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Updated: October 11, 2019

Explore Ryogoku

A downtown district with a passion for sumo

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A downtown district with a passion for sumo

The compact district of Ryogoku is famous for one thing in particular: sumo. Along with the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium where Tokyo's matches are held three times a year, you can visit a sumo stable to watch the wrestlers train, and try chanko-nabe, the hearty hotpot that gives the wrestlers energy. Within a short distance, the excellent Edo-Tokyo Museum and the new Sumida Hokusai Museum reveal the area's history through dynamic exhibitions.

General Tips

  • Get up early to visit a sumo stable to watch the training, through an organized tour
  • You can get general admission sumo tickets at the Kokugikan Box Office from 7:45 a.m. on match days
  • Grab a map of the best chanko-nabe restaurants from the tourist information center inside the Hotel Belle Grande

Map Legend

  • Walking
  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Water Bus

Ryogoku Station

1

A retro introduction to Tokyo's downtown

Ryogoku Station

Just 13 minutes from Tokyo Station with a change at Akihabara, Ryogoku Station is the perfect place to start exploring the area. Just steps away from the arena, you have a good chance of spotting some sumo wrestlers strolling the area in their cotton yukata robes.

Walking2 mins

Kokugikan-dori Street

2

Mighty men in miniature

Kokugikan-dori Street

Along Kokugikan-dori Street leading to the national sumo stadium, you'll find statues of famous yokozuna-ranked star wrestlers in traditional poses, along with the impressions of their powerful hands. See how big their hands are and take fun pictures mirroring their poses.

Walking3 mins

Ryogoku Kokugikan

3

See the big men in the big ring

Ryogoku Kokugikan

The Ryogoku Kokugikan national sumo stadium is right next to the station, distinguished by its large, low, green roof. During tournament seasons, the area is festooned with colored flags denoting the names of competitors. Even if you can't see a match, the stadium is fascinating.

Walking1 min

Sumo Museum

4

A colorful history

Sumo Museum

Within the Ryogoku Kaikan building, the Sumo Museum has changing displays of artifacts relating to sumo, including original woodblock prints, sumo dolls and the large embroidered aprons, called kesho-mawashi, worn by highest-ranking wrestlers.

Walking3 mins

Edo-Tokyo Museum

5

A towering modern tribute to Tokyo's history

Edo-Tokyo Museum

A fascinating look at how Tokyo developed over 400 years, the extensive museum features original artifacts, full-size dioramas and scale models of the city. On weekends, they often hold workshops, events and performances, bringing Tokyo's history to life.

Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum: The entire museum is closed for large-scale renovations from April 1, 2022 through spring 2026 (scheduled reopening).

Walking5 mins

Ryogoku Edo Noren

6

Step back in time

Ryogoku Edo Noren

Connected to Ryogoku Station, the Ryogoku Edo Noren complex recreates a traditional Edo-period (1603-1867) street with Japanese restaurants, around a sumo ring. On weekends, there are regular cultural events, including sumo matches where visitors can square up against a former wrestler.

Walking11 mins
A cutting-edge home for Edo's favorite artist

Sumida Hokusai Museum

With ukiyo-e woodblock prints like The Great Wave Off The Coast Of Kanagawa, Katsushika Hokusai's work became world-famous. He spent most of his life in this area, and you can still see glimpses of his favorite scenes in modern Tokyo. This bold building houses a permanent collection and changing exhibitions, with interactive elements.

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