History
The Sumo Museum was founded in 1954 concurrently with the completion of the Kuramae Kokugikan. The inaugural director, Tadamasa Sakai, established it to prevent the dispersal of sumo-related items that he had collected over a long period of time.
With the opening of the new sumo arena, Ryogoku Kokugikan, in January of 1985, the museum was relocated and has been situated in the same place ever since.
Current Activities
The Sumo Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits materials related to sumo, items such as Nishikie (woodblock prints), Banzuke (official listing of ranks), and Kesho-mawashi (ceremonial aprons). The museum has just one exhibition room, so not everything can be displayed at the same time. The staff selects objects with different themes for viewing throughout the year. The institution also is engaged in research and study of various aspects of sumo, as an important part of Japan’s traditional culture.
*Exhibits are subject to change.
Museum Information
| Location | first floor of The Ryogoku Kokugikan |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-3-28 Yoko-ami Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015 |
| Open | 12:30 – 16:00 (Enter by 15:30) |
| Closed | Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays (with some exceptions), dates near the end of the year, and New Year’s holidays. The exhibition space also may be closed from time to time for change of display or other reasons. Please check the museum schedule in advance. Please check Sumo Museum Calendar. |
| Admission | Admission is free. However, during a Grand Sumo Tournament, you must have a ticket to enter the arena. |
Important notice for group tours
Please contact us prior to making a visit if your group exceeds 20 people.
The exhibition room has limited space (150 square meters). If your group has a large number of visitors, you might want to consider dividing into smaller groups to allow everyone a better experience.
The museum does not have parking facilities.
Access
a one minute walk from the JR Sobu Line, Ryogoku Station
a five minute walk from Exit A4, the Toei Oedo Subway Line, Ryogoku Station
(Note: There are no parking facilities available.)