Sumo and chanko nabe are just some of the highlights of this new Japanese culture experience.
Despite its worldwide fame, not a lot of people actually get to watch sumo. Not only are tickets incredibly hard to get – the official site is so busy when sales start that it’s virtually impossible to access and everything sells out within minutes – but tournaments are only held during very limited periods at certain locations each year, which might not match up with the time and place of your visit.
Now, though, there’s a convenient way to get a taste of the sport, thanks to a brand new restaurant experience called Tokyo Sumo Club Entertainment. After opening its first branch in Sapporo last summer, the restaurant is now coming to Tokyo due to popular demand.
▼ Located on the fifth floor of Tokyo Tower’s FootTown, the restaurant offers more than just sumo and a meal.
Every diner will get to enjoy a “Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments and Dance” performance, a procession by Oiran courtesans, a performance of a famous Kabuki play, and a festival with a lion dance and traditional music. There’ll also be a tradtional bon odori dance and mochi pounding, which guests can take part in.
▼ Learn about kabuki…
▼…and oiran.
At the centre of it all, though, is sumo, with visitors able to watch an entrance ceremony, practice sessions, and serious bouts. A salt-throwing experience and Q&A session is also included, as well as a “Challenge Sumo” experience where you can wrestle with a sumo wrestler.
The venue contains a real clay sumo ring, with diners seated around the ring in a way that mimics the seating at a real tournament venue.
While other sumo restaurants exist in Tokyo, this one is unique in that it’s said to be the only one in Japan officially endorsed by two yokozuna: the 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji and the 70th Yokozuna Harumafuji.
▼ Asahifuji speaking at the grand opening.
The endorsement of two sumo champions – yokozuna is the title given to the highest-ranking wrestlers – makes this a sumo experience like no other, and Asahifuji has even given his endorsement to the authentic chanko nabe (sumo stew) served at the restaurant. There are three dining options available, all of which include chanko nabe, differing according to seating tier.
▼ Standard
▼ VIP (different dish in the bottom right-hand section of the box)
▼ V-VIP
▼ A vegetarian option is also available upon request.
There are four performances each day, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with each experience lasting around 90 minutes. The venue has 177 seats, and reservations can be made online, although walk-ins are also possible if seats are available.
Prices start at 12,000 yen (US$75.32) for children and 16,000 yen for adults in standard seats. VIP seats cost 14,000 yen for children and 20,000 yen for adults, while V-VIP costs 25,000 yen, regardless of age. Each plan includes all the performances, as well as a Japanese meal, one drink, a commemorative photo and a souvenir.
So if you’ve always wanted to see sumo firsthand but haven’t been able to secure tickets to one of Japan’s six annual tournaments, this might just be the next best thing. Not only is it much easier to book (tickets can be purchased here), but you also get to experience a number of other Japanese cultural events at the same time, and while you’re there you can cap off your visit with a trip up Tokyo Tower.
Restaurant Information
Tokyo Sumo Stable Entertainment / 東京相撲部屋娯楽
Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Shiba Koen 4-2-8, Tokyo Tower Foot Town 5F
東京都港区芝公園4-2-8 東京タワーフットタウン 5F
Website
Source, images: Press release
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