I will attend the basho in person on Jan 23rd - first time at sumo tou

[warusawa 9]

Hi, guys:

I could not start a new topic in the Sumo Information forum so I am posting here. Mods, please move if inappropriate. I will be visiting Tokyo from the US in January during the Tokyo tournament. The timing is accidental, but I already got tickets for Thursday Jan 23rd. So excited! My first live sumo tournament...Any tips on when to arrive at the arena, fun things to do in and around Ryogoku Kokugikan, sumo souvenirs to buy, eat out in the area, any advice is appreciated. Is taking pictures allowed with no flash?

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moved

Edited January 15, 2014 by Jakusotsu

[Masumasumasu 902]

Juryo starts at around 2:30 and Makuuchi starts at 4:00. It's fun to get there early. You can see people like Takanohana wandering around the place.

There isn't a lot to do in Ryogoku other than sumo, however. I recommend that you find a place to eat somewhere else.

Taking pictures is fine just don't try to touch the dohyo (or the Richijo/Chiyonofuji).

[Morty 1,505]

If you only have one day get there in the morning, maybe 10ish, and experience the slow build up. That way you get to see some of the lower ranks as well as the main show later on. You also get to do lots of people watching - the couple of times I have been the audience has been nearly as entertaining as the sumo. Also take your time to wander around the KK and experience everything they have to offer. Go to the museum, have a bento box and a couple of beers, sample the souvenirs, talk to people etc.

[bullitt 2]

I remember my first sumo event in Fukuoka a few years ago, I went down and around the back and watched the rikishi warm up and was standing beside Yamamotoyama 山本山, thats when I understood how big these guys are.

Outside when they arrive is also a nice part of the day, lots of cheering, waving & photos.

I dont know about other places but in Fukuoka we could get good access to the back & East & West entrance areas.

[CT3 4]

Hi warusawa!

I was there last year (like you, in January) and I found that there was plenty to do in the area. Although you can get chanko at the stadium, my friends and I ate at a nearby place called Hananomai Ryoguko. They specialize in chanko sets that you make at your own table. The best part? They have a regulation size dohyo right in the restaurant! You can walk on it, throw the salt or if you're like me, do your best Takamisakari and Asashoryu impressions. (Laughing...)

Here are links in English and in Japanese:

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g863263/

http://www.chimney.co.jp/event/ooedo808/index2.html

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is also a very short walk away and definitely worth checking out (if you have the time);

http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/

And be sure to visit the Kokugikan gift shop. Enjoy!

Edited January 18, 2014 by CT3

[Mukonoso 273]

I can't remember if the paper banzuke were 100 or 200 yen. They look great in a poster frame on a den/man cave wall.

[wooze 0]

Juryo starts at around 2:30 and Makuuchi starts at 4:00. It's fun to get there early. You can see people like Takanohana wandering around the place.

There isn't a lot to do in Ryogoku other than sumo, however. I recommend that you find a place to eat somewhere else.

Taking pictures is fine just don't try to touch the dohyo (or the Richijo/Chiyonofuji).

Completely unrelated but what is dohyo ?there are lots of japanese words in these forums that i dont understand. Is there a Sumo -> english dictionary topic?

[Asojima 2,874]

wooze, on 16 Dec 2014 - 09:12, said:

Completely unrelated but what is dohyo ?there are lots of japanese words in these forums that i dont understand. Is there a Sumo -> english dictionary topic?

The forum glossary

[Asameshimae 220]

The paper banzuke in Nagoya were 50 yen I believe. I was surprised.

[Sumozumo 240]

I was there at ryogoku during the fukouka basho and there was a sign with the paper banzuke price and arrow but couldn't figure out where to go. It was super desolate, like a desert.

[Akinomaki 40,770]

I was there last year (like you, in January) and I found that there was plenty to do in the area. Although you can get chanko at the stadium, my friends and I ate at a nearby place called Hananomai Ryoguko. They specialize in chanko sets that you make at your own table. The best part? They have a regulation size dohyo right in the restaurant! You can walk on it, throw the salt or if you're like me, do your best Takamisakari and Asashoryu impressions. (Laughing...)

Here are links in English and in Japanese:

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g863263/

http://www.chimney.co.jp/event/ooedo808/index2.html

Former rikishi perform in front of and with foreign guests in this restaurant with dohyo very near to the kokugikan: http://www.chimney.co.jp/event/ooedo808/ec_nakamura.html (English)

many more videos on this channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUz6DvSOlZ86Msbz13S2z-g/videos

Edited October 17, 2015 by Akinomaki