Ryogoku Kokugikan

Welcome to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the prestigious spiritual home of professional Sumo wrestling in Japan. This landmark arena, the current iteration of which was completed in 1985, serves as the center for a tradition that has…

Stepping inside the main arena, your eyes are immediately drawn to the 'dohyo'—the circular ring made of clay and covered with a layer of sand, where the matches take place. Above the ring hangs a suspended roof styled after a…

Just a short walk from the main entrance is 'Ryogoku Takahashi,' a specialized shop that is said to carry the most extensive selection of sumo goods in all of Japan. This is the premier destination for those looking to take a…

Directly adjacent to the Kokugikan is the Edo-Tokyo Museum, a striking architectural landmark that stands over 62 meters tall. While sumo is the soul of Ryogoku, this museum provides the historical body, documenting 400 years of…

No visit to Ryogoku is complete without experiencing the legendary 'Chanko Nabe,' the high-protein hotpot that fuels the sumo wrestlers' training and growth. Many restaurants in the area, such as 'Kappo Yoshi-ban,' are housed in…

As we conclude our journey through Ryogoku, the echoes of the 'taiko' drums and the clash of the rikishi linger in the air. You have stood at the crossroads of history and sport, experiencing a corner of Tokyo where the 21st…