Sumo is big in Japan

Once a year this intimate sumo tournament is held at one of Japan’s most infamous shrines. It’s a special way to experience the sport.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

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Sumo tournament, Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo

I’ve always wondered how much muscle those sumo guys have underneath their fat. They’re big chaps, no doubt, but they’re also so strong.

I never realised how strong until I saw them in action up close. It doesn’t take much for them to take a competitor down. And keep in mind that competitor probably weighs about 150 kilograms.

Once a year at Tokyo’s famous Yasukuni Shrine a ceremonial sumo tournament is held. It’s one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar and it’s a chance for the best in Japan (and around the world) to compete with each other.

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The sumo wrestlers drink from a ladle of water, clap their hands, and throw some salt over the clay ring.

Facing off against their opponents they do a threatening stretch, crouched down they raise first one leg high into the air and then the other.

They stare at each still and focused, waiting for the match to start. And then it’s on.

Rushing towards each other they crash together, that muscle even more important than the fat. Like two large beasts of burden they lock into each other and strain to force the other out of the ring or on to the ground.

It doesn’t take long – normally less than a minute – and one emerges victorious from the battle.

Of course, being Japan, the bout in the ring is the climax of many ceremonial obligations and it’s fascinating to see the prayers, the singing, the parades and the drumming that comes before the final showdowns.

sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers

It’s a centuries old sport that has kept its traditions and rejected many of the commercial lures of other international sports. That’s not to say the top sumo wrestlers don’t get well paid and there aren’t sponsorship deals to go along with it, but there’s a purity that the sport is keen to preserve.

It’s fascinating to see the sport in an environment like this.

The large official tournaments don’t have the same kind of intimacy as the venue here at the Yasukuni Shrine, surrounded by the pink spring cherry blossoms. The crowd sits outside in the sun and can easily get autographs in the corner from their favourite sumo wrestlers.

I think the best way to help you appreciate the event is to share some of the pictures I took there. I hope you enjoy this special photo essay.

sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers
sumo in japan, sumo tournament, yasukuni shrine, tokyo, japan, sumo wrestlers

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION AT TOKYO STATION

Tokyo is a huge city and there are lots of different areas you could stay. For tourists, I would recommend either around Tokyo station or Shinjuku.

BACKPACKER

If you’re looking for a backpacker option, you can get comfortable dorm beds at the great Wise Owl Hostel.

BUDGET

Tokyo is expensive but APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho is a good price for a nice hotel near the station.

BOUTIQUE

For a trendy modern hotel close to the station, I think you’ll like The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic.

LUXURY

And for one of the best hotels in Tokyo, I would recommend The Peninsula.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO: SHINJUKU

Staying in Shinjuku puts you in one of the busiest parts of city, which is great for exploring during the day and at night.

BACKPACKER

For backpackers, you can get good dorms beds at the cool Imano Hostel.

BUDGET

An affordable hotel in central Shinjuku is IBIS Tokyo Shinjuku.

BOUTIQUE

If you’re looking for a cool design hotel, then Bespoke Hotel Shinjuku is a great choice.

LUXURY

And for a luxury stay, you can’t go past the gorgeous Park Hyatt.

6 thoughts on “Sumo is big in Japan”

    • It was pretty special. And it’s not like any other sport I’ve seen before. There’s so much ceremony and tradition associated with it – but that makes the experience even more unique.

      Reply
  1. Yup, definitely something I want to see in Japan. We watched a No Reservations where he went looking at what they ate and how they lived. Really interesting.

    Reply
  2. Does anyone know if the sumo’s are performing at Yasukuni Shrine this April? I can’t find any dates for the event for 2023. Thank you.

    Reply

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