Feel the tense atmosphere in the sumo stable the moment you step inside with your guide—something that clearly sets morning sumo practice apart from staged “sumo shows.” While shows feature humorous performances and you can even challenge the performers, the sumo practice viewing contrasts sharply with the shows because: 1) All the sumo stable wrestlers belong to the Japan Sumo Association, the only governing body of professional sumo in Japan, while sumo show wrestlers are performers. 2) While the performers try to make their show entertaining as best as they can, the professionals are just focused on climbing the ranks through hard practice. The sumo stable you are visiting has two top-division wrestlers. Watch how grueling it is for other lower-ranked wrestlers to wrest their positions from the two wrestlers. Though the atmosphere during practice is intense and unapproachable, once off the ring, the wrestlers are friendly, and you can take commemorative photos with them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.