Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Sumida Hokusai Museum
- Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium
Photos & Highlights
- Go back in time to old Tokyo via one of it's most traditional neighborhoods, Ryogoku
- Led by an expert local guide or scholar
Tour Description
Let a Context expert take you away from the typical tourist trail and into the heart of Ryogoku, the home of Tokyo's sumo culture and a neighborhood rich in history, art, and cultural heritage.
Start your exploration at the Sumida Hokusai Museum, where you'll dive into the world of Katsushika Hokusai, the famed ukiyo-e artist known for his captivating woodblock prints, including the world renowned Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Back into the streets, you will stop to admire Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, the arena where sumo tournaments have been held for centuries. You'll learn about the deep-rooted traditions of sumo wrestling and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of sumo wrestlers heading home post-training.
Next, head to the Sumida River where you’ll learn about the role the waterway has played in the history and development of Tokyo. You will also discover charming artisan shops where traditional crafts are still made by hand. Your perception of ancestral heritage will be challenged when you learn about traditions which have remained in the same family for upwards of 18 generations.
Depending on your interests, you may stop into Ekoin Temple, a historic site associated with sumo and the final resting place for many samurai, or Ejimasugiyama Shrine. You may also stop into tranquil Yasuda Gardens, a beautifully landscaped garden that offers a slice of nature amidst the urban sprawl.
Ryogoku offers you the perfect opportunity to experience some of Tokyo's richest history, most traditional culture and varied architecture.
Ryogoku offers you the perfect opportunity to experience some of Tokyo's richest history, most traditional culture and varied architecture.
- You'd like to go beyond the beaten track and catch a glimpse of a traditional Tokyo neighborhood
- You're curious about sumo culture and want to dip beneath the surface of this celebrated spectacle
- Ideal both for first time visitors and those who've spent time in Japan
- Sumida Hokusai Museum
- Kokugikan Sumo Stadium
- Sumida River
- Artisan shops
- Ekoin Temple (optional)
- Ejimasugiyama Shrine (optional)
- Yasuda Gardens (optional)
Your guide will handle the purchase of entrance tickets on the tour.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Japan, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Tokyo and Japan prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
Will I attend a sumo match on this tour?
The tour does not include a sumo match, but you will pass by Tokyo's most famous sumo stadium while learning the context behind this celebrated sport. Depending on tournament schedules, you may encounter sumo wrestlers returning home post-training. You may visit the sumo museum on your own following the tour, should you so desire.
Where does the tour begin? Where does it end?
The itinerary begins at the Sumida Hokusai Museum and normally ends along the Sumida riverfront. The end point can change depending on your interests during the tour.
Where does the tour begin? Where does it end?
The itinerary begins at the Sumida Hokusai Museum and normally ends along the Sumida riverfront. The end point can change depending on your interests during the tour.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
