Ryogoku Kokugikan
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Ryogoku Kokugikan
- Location
- 〒130-0015 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Access
- Approximately 2 minutes on foot from JR Ryogoku Station, and approximately 5 minutes on foot from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station.
- Parking
- Please use the nearby paid parking.
- Business Hours
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Hours may vary due to events. - Regular Holiday
- Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, year-end and New Year, and other irregular holidays.
- Fees
- It varies depending on the event.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：03-3623-5111
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Ryogoku Kokugikan is widely known as the "sacred ground of sumo," where Japan's national sport, sumo wrestling, is held three times a year (January, May, and September). This large multipurpose hall, which can accommodate nearly 10,000 people, features a movable ring and is also utilized for events such as professional wrestling, boxing, and concerts. Equipped with the latest facilities, it captivates many with its stage that supports entertainment from both past and present.
The predecessor of the Kokugikan was the old Kokugikan, built in 1909 next to Eikoin Temple, while the current building was completed in 1984 and has been in use since the January tournament of 1985. It is located just a short distance from the north exit of JR Ryogoku Station, on the site of the former Ryogoku freight station, which is historically significant as it was once the location of the Edo Shogunate's rice granary. It has excellent access, being about 10 minutes from Tokyo Station and Ueno Station, and approximately 17 minutes from Shinjuku Station.
During tournaments, spectators fill the arena seating on the first floor and the chair seating on the second floor, with matches starting around 8:30 AM, progressing through the ranks from Jonokuchi to Makuni. Throughout the tournament, banners displaying sumo wrestlers and life-sized panels and statues of wrestlers displayed both inside and outside the venue enhance the atmosphere and are popular photo spots. The shop offers the famous "rikishi bento" (sumo wrestler lunch box), which has become a customary delight to enjoy while watching the matches.
Additionally, the venue houses the "Sumo Museum," where valuable exhibits related to sumo's history and culture, including bout sheets, ceremonial mawashi, and ukiyo-e prints of historical wrestlers, are displayed. Entrance to the museum is free for those holding tickets to the tournament. There are also dining options, including restaurants that serve chanko nabe (a hot pot dish enjoyed by wrestlers), as well as cafes for light snacks, ensuring a comfortable visit.
Combining solemnity and excitement, the Kokugikan is cherished not only for sumo wrestling but also as a hub for Japanese culture and entertainment, continuing to attract many visitors today.
#Traditional culture experience #Cultural assets/historic sites
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