First Time at Sumo -- Choosing a Day

[sabledragonrook 3]

Hello! I'm new here, and I can't post this in the Sumo Information forum, so I'm hoping that a mod moves it!

I'm going to the Fukuoka tournament this year, but I have the choice to go on the 22nd (the day before the final day) or the 23rd (the day the tournament ends). The 22nd is more convenient, but am I going to miss something totally awesome and unique if I don't go on the 23rd?

I know there is a special closing ceremony, but is there anything aside from that? Do you think it really matters to someone like me who's not a sumo guru? I basically have to choose which day to go, and I don't really know what to do.

And besides that, I don't really know what to do when I get there. ^_^ Total newbie here. I'm going to preorder the tickets online at buysumotickets, but as far as what to do on that day, not sure. I might explore Fukuoka a little before heading in for the later matches. Tips anyone? Especially for what day to go or whether or not it matters?

[Asojima 2,874]

For a newbie, the final day is probably your best choice. There are playoffs, award breaks and special ceremonies in addition to the final ceremonies.

[shumitto 418]

The last day has fewer bouts, but given that you are not an aficionado I think it is even better. I saw some foreign-looking fans leaving before even the first division started. For them it wouldn't matter much, I assume, but if you are going to watch part of it, at least get the more prestigious one.

If I were you I would go there to know the place, taste the food, have a look at the souvenirs, then wait outside to get some pictures from the arriving wrestlers and then head back to the hall and watch the first two divisions.

[sabledragonrook 3]

The last day has fewer bouts, but given that you are not an aficionado I think it is even better. I saw some foreign-looking fans leaving before even the first division started. For them it wouldn't matter much, I assume, but if you are going to watch part of it, at least get the more prestigious one.

If I were you I would go there to know the place, taste the food, have a look at the souvenirs, then wait outside to get some pictures from the arriving wrestlers and then head back to the hall and watch the first two divisions.

What's the time frame? If I were to go and explore before waiting outside, what time should I plan to arrive to see the arriving wrestlers? How many divisions are there (you suggested seeing the first two)? What time can I reasonably expect to be out of the hall after it's done? I'd need to get a flight out on the same day if I go on the Sunday.

Thanks for your help, everyone!

[shumitto 418]

This info can be found in the older version of the sumo association website, but unfortunately not in the new one.

http://archive.today/z3CPH

The first two divisions (ranking-wise) I recommended you watch are the last two in order of appearance (Juryo & Makuuchi). Many leave the hall as soon as it is over.

[sabledragonrook 3]

This info can be found in the older version of the sumo association website, but unfortunately not in the new one.

http://archive.today/z3CPH

The first two divisions (ranking-wise) I recommended you watch are the last two in order of appearance (Juryo & Makuuchi). Many leave the hall as soon as it is over.

Ah, that link is fantastic, thank you! I hear that this year could be a major historical one if Hakuho ties the record, so I'm not holding out hope of getting a final day ticket, but I have already placed a preorder! Another complete newbie question -- I've never been to a venue like this. Is it hard to figure out where to go/where to enter/how to get to where you're supposed to be?

I speak Japanese, but not fluently, if that helps at all. I'd class myself at about JLPT 2.

[shumitto 418]

The two venues I have been to are Tokyo and Nagoya (not to see sumo) so I can't say much about Fukuoka, but I guess the access should be easy as in the other two. By the way, I've just had a look on google maps, and it doesn't look complicated at all. Enter through the front door and ask for info should the need arise. With your level of Japanese you are you OK though. Watching sumo is quite simple, you don't have much to worry about.

Edited August 23, 2014 by shumitto

[Benevolance 2,508]

The staff will physically lead you to your assigned seat and help you get settled. I'd say it's just for foreigners, but I saw a lot of staff leading Japanese people to their seats, too.

[Benevolance 2,508]

Maybe I should also mention...once you're in the stadium, you can't leave and re-enter. At least, that was the policy the last few times I went; I didn't speak Japanese well enough to clarify whether that applied only to general admission tickets or to box seats as well. Anyway, the food and beverages at the Fukuoka venue was kinda limited, so unless roasted chestnuts are your thing, I'd recommend bringing some snacks in with you if you're going to stay a while.

[Fay 1,677]

Maybe I should also mention...once you're in the stadium, you can't leave and re-enter. At least, that was the policy the last few times I went; I didn't speak Japanese well enough to clarify whether that applied only to general admission tickets or to box seats as well. Anyway, the food and beverages at the Fukuoka venue was kinda limited, so unless roasted chestnuts are your thing, I'd recommend bringing some snacks in with you if you're going to stay a while.

You can leave and reentry ones a day in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka and I guess Nagoya.

No problem to get to your seat in Fukuoka, there are nice women who lead you to your place and you can also walk around and see the rikishi very closely.

[Harry 67]

I would say go to both if you can just in case the yusho is decided on the second-last day. Would kind of be a let down if it's already said and done before you get there. And I think you might appreciate the second day more after seeing the first. Just a thought... When went to a basho I thought I'd go for a few days then do more travelling, then come back for the final weekend but I ended up watching sumo for the rest of the basho. Enjoyed every second from 8am to the final bout before 6pm for 9 days in a row!

[Benevolance 2,508]

You can leave and reentry ones a day in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka and I guess Nagoya.

What do you show for re-entry? How do they determine that you've only gone out once?

[Doitsuyama 1,192]

You can leave and reentry ones a day in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka and I guess Nagoya.

What do you show for re-entry? How do they determine that you've only gone out once?

That's easy - you get a stamp on the wrist when going out which you have to show on re-entry. I don't remember if I got another stamp then (which would prevent a second re-entry), but that could be answer to question two.

