Please note: Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed. Please check the official Olympics website for the latest updates.
While it’s normally used for sumo tournaments, the Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku will play host to boxing events during the 2020 Olympics. Pair a boxing match with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum next door for a full day of fun.
Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku. © Guilhem Vellut
Those familiar with Tokyo will know the Kokugikan Arena as a sumo stadium. But having also hosted professional boxing matches, pro-wrestling tournaments, and music concerts in the past, it’s no surprise that the Kokugikan Arena is slated to be the venue for the 2020 summer Olympics boxing events.
The interior of the Kokugikan Arena is designed in a bowl shape so that spectators can enjoy the sumo action no matter where they’re seated. Naturally, this also makes it perfect for boxing matches. The building has a capacity of around 11,000 people.
A sumo-themed mural on the building walls. © Guilhem Vellut
The Kokugikan Arena is just 2 minutes on foot from the West exit of JR Ryogoku Station, or 5 minutes away from Exit A3 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei-Oedo subway line.
You don’t have to visit Ryogoku just for the boxing events, though. The arena is conveniently located right next to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A visit here gives you a fantastic overview of Tokyo’s history, with plenty of interactive installations and insights into the making of this modern metropolis. As a bonus, the museum shops have a well-curated selection of handicrafts that make great souvenirs. Why not finish your day out in Ryogoku with a chanko nabe dinner?
If boxing doesn’t float your boat, visit Tokyo another time for the sumo matches instead. See our detailed guide on how to buy sumo tickets in Tokyo.
For a full map of venues, visit our Tokyo Olympic Venues page.
Recommended Accommodation Near Kokugikan Arena
While there are hotels in the Ryogoku area, there’s not too much for tourists to do in the area unless it’s sumo-related. We suggest staying in nearby Asakusa. Access to this venue is good and there are plenty of attractions to explore in Asakusa.
- Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa
(View on Booking.com and Agoda.com.)
This fine ryokan is very close to all the sights. The service and the facilities are very good. I recommend this place if you want to try a ryokan in Tokyo. - Asakusa View Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
An old-school Japanese hotel with large rooms and commanding views over Asakusa. Cheaper than other luxury hotels in the city. - Richmond Hotel Asakusa
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Right in the heart of the sightseeing district, this excellent business hotel has rates that sometimes dip into the budget range. - The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A brilliant location right near the station and the temple, great views and nice rooms make this one of the best hotels in Asakusa. - Hotel Keihan Asakusa
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A very solid business hotel that’s a step up from other business hotels in the area. A great location and rates at the bottom of the middle range. - Dormy Inn Express Asakusa
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Free ramen in the evenings, a rooftop sento (public bath) and free breakfast set this standard business hotel apart from others. - Asakusa Hotel Hatago
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This great ryokan-style hotel is a short walk from the sights and Asakusa Station. It has great Japanese-style rooms and a nice lounge/dining area with views over the river and the Sky Tree.
Name in English:
Kokugikan Arena
Name in Japanese:
国技館
Address in English:
1-3-28 Yoko-ami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Address in Japanese:
東京都墨田区横網一丁目3番28号
Nearest Transport:
Train: 2-minute walk from the West exit of JR Ryogoku Station
Subway: 5-minute walk from Exit A3 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei-Oedo subway line
Near To Here:
Kokugikan Arena is located in Tokyo's Asakusa and Ryogoto district. See our complete list of things to do in Asakusa and Ryogoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
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