There’s pretty much no reason to visit the Kokugikan Stadium in Ryogoku unless you’re watching a sumo match. But if you’re already at the Edo-Tokyo Museum next door, consider a very quick visit to the free sumo museum at the stadium.
Kokugikan - image © Florentyna Leow
Ryogoku is at the center of the sumo world in Tokyo. Here, you’ll find restaurants serving chanko nabe (food of the wrestlers), sumo stables, and most importantly, the Kokugikan Stadium where you can watch sumo matches.
Kokugikan - image © Florentyna Leow
Of course, the best excuse to visit the stadium is to attend the sumo wrestling tournaments, which are held three times a year in Tokyo. For more information see our guide to getting sumo tickets in Tokyo.
There’s a small sumo-themed museum on the ground floor of the stadium, which is free to enter outside of sumo tournaments. (During tournaments, only ticket holders for matches can enter the stadium grounds.)
Sumo Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
The museum showcases art and paraphernalia related to the world of sumo wrestling, including dolls, woodblock prints, and silk aprons worn by wrestlers. Given the lack of English-language captions, you might not learn too much here unless you’re already familiar with the world or sumo or can read Japanese. Still, it’s worth a quick look.
English name:
Kokugikan
Japanese name:
国技館
English address:
1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 130-0015
Japanese address:
〒130-0015 東京都墨田区横網1-3-28
Opening hours:
Varies by event
Admission:
Varies by event
Nearest Transport:
Train: 2-minute walk from the west exit of Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu line.
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit A3 of Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Kokugikan on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3623-5111
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Kokugikan 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.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
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- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
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