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Japanese Sumo Wrestling Museum

Historical Influcence Of Sumo

Japanese sumo wrestling is an integral part of Japanese culture. So much so there is a legend saying the establishment of the Japanese as the dominant race in the land of Nippon was the result of a sumo match between the Japanese god Takemikazuchi and the leader of a rival tribe.

It's only natural that there's a museum dedicated to this most of traditional of sports in Tokyo.

The Vital Statistics

Originally a religious event, sumo has evolved dramatically since its first formal introduction to the Imperial court during the eighth century. Find out more at the sumo museum that's attached to the Kokugikan where the Grand Sumo Tournament takes place in Tokyo.

Essential Facts And Figures

• The opening hours of the Japanese Sumo Wrestling Museum are from 10:00 - 16:30 so it closes a little earlier than the majority of museums in the city.
• The sumo museum is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and also when there's a national holiday on the Japanese calendar.
• Do check before visiting as it also closes from time to time to allow the museum to change the displays. An exception is during the Grand Sumo Tournament when the museum is open everyday for visitors who have paid to see the sumo wrestling.
• Admission is a very expensive ¥0. Yes, that's right. It's free : )
• Access is easy via Ryogoku Station on either the JR Sobu Line (1 min walk) or on the Toei Oedo Line (5 min walk).

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Sumo Museum

The Sumo Wrestling Museum is not the kind of place where you will spend hours wandering round. It is small and basically consists of one large room of artefacts. If you're a fan of sumo wrestling then of course its worth a visit as you'll see some of the original "banzuke" - the listings for each tournament, and "kesho-mawashi" - ceremonial aprons, for starters.

If you're curious but not salivating at the thought of seeing pictures of famous rikishi (Japanese for sumo wrestler), either visit this during the Grand Sumo Tournament as an add on feature, or combine it with a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum which is right next door. Either way its a great day out.

If you'd like to find out more about the Kokugikan and the Japanese Sumo Wrestling Museum just follow the link to their dedicated website.