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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

A few things to know before you go.

From what to pack to how private booking works, these answers help you arrive ready to enjoy the experience.

Plan your private experience
A few things to know before you go.
Real people, shared questions and a private sumo experience.
Real people, shared questions and a private sumo experience.

Is it completely private?

The sessions offered on this website are arranged for your group. The confirmed proposal specifies the experience space and arrangements. Ask separately if exclusive use of every facility in the building is essential.

Do I need experience or a particular fitness level?

Most guests are new to sumo. Your instructor introduces the basics and adjusts the programme. Tell us if you prefer gentle participation, have concerns about contact or want an advanced session.

Can women and children participate?

Yes. Women are welcome in this experience. Children may participate from age two, with four and above recommended. Children aged twelve or under need a private booking and a parent or supervising adult. Please provide the ages of all participants under eighteen.

Getting ready for the experience, with help putting on the mawashi.
Getting ready for the experience, with help putting on the mawashi.

What should I bring?

Bring drinking water (a 500 ml bottle is suggested), a sweat towel and a change of clothes. A mawashi is used during the experience; suitable pants can be provided when needed. Follow the confirmed clothing instructions. If you wear glasses, ask about removing them during practice or wearing contact lenses.

Are showers, changing rooms and step-free access available?

Facilities depend on the booked venue. Showers may be available for sessions in a traditional ring; please confirm the facilities at your booked venue. Please request precise access, toilet, seating and changing details before making arrangements for a guest who needs them.

What language is the experience in?

English support is provided, with Japanese and English available for enquiries. Demonstrations help guests understand the movements. For support in another language, please ask about interpretation when enquiring.

How early should I book?

Enquire at least two weeks ahead for private sessions. An enquiry is a request to check availability. Your booking becomes confirmed only after arrangements and conditions are agreed in writing.

How do payment and cancellations work?

We provide a proposal and invoice privately. Payment is normally required in advance by bank transfer; credit card payment through Stripe is also available. Cancellation conditions are provided before confirmation and use Japan time. Changes to dates, headcount or special arrangements should be requested as early as possible.

Can I take photos or keep my visit private?

Yes, personal photography is welcome with the permission of the people being recorded. Publicity preferences are checked in writing. Tell us before the session if you do not want your photo or video used. Commercial productions should contact Sumo Man.

What should we know about safety and insurance?

Follow the instructor’s directions and only take part at a level that is appropriate for you. Instructors receive safety training and first-aid kits are available. Sumo is a physical activity and minor scrapes or bruises can occur. Insurance information is available on request; coverage depends on policy terms and exclusions.

OUR TRACK RECORD

Welcoming sumo guests from around the world.

Travel Agency & OTA Partners

We have worked with dozens of major travel agencies and online travel agencies (OTAs).

Travel agency and OTA logos: JTB, WILLER, GetYourGuide, Klook, Viator and Airbnb
JTB · WILLER · GetYourGuide · Klook · Viator · Airbnb

Countries and Regions

We have welcomed guests from more than 34 countries and regions.

World map showing where our guests have travelled from
Where our guests have travelled from.
Explore our guests’ home countries and regions

These include:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Mexico
  • Australia
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • India
  • Brazil
  • Taiwan
  • Italy
  • New Zealand
  • Poland
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Lithuania
  • Nepal
  • Norway
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey

YOUR PRIVATE SUMO EXPERIENCE

The programme, step by step

From putting on a mawashi to stepping into the ring: discover the movements, rules and rituals of sumo with your instructors. No previous sumo experience is needed.

Allow around 90 minutes, including preparation and photographs.

  1. Put on a mawashi

    Your instructor helps you put on the traditional sumo belt and prepares you for the experience.

  2. Warm up together

    Begin with stretches and preparatory movements. Follow the instructor’s demonstrations at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

  3. Understand the rules

    Learn the essentials of sumo’s history, how a bout is won, and the etiquette of the dohyo, the sumo ring.

  4. Practise the fundamentals — keiko

    Try the traditional movements that underpin sumo training. Your instructor explains and demonstrates each exercise.

    Shiko
    Lift and lower each leg, practising balance and the characteristic sumo leg stamp.
    Koshiwari
    Lower your hips into a wide sumo stance and practise controlling your posture.
    Suriashi
    Practise sliding footwork, keeping your feet close to the ground as you move.
    Teppo
    Learn the forward pushing movement and how the arms and feet work together.
    Butsukari-geiko
    Try controlled pushing practice when your instructor considers it appropriate, at an intensity suited to you.

