'A Hstory of Sumo' Tour on June 24th

Sumo, the national sport of Japan, is becoming increasingly popular among both Japanese and foreign people recently.

We will offer “a history of Sumo tour” to Sumo enthusiasts on June 24th. Tomioka- Hachimangu shrine in Koto-city is the birthplace of the current professional Sumo. In the late 17th century, the first Sumo performance in Edo (old name of Tokyo) was held at the precinct of the shrine to raise funds for repairing the shrine.




Our guides, who are also big fans of Sumo, will show you how

Sumo has developed by going around stone monuments such as Yokozuna, grand champion monument, and the one with Sumo wrestlers hand prints in the grounds of the shrine---the historical field of Sumo. You would feel that sumo is not only a sport but also essence of Japanese culture through the tour.

Kisenosato, the 72nd Yokozuna grand champion’s name was newly engraved on the monument and he performed the ring-entering ritual on the approach of the shrine, congratulated by an audience of about 3,000 on June 9th. Please see our previous article on “Ceremony to join list of greatest sumo wrestlers at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine”.

After learning about Sumo, we will take a walk on a lovely street toward Fukagawa-Fudodo temple. The street is lined with small shops selling rice crackers or traditional sweets etc. Tasting Sake (Japanese alcoholic beverage) at a liquor shop there would be fun!

Tour details
Date & Time: 14:00-16:00 (2hours) on June 24th
Meeting Place: The street level of Exit1 of Monzen-nakacho Station(T13) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
Cost: free of charge
Booking: Emailing us in advance using the mailing form on our Web site is recommended.
(Please choose “Course M” and describe “Sumo tour” in [Additional notes about your course request] space.)
However, just showing up at the meeting place without booking would be okay.

(by Nobuko)