Ryogoku is the sumo capital of the world, home to sumo stables and a sumo stadium. Although synonymous with Japan's national sport, the neighborhood is also known for its historical museums. See a sumo practice session, sample the protein-rich meal that gives sumo wrestlers their energy and pick up insights into Tokyo's past.
As you explore the neighborhood, stop by the numerous statues of in differing fighting poses. The bases of the statues are decorated with the handprints of past champions.
Watch a sumo match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. Three of the country's six national tournaments are held here, in January, May and September. Learn about the history of sumo wrestling culture at the stadium's Sumo Museum. Browse artifacts such as embroidered belts and silk ceremonial gowns worn by high-ranking wrestlers. To watch sumos in action when there are no scheduled tournaments, visit the neighborhood's sumo stables where wrestlers live and practice.
Before Ryogoku Kokugikan was built, in 1909, sumo tournaments were held in the Ekoin Temple for more than 100 years. Enter through the ornate wooden gate of this Buddhist temple and visit halls, shrines and statues, including a stone monument that honors past wrestlers.
Next door to the temple is the Fireworks Museum. Learn about the history of fireworks in Japan and discover how the illuminations are made. Visit other Ryogoku museums, including the Japanese Sword Museum and the Edo Tokyo Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the country's capital. Once inside this museum, walk through replica historical buildings and cross the full-scale reproduction of the Nihonbashi Bridge. This wooden structure was the starting point for major roads leading into and out of the city.
If you want to know the secret of sumo strength, try a bowl of chanko nabe. Wrestlers devour this protein-packed hot pot dish in vast quantities as part of their weight-gain diet. Dine in a chanko nabe restaurant, some of which have tables set around a sumo wrestling ring.
Ryogoku is located in northeast Tokyo. Arrive by subway train at Ryogoku Station.