[Jejima 1,414]

I agree with Harry's post above. I was there at the same time as he did his long sumo watching. I was with my then girlfriend, and after watching one day (arriving late), she wanted to keep going, despite not being much of a sumo fan at the time. But she quickly became one. So go on both days. Try and find someone to tell you what is happening, so you can fully understand what is happening. With your Japanese, that should be easy, as most Japanese are amazed when foreigners can speak their lingo, and are very happy to chat (from my experience - and I am guessing that my Japanese is at a lower level than yours.)

If you are not used to sitting cross-legged for a long time, turn up at around 2:30 pm - but if you can manage the cross-legged sitting, go earlier, and cheer on the lower rankers, when the stadium will be empty. This is fun.

But, if I were to pick which day out of the two, I would take day 15 (if you can get the ticket), and keep my fingers crossed that the tournament is not yet decided for the top division (there is a very good chance that it will be already decided on day 14 - or even day 13, but if I were to bet, I'd go for a Hakuho win on day 14.... - to tie the record for second place)

[Shitamachi 21]

Sorry to hop onto this thread- I was wondering if anyone in the forum could give some advice on what time you need to get to the kokugikan by in order to secure same-day general admission tickets. I've been in the past, but usually on weekdays and before Endo came to town. Back then, getting there by 7:30 or even 8:00 was usually OK. I was already there once this basho, but in reserved seats, and am thinking about going for day 14 or 15. Would getting there at 6:30 be early enough? Or should I get there earlier to be sure?

[torquato 1,075]

I thought it's already sold out on these days...

[Doitsuyama 1,192]

I thought it's already sold out on these days...

Well, sold out what can be sold of course. Same-day tickets are sold on... wait... the morning of that very day. ;) So the question is valid and the times given sound right. It's just awful if you're there on 6:30am, wait for some hours and in the end don't get a ticket on a sold-out day... I'm sorry I can't give a better answer as your own assumption.

[torquato 1,075]

I wasn't aware that there is a special amount of tickets reserved to be sold only on the day at the venue. Good to know.

The opposite is true for tickets for certain games of German football. At some games there are no same-day tickets sold even if there are tickets left just for some obscure security reasons... Well but that's off topic I guess.

[Shitamachi 21]

Thanks Doitsuyama.

Torquato- it's the very last row of seats (at least at the Kokugikan, not sure about the other bashos) but they are a very reasonable 2200 yen so great if you get an unexpected day to go.

I'll see how it goes this weekend.

[Yamasanzan 93]

I bought a same-day ticket on day 7 (Saturday). I cued from 7:30, but getting there at 8:30 would have been enough.

Day 14 will probably be harder though. I am gonna try and was also thinking about 6:30, but have no idea if it's early enough really.

[Shitamachi 21]

I bought a same-day ticket on day 7 (Saturday). I cued from 7:30, but getting there at 8:30 would have been enough.

Day 14 will probably be harder though. I am gonna try and was also thinking about 6:30, but have no idea if it's early enough really.

I ended up getting there at 6:15 and it was plenty early enough. I think one could have gotten there as late as 7:30 or so and still gotten a ticket. I was a bit surprised, but I guess that Ichinojo-mania wasn't great enough for most people to miss out on sleep... Good to know though.

[Harry 67]

I agree with Harry's post above. I was there at the same time as he did his long sumo watching. I was with my then girlfriend, and after watching one day (arriving late), she wanted to keep going, despite not being much of a sumo fan at the time. But she quickly became one. So go on both days. Try and find someone to tell you what is happening, so you can fully understand what is happening. With your Japanese, that should be easy, as most Japanese are amazed when foreigners can speak their lingo, and are very happy to chat (from my experience - and I am guessing that my Japanese is at a lower level than yours.)

If you are not used to sitting cross-legged for a long time, turn up at around 2:30 pm - but if you can manage the cross-legged sitting, go earlier, and cheer on the lower rankers, when the stadium will be empty. This is fun.

But, if I were to pick which day out of the two, I would take day 15 (if you can get the ticket), and keep my fingers crossed that the tournament is not yet decided for the top division (there is a very good chance that it will be already decided on day 14 - or even day 13, but if I were to bet, I'd go for a Hakuho win on day 14.... - to tie the record for second place)

Mukashi no kanojo...zannen.

We had a great time! 4 people in a masu box were a tight fit, certainly have to be close friends with someone literally sitting in your lap... or able to sit zazen for a long time as you said.

I was sumo crazy, arriving for jonokuchi or maezumo every day and staying until the musubi-no-ichiban. These gaijin knees could not sit zazen that long even with a nice zabuton but I tried my best.

In Japanese or English, many local fans loved to chat! I hope you had a chance to do so as well.

On days where we didn't have tickets so I was on my own I just lined up for jiyuuseki. For same day you can line up and get a same day general admission ticket, in fact you can get more than one. While they are only supposed to sell one per person (that's what the sign said) I was always asked, how many would you like? Just one...

Back then you could use that ticket and sit anywhere you like until you got kicked out by the proper owner of the box, or all day if you were really lucky and it was a corporate customer who didn't bother to show up at all but how was it this time? Could you sit ringside or masu with a jiyuuseki ticket in Nagoya? It was actually a very rare day that I had to retreat to the seats up there but the last day I did have to retreat up there which was almost too bad except that the view of flying zabuton is good from high up. Lots of flying cushions that basho.

I've been back to Japan but sadly I have missed the bashos in Nagoya and Tokyo every other time I've been there, often just by one day... employer was bought out and new corporate policy does not allow much extending of business trips unfortunately, unlike last time when I was able to add a whole basho as vacation. I was in Tokyo and Nagoya most recently this May and left the day before the basho started... such is life! Couldn't find any more meetings to set up to extend the trip even to Monday.