo Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of Japan's national sport. Rotating exhibits showcase woodblock prints, ceremonial aprons, and more.

A brief summary to Sumō Museum

  • Monday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sumō Museum.

  • Check the Sumo Museum Calendar in advance to confirm opening hours, as it's closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during the New Year's period.
  • Admission is free, except during Grand Sumo Tournaments held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, when a ticket to the tournament is required for entry.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
  • The museum's exhibits change every two months, so there's always something new to discover.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Sumo Museum is conveniently located inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan. From Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line, it's a one-minute walk. From Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line, it's a five-minute walk. A single fare on the JR Sobu Line from Shinjuku Station to Ryogoku Station costs approximately ¥220. A single ride on the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku to Ryogoku is approximately ¥280.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo, and a ride to the Sumo Museum is a convenient option. From Tokyo Station, the taxi fare is approximately ¥2,300 - ¥2,900 and takes about 4 minutes. Taxi fares in Tokyo start at ¥420 for the first 1,052 meters, with additional charges based on distance and time.

Discover more about Sumō Museum

The Sumo Museum, nestled inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, is a tribute to the captivating world of sumo wrestling. Since its establishment in 1954, the museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient sport.The museum's collection originated from the extensive private collection of Tadamasa Sakai, a passionate sumo enthusiast and the museum's first director. Over the years, the museum has grown to house around 30,000 pieces, including woodblock prints (nishiki-e), ranking lists (banzuke), and ceremonial aprons (kesho-mawashi). Due to space constraints, the museum presents rotating exhibitions, changing themes six times a year. These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to see different aspects of sumo history and culture, with past exhibits dedicated to retired yokozuna (grand champions).Visitors can admire the intricate details of kesho-mawashi, the ornate silk aprons worn by top-ranked wrestlers during the ring-entering ceremony, and examine woodblock prints depicting legendary wrestlers from bygone eras. The museum also functions as a research center, with curators publishing research on sumo history and culture.Visiting the Sumo Museum provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for this iconic Japanese sport.
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