If you’re coming to Japan, you may want to see sumo wrestling. Sumo is becoming increasingly popular overseas, too. In 2025, for example, a major sumo event was held in London.
However, the official Grand Sumo Tournaments held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo are extremely popular, and getting tickets isn’t always easy.
That’s where TOKYO SUMO CLUB ENTERTAINMENT, a new attraction on the 5th floor of Tokyo Tower, comes in.
Here, you can watch sumo training from just a few meters away, learn about the rules of sumo, and even step into the ring to take on a real sumo wrestler.
And it’s not just about sumo. You can also enjoy traditional Japanese performances such as shamisen music, lion dancing, an oiran procession, kabuki-style dance, and bon dancing.
It’s a 90-minute entertainment experience packed with both sumo and Japanese traditional culture, designed especially for international visitors.
TOKYO SUMO CLUB ENTERTAINMENT at Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks. You need a ticket to go up to the Main Deck, but you can freely explore the lower floors, known as FootTown, without buying a tower observation ticket.
FootTown has souvenir shops, restaurants, and even VR attractions. TOKYO SUMO CLUB ENTERTAINMENT is located on the 5th floor.
There is a large sumo ring right in the center, with seats arranged around it. There were around 100 seats when I visited.
There are four shows a day. I went to the 2:00 p.m. show on a weekday, and it was completely full.
Watch sumo training up close
Two sumo wrestlers come into the ring and demonstrate what their training is like.
They also explain the rules of sumo, including some of the things wrestlers are not allowed to do.
Then comes the challenge section. Visitors who want to participate can put on a sumo wrestler costume and actually take on one of the wrestlers in the ring.
This was incredibly popular with the audience. The children’s sumo costumes were especially cute.
Of course, this is a sumo entertainment show, so it is completely different from watching an actual Grand Sumo Tournament.
But if you’re an international visitor who has never seen sumo before and want to experience sumo along with other aspects of Japanese culture, I think it’s a lot of fun.
On the other hand, serious sumo fans who already know the sport well might find it a little too simple.
Traditional Japanese culture, too
There was also a traditional Japanese culture show during the performance.
It included shamisen music, lion dancing, mochi pounding, an oiran procession, kabuki-style dance, and even bon dancing.
It’s basically a collection of different Japanese traditional cultural experiences in one show.
If you want to see a sumo entertainment show in Tokyo, TOKYO SUMO CLUB ENTERTAINMENT is worth considering.
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