About Ryogoku Kokugikan
Ryogoku Kokugikan is Tokyo’s premier sumo wrestling venue located in Sumida Ward, serving as the home of Japan’s national sport. The arena also hosts boxing matches, professional wrestling events, and concerts, featuring a unique motorized sumo ring that can be raised and lowered for different events. The surrounding area is filled with sumo-themed shops and attractions, including the Sumo Museum inside the venue.
Ryogoku Kokugikan / Capacity & Seating
Ryogoku Kokugikan seats over 10,000 spectators in a bowl-shaped arrangement that provides excellent views of the sumo ring from every angle. The premium ringside seats called ‘tamari-seki’ offer an up-close experience where spectators might get splashed with sand during matches, while the second floor features chair seating and same-day general admission areas.
Ryogoku Kokugikan / Nearest Station
JR Ryogoku Station (Sobu Line) – 2-minute walk; Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line) – 5-minute walk via elevated walkway
Ryogoku Kokugikan / Coin Lockers
Information about coin lockers near Ryogoku Kokugikan is not provided in the source material.
From JR Ryogoku Station (Sobu Line)
For access to Ryogoku Kokugikan from JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station, meeting at the West Exit ticket gate is recommended. There are two exits – East and West – so be sure not to mix them up.
After exiting the JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station West Exit, you’ll immediately see a taxi stand.
Cross the crosswalk beyond the taxi stand to the right. You’ll see a smoking area ahead after crossing.
Continue straight ahead. Ryogoku Kokugikan is very close now!
You can now see Ryogoku Kokugikan’s distinctive roof and drum tower! Continue in the direction of the arrow.
You’ve arrived at Ryogoku Kokugikan! Enjoy the sumo matches and events to the fullest!
From Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line)
For access to Ryogoku Kokugikan from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station, meeting at the ticket gate is recommended. There’s only one gate, making it easy to find.
Take the A3 exit (with elevator) directly in front of the ticket gate to reach street level.
The Edo-Tokyo Museum will be on your left.
There’s a walkway beyond the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Turn left in the direction of the arrow to follow the walkway.
The walkway features Tokyo’s only statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu!
After the walkway, you’ll see APA Hotel Ryogoku Tower ahead on the left. Ryogoku Kokugikan is very close now.
Follow another walkway along the APA Hotel building.
The green roof visible next to the APA Hotel is Ryogoku Kokugikan. Continue along the walkway following the Kokugikan building.
On your left is the JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) side entrance of the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Continue along the Kokugikan building and you’ll see JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station on the left. Head right toward the main entrance of Kokugikan.
You can see Ryogoku Kokugikan’s drum tower. During sumo tournament periods, banners line the tower.
You’ve arrived at Ryogoku Kokugikan! Enjoy the sumo matches and events to the fullest!
Ryogoku Kokugikan / Basic Information
Arrive early during sumo tournaments as the area gets very crowded. The venue is surrounded by traditional sumo restaurants (chanko-nabe) perfect for pre-event dining. IC cards are accepted at most nearby facilities. Consider exploring the Edo-Tokyo Museum if you have extra time before events.
🇯🇵 Japanese version: More detailed access photos and venue information are available in the Japanese article about Ryogoku Kokugikan.
