Researched guide · Checked on Nov 11, 2026
Ryogoku, on the Sumida River, is the home of sumo. The Ryogoku Kokugikan arena holds three tournaments a year, wrestlers live and train in the stables nearby, and the area is full of museums about Edo-period Tokyo. It is just across the river from Asakusa.
Quick answer
Tournament in town? Watch sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. See our sumo guide.
Any time: the Edo-Tokyo Museum (reopened March 31, 2026), the Sumida Hokusai Museum and a chanko-nabe lunch, the stew sumo wrestlers eat.
Plan Your Visit to Ryogoku
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Overview
| Getting there | Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line, Toei Oedo Line) |
| From Shinjuku | About 22 minutes on the JR Sobu Line |
| Time needed | Half a day, or a full day with sumo |
| Good for | Sumo, history, museums, crafts |
Best Things to Do
Sumo in Ryogoku
- Ryogoku Kokugikan: Japan’s main sumo arena, close to the station. Three of the year’s tournaments are held here. See our Ryogoku Kokugikan guide for dates, tickets and the Sumo Museum.
- Sumo stables: many stables are in the area, and you may see wrestlers walking around town. Some stables allow visitors to watch morning practice under strict conditions, usually through a guided tour.
- Chanko-nabe: try the hearty hot pot of meat and vegetables at one of the local restaurants.
Museums
- Edo-Tokyo Museum: Tokyo’s history from the Edo period to today. It reopened on March 31, 2026, after a long renovation.
- Sumida Hokusai Museum: works by Hokusai, the great ukiyo-e artist.
- Japanese Sword Museum: famous swords, including National Treasures.
Crafts across the river
Across the Sumida River, Asakusabashi is an area of small workshops making goods from wood, glass and leather, with young artists reviving traditional crafts.
Food & Drink
Ryogoku is the home of chanko-nabe, the hearty hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat, and the area around the station has restaurants that serve it. It makes a good lunch after a museum. See also How to eat out in Tokyo and Japanese food to try in Tokyo.
Shopping
- Sumo goods and souvenirs are sold around the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
- Across the river, Asakusabashi has small workshops making goods from wood, glass and leather, covered above.
Where to Stay
Ryogoku is close to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, and a direct ride from Shinjuku on the JR Sobu Line. Hotels in Asakusa make a convenient base. See Best hotels in Asakusa.
Getting There
- Ryogoku Station: JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line, about 22 minutes from Shinjuku on the Sobu Line.
- Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree are nearby.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
A half day of sumo history and Edo culture:
- MorningEdo-Tokyo Museum
- Walk
- LunchChanko-nabe near the station
- Walk
- AfternoonSumida Hokusai Museum, or sumo at the Kokugikan during a tournament
Travel Tips
- Check the sumo tournament dates before you plan your trip. Tickets sell out for weekends.
- Ryogoku is close to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, so you can combine them.
Comparing areas? See 23 Tokyo neighborhoods side by side in Tokyo neighborhoods compared.
FAQ
When are sumo tournaments held in Ryogoku?
Three of the six annual tournaments are held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Check the Japan Sumo Association schedule for dates. See our sumo guide.
Can I watch sumo practice in Ryogoku?
Some stables allow visitors to watch morning practice, under strict conditions. A guided tour is the easiest way.
Is the Edo-Tokyo Museum open?
Yes. It reopened on March 31, 2026, after renovation.
What should I eat in Ryogoku?
Chanko-nabe, the hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers, served at several local restaurants.
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Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit (checked November 11, 2026). Please check hours and tournament dates before you go.
