Travel to the Heart of Sumo Wrestling

A handpicked tour of sumo culture sites scattered throughout the Kansai region tracing the history and tradition of Japan’s national sport, sumo wrestling, a tradition that has been passed down for 1,500 years.

This high value-added experience centers on THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA and the neighboring regions. Guests can experience the secret origins of sumo, the way of the warrior that is bushido, dedications to the gods, historical and cultural farming rituals, ancient Japanese forms of entertainment, and present-day sumo matches.
(1) Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture: Experience the legend of the wrestling match with Taima-no-Kehaya, considered the origin of sumo wrestling. See the dedicated ring and rituals to predict the harvest at sumo tourism center Kehaya-za, and watch local sumo take pride in strength. You can also try some sumo cuisine (known as chanko) as you learn about the relationship between rural life, climate, and local production and consumption in an antique restaurant with commentary from sumo wrestlers.
(2) Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture: Learn about the relationship between sumo wrestling as a Shinto ritual and local food culture, including the importance of sake, rice, and salt, at the Nadagogo Brewers Association and the restricted ozeki’s special facility Seiwakan. Special sake tasting and various other activities will also be on offer for participants on this tour.
(3) Osaka City, Osaka: Traditional sumo wrestler training experience
A high-value-added experience that educates participants on sumo wrestling and its relationship with Osaka. Learn all about the traditional sacred grounds of the sumo world, which play an important role for wrestlers training their physical and mental strength and cultivating their competitive spirit. You can also witness post-fight rituals such as bow-twirling, along with other aspects of traditional Japanese culture. This experience is brought to you by former professional sumo wrestlers have appeared on NETFLIX and others with extensive sumo experience. THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA will be reserved exclusively for this event.