  5. Experience a bout — torikumi

    Learn the sequence: bow, perform chirichozu, place both fists on the ground, begin the bout, and bow again. Explore the meaning of chirichozu and the kinjite, or prohibited techniques. The instructor adapts each guided bout to the participants.

  6. Take commemorative photos

    Finish with photos alongside the sumo wrestlers to remember your time in the ring.

This is a sample programme. Exercises, order and duration may change with the venue, group and conditions on the day. Contact drills and bouts are offered at the instructor’s discretion. You do not need to take part in every activity. Tell us about your group’s needs when enquiring.

An instructor helps a guest put on a mawashi.
An instructor helps a guest put on a mawashi.
Learning the koshiwari stance together on the dohyo.
Learning the koshiwari stance together on the dohyo.

A LOOK INSIDE THE EXPERIENCE

Take a look inside a session

Watch a sample session to get a feel for the atmosphere and hands-on experience. Your private programme can be adapted to your group, interests and venue.

This video is an example. Activities, instructors, venue and timings are confirmed for your own booking.

Watch on YouTube

THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR EXPERIENCE

Instructors & support team

Meet the sumo instructors, interpreter, photographer and organiser behind Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!

Toru Shimakura

Toru Shimakura

Operator · Backrub LLC representative

  • Runs Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!
  • Representative of Backrub LLC.
Sitara Matsumoto

Sitara Matsumoto

Interpreter · English-language support

  • Speaks English at a native level and has lived overseas.
  • Academic background at Sophia University.
Sota Kohara

Sota Kohara

Sumo instructor

  • Won the Chiba Prefecture High School Sumo Championship in two consecutive years.
  • Third place in the team division at the All-Japan Student Sumo Championships.
  • Competitive sumo background at Hosei University.
So Miyaue

So Miyaue

Sumo instructor · English-language instruction

  • 25 years of competitive sumo experience.
  • Provides professional sumo instruction in English.
  • Runner-up in the under-85 kg category at the All Japan Intercollegiate Sumo Weight-Class Championships.
Kyosuke Sata

Kyosuke Sata

Professional photographer

  • Professional photographer fluent in English.
  • Experience in high-end photography, including work on international luxury cruise liners.
Shinnosuke Takemasa

Shinnosuke Takemasa

Sumo instructor · Former professional wrestler

  • Champion of the National Sports Festival of Japan, team division.
  • Champion of the All Japan Junior Sumo Championships.
  • Former professional wrestler in the Makushita division, competing under the ring name Genki.

Your session team is arranged according to the programme and availability. Please tell us about any instructor or language requests when you enquire.

AN OPTIONAL ADDITION TO YOUR PRIVATE SESSION

Train with a former sekitori.

Former sekitori — wrestlers who reached the Jūryō or Makuuchi divisions — can take part in your private training experience for an additional fee. Tell us your preferred wrestler, city and dates. We will check availability and confirm the arrangements in your proposal.

Hidenoumi / 英乃海

Hidenoumi 英乃海

Highest rank: Maegashira 6

A former Makuuchi wrestler from Kise stable and a Jūryō champion. His speciality is sumo with a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training
Daishoho / 大翔鵬

Daishoho 大翔鵬

Highest rank: Maegashira 9

From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, he trained at Oitekaze stable and competed in nine Makuuchi tournaments. His speciality is a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training
Daikiho / 大喜鵬

Daikiho 大喜鵬

Highest rank: Maegashira 16

Formerly of Miyagino stable, Masahiro Yamaguchi reached the Makuuchi division. His experience also includes international sumo shows, television and film.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training
Shiden / 紫雷

Shiden 紫雷

Highest rank: Jūryō 2

A former Jūryō wrestler from Kise stable, known for a left-hand inside grip and force-out style. His approachable presence is well suited to demonstrations and guest participation.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training

A requested wrestler is confirmed only after availability and the additional fee have been agreed. For sumo shows, media appearances or event casting, please contact Sumo Man. Shows and casting with Sumo Man

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Available every day of the week

Private sessions can be arranged on any day, including Mondays and weekends, subject to availability.

Standard start times · Japan time

If these times do not fit your itinerary, ask us about adjusting the start time.

Visiting the Tokyo area on a Monday?

The Heiwajima / Heiwanomori Park venue in Tokyo cannot be used on Mondays. Monday sessions can instead be arranged at one of the following locations:

  • Soka, Saitama
  • Kawasaki, Kanagawa
  • Ginza, Tokyo — additional fee applies

We check availability and confirm the venue and start time with you before booking.

