Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
The Ritual
Sumō was originally part of a ritual prayer to the gods for a good harvest. While it
has obviously evolved, it remains deeply connected to Japan's Shintō tradition.
You'll see a roof suspended over the
dōyo
(ring) that resembles that of a shrine.
Before bouts,
rikishi
(wrestlers) rinse their mouths with water and toss salt into
the ring - both are purification rituals.
Makuuchi Entering the Ring
Things really pick up at 3.45pm when the
makuuchi
(top-tier) wrestlers perform
their ceremonial entrance, wearing colourful, embroidered aprons. This is fol-
lowed by the grand entrance of the
yokozuna
- the top of the top - complete with
sword-bearing attendants.
The Yokozuna
In order to achieve this highest rank a wrestler must win two consecutive tourna-
ments and be considered, in the eyes of the Sumō Association, to embody certain
traditional values. The
yokozuna
wrestle in the final, most exciting, bouts of the
day. You'll also see portraits of past champions hanging around the stadium and at
the Sumō Museum attached to the stadium.
Nearby: Arashio-beya
If you're not visiting during a tournament, you can watch an early morning prac-
tice at
Arashio Stable
(Arashio-beya; 3666-7646;
www.arashio.net
; 2-47-2 Hama-chō, Ni-
hombashi, Chūō-ku; admission free; 7.30am-10am; Toei Shinjuku Line to Hamachō, exit A2)
,
one of many stables where wrestlers sleep, eat and train. See the website for in-
formation about visiting and etiquette.
