Summary

Unpick the intrigue behind Japan's national sport as you visit one of Tokyo's sumo stables. Learn about the wrestlers' strict and traditional lifestyle, etiquette and watch them train for grand tournaments

In pictures

Sumo Stable, Tokyo

About

Recommended for:
History & culture | Unique & unusual

Japan’s national sport is something of an obsession for its practitioners. Each wrestler will live in one heya – stable in English – for the duration of their career where they’ll follow a rigorous regime that governs everything from eating to sleeping. Rooted in custom, wrestlers even wear traditional clothing outside the ring. And, you can get a chance to glimpse this fascinating lifestyle with a trip to one of Tokyo’s 47 stables to watch an asageiko morning training session. An English speaking private guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on public transport to the stable. They’ll be able to educate you on the strict etiquette governing spectators and give you an insight into this 500-year-old sport. Watch as giant bodies move with impossible grace.

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