AN EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOUR GROUP

Choose an experience that suits your group.

Our sumo experiences began in 2020. The operating company, Backrub LLC, was established in August 2023.

From a small private party to a large group

Traditional ring · Recommended for up to 20 guests

For independent travellers and small groups, we recommend a real dohyo. At the Tokyo ring, groups of up to 30 may be accommodated by arrangement; the venue and participation plan must be confirmed.

Mat programme · Standard groups of 10–30

A mat programme offers flexibility for group itineraries. Larger groups require a separately arranged venue and instructor team.

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 20–50

Venue options include Takadanobaba and Shibuya. We select the location and programme according to your group and venue availability.

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 50–200

For large groups, a venue approximately 10 minutes by car from Ikebukuro is an option. Capacity, transport arrangements and staffing are confirmed for each booking.

Different guests, different ways to take part

Families, school groups & events

We welcome corporate MICE groups, families, middle- and high-school groups, and special-event bookings. Most guests are new to sumo; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

Women & children

Women are welcome to step onto the dohyo and participate. Participation is recommended from age four; children can also accompany the group and watch without taking part. Tell us the ages and numbers of participants and observers.

Older guests & gentle participation

We have welcomed many guests in their 60s and beyond. A gentler programme is available for those who prefer a lower level of physical activity. Experienced athletes can request more intensive training.

Modest clothing & privacy

Muslim guests are welcome to participate in a hijab or other modest attire. A female instructor may be requested well in advance, subject to availability. Private sessions also give LGBT+ guests and anyone with privacy requirements space to enjoy the experience with their own group.

Sessions in English, with demonstrations to guide you

Sessions are conducted in English, with support in English and Japanese. Demonstrations and physical practice also help guests from non-English-speaking backgrounds understand the movements.

Share your group’s requirements when enquiring. We confirm the venue, instructors, participation arrangements and meeting instructions before your visit. Please confirm travel arrangements alongside your booking details.

Plan your group’s experience

PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

Insurance & safety

Our sumo experience has business insurance with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. We combine this with safety training for instructors and clear guidance for participants.

Business insurance

The policy described in our service information includes bodily-injury liability, property-damage liability and theft of guests’ belongings. Coverage is subject to the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.

Care during your session

Instructors receive safety training and first-aid kits are available on site. Please follow the instructor’s directions and tell us about any participation needs before your visit.

Understand the cover

Sumo is a physical activity and minor scrapes or bruises can occur. The insurance described in our service information does not cover these minor injuries. It does not guarantee cover for every accident or loss.

Travel professionals and guests can request confirmation of the insurance arrangements and the applicable coverage conditions for their visit.

Ask about insurance for your visit

Before you book

Our safety record

We have never caused a guest a serious injury. Activities and intensity are adapted to each group, and the instructor decides which contact exercises are appropriate.

Watching and taking part

Watching is free, including for children, tour leaders and interpreters. A tour leader who takes part in the experience is charged as a participant.

Payment and travel-agency rates

Payment is normally required in advance by bank transfer. Travel agencies receive net wholesale rates, with no commission included, and set their own selling prices. Contact us for detailed sales materials and the individual terms, including payment and cancellation conditions.

Cancellation conditions

15 or more days beforeFree of charge
10 days before30%
7 days before50%
3 days before70%
The day before, on the day, or no-show100%

If we cancel the experience, we provide a full refund.

What to bring and wear

Remove your glasses or switch to contact lenses for the experience. Bring a towel, a change of clothes and around 500 ml of drinking water.

Children and guests under 18

A private booking is required when children aged 12 or under take part. Tell us in advance how many participants are under 18 and their ages.

Photos and videos

You may freely post your own photos and videos on social media. Ask other guests for permission before recording or sharing images of them. We may use material we film on our official website, social media and sales materials. Tell us before the experience if you do not wish to appear.

SUMO MAN

Looking for performers for a show or production?

For sumo shows, film, television, advertising, event appearances and talent casting, visit our specialist agency, Sumo Man.

Sumo Man

PRIVATE SUMO TRAINING · TOKYO & OSAKA

Let’s plan your time in the ring.

Tell us a little about your trip. We will check availability and prepare a proposal. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.

Tokyo & Osaka

Please enquire at least two weeks ahead for a private session.

Preferred date

Our team handles enquiries in English and Japanese. You may write in your preferred language.

Languages

87 languages · English · 日本語 · Deutsch · Français · Español

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PRIVATE SUMO TRAINING · TOKYO & OSAKA