Go behind the scenes of Japan’s most traditional sport before the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament begins.
For only four days, from July 6 to July 9, 2026, we have received special permission from the oyakata, stablemaster, to welcome guests to observe a real sumo morning training session in Nagoya.
This is not a performance or a staged show. It is an authentic morning practice where professional sumo wrestlers prepare for the upcoming Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. You will watch the wrestlers stretch, warm up, practice techniques, and take part in intense training bouts just days before the tournament starts.
To make the experience easier to understand and much more meaningful, the tour includes live explanations from a former Makuuchi-division sumo wrestler. You will learn what is happening in the dohyo (the ring used for sumo wrestling), how wrestlers train, what the oyakata is watching for, and why each movement matters.
This is a rare opportunity to see sumo from the inside, before the crowds, before the arena, and before the tournament begins.
Very limited availability!
Spaces are very limited. Please book early to secure your place.
Every July, Nagoya becomes one of the most important cities in the sumo world. Before the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament begins, sumo stables from across Japan come to the city to train and prepare.
Morning training, called asageiko, is one of the best ways to understand the real life of sumo wrestlers. Unlike a tournament, where the atmosphere is loud and dramatic, morning training is quiet, serious, and intense.
You will hear the sound of wrestlers colliding, see the repeated drills that build strength and balance, and observe the strict relationship between wrestlers, senior wrestlers, and the oyakata.
Because this is a real training session, guests must follow strict rules and behave respectfully throughout the visit. Your guide will explain the rules before entering so everyone can enjoy the experience without disturbing the wrestlers.
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Nagoya. After a short introduction, your guide will explain the day’s schedule and the etiquette rules for visiting a sumo training session.
Before entering the training area, you will learn how to behave inside a sumo stable or temporary training location. This is an important part of the experience because the wrestlers are training seriously for the upcoming tournament.
Enter quietly and take your seat. From this moment, guests must remain quiet and respectful.
Observe the wrestlers as they stretch, warm up, practice footwork, perform traditional movements such as shiko, and take part in powerful training bouts. You will see the discipline, hierarchy, and intensity that define the world of sumo.
Your experience includes explanations from a former Makuuchi-division sumo wrestler. He will help you understand what is happening, why each training method matters, and how wrestlers prepare before a Grand Sumo Tournament.
Depending on the rules of the training location, explanations may be given before, during, or after the viewing session.
After the training session ends, your guide will lead you out of the training area and answer any final questions. If photos are allowed on the day, your guide will explain when and where they can be taken.
This is a real sumo training session, not a tourist performance. Guests must follow the rules at all times.
Guests who do not follow the rules may be asked to leave the training area.
25,500 yen + taxes/person for 2 or more people
38,500 yen + taxes/person for solo travelers
Limited availability from July 6 to July 9, 2026 only.
Nagoya Station Silver Clock (Google Maps)
The tour will end at the sumo training location.
8:30 -12:00 (3.5 hours)
Morning training times may change depending on the stable’s schedule. Final meeting details will be sent to guests before the tour date.
Quick overview of the experience:
8:35 – Meeting time
8:45 – Starting time
9:00 – Take the train
9:45 – Arrive at the sumo stable
9:50 – Experience orientation (rules and etiquette)
10:00–11:30 – Watch morning sumo practice
11:30–12:00 – Interaction and photos with sumo wrestlers / Q&A
12:00 – Tour ends
English
Yes. This is an authentic morning training session, not a staged performance.
Photo rules depend on the stable and may change on the day. Basically photography and video recording are not allowed. Photos can be taken after the training session. Your guide will explain the photo rules before the session begins.
Children may join if they can remain quiet and seated during the training session. Because this is a serious training environment, this experience may not be suitable for very young children.
No. This experience is suitable for beginners and sumo fans alike. The guide and former wrestler commentary will help you understand what you are seeing.
This depends on the training schedule and the stable’s rules on the day. Meeting the wrestlers or taking group photos cannot be guaranteed.
Sumo training schedules may change due to the wrestlers’ condition, stable decisions, or other circumstances. If the training is canceled and we cannot provide the experience, we will offer an alternative date or a refund according to our cancellation policy.
Our guides are passionate locals and international residents who call Nagoya home. Each one brings their own stories, insights, and favorite hidden spots to share with you.
We’re here to create moments you’ll remember long after your trip: real, authentic, and uniquely yours.
We can’t wait to explore with you!
