Tokyo January Grand Sumo Tournament 2026: Full Schedule, Tickets, Ryogoku Kokugikan Guide & Rikishi Highlights
Hatsu Basho at Ryogoku: 15 Days of Top Makuuchi Bouts, Yokozuna Dohyo-Iri & Sumo Culture (Jan 11-25)
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Categories: Sports Events, Traditional Sports, Events
Tokyo January Grand Sumo Tournament 2026: Full Schedule, Tickets & Rikishi Highlights
Hatsu Basho at Ryogoku Kokugikan – 15 Days of Intense Makuuchi Bouts & Traditional Rituals (Jan 11-25)
🌸 Hatsu Basho: Japan's New Year Sumo Spectacle
The January Grand Sumo Tournament (Hatsu Basho) kicks off the 2026 honbasho calendar from January 11 to 25 at Tokyo's iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan. This 15-day event features top rikishi competing for the Emperor's Cup, with dramatic yokozuna dohyo-iri ceremonies, salt-throwing rituals, and thrilling clashes in the dohyo.
📅 Daily Schedule & Key Times
Typical Day Breakdown
- 8:30 AM: Lower divisions begin
- 2:30 PM: Juryo division bouts
- 4:00 PM: Top Makuuchi division (main action)
- Around 6:00 PM: Final bouts & closing ceremony
Arrive early for full experience or from 3:30 PM for prime makuuchi matches!
Banzuke rankings announced late December 2025. The final days (Jan 23-25) feature championship-deciding bouts.
🎟️ Tickets & Official Booking
Prices: ¥3,800 (general) – ¥19,200 (ringside tamaseki boxes)
Advance sales start December 6, 2025
Official Ticket Oosumo: sumo.pia.jp/en
Japan Sumo Association Info
Advance sales start December 6, 2025
Official Ticket Oosumo: sumo.pia.jp/en
Japan Sumo Association Info
Ringside seats sell out fastest. Box seats (masu) for groups include cushions & space for bento. Same-day tickets sometimes available for upper tiers.
📍 Ryogoku Kokugikan Venue Guide
Historic 11,000-seat arena in Sumida Ward – heart of sumo culture.
Access: 5-min walk from JR Ryogoku Station (Sobu Line West Exit) or Toei Oedo Line.
Nearby: Chanko nabe restaurants, Sumo Museum & stable tours.
Access: 5-min walk from JR Ryogoku Station (Sobu Line West Exit) or Toei Oedo Line.
Nearby: Chanko nabe restaurants, Sumo Museum & stable tours.
⭐ Highlights & Cultural Immersion
- Grand yokozuna dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonies
- Salt purification & intense tachiai charges
- Bow twirling & trophy presentations
- Festival vibe in Ryogoku with wrestler sightings
- Salt purification & intense tachiai charges
- Bow twirling & trophy presentations
- Festival vibe in Ryogoku with wrestler sightings
