SUMO

We will introduce sumo-related locations across the country that can be reached from Osaka.
While experiencing traditional culture and local charm,
a special time to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido was once known as the “Sumo Kingdom,” and has produced eight Yokozuna since the birth of the 41st Yokozuna, Chiyonoyama, and the 58th Yokozuna, Chiyonofuji. Memorial museums have been built in the birthplaces of Yokozuna within the prefecture, allowing visitors to experience the history and culture of sumo that Hokkaido has cultivated.

SPOT 01

Fukushima Town

Yokozuna Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall (Fukushima Town). Fukushima Town is the only town in Japan that has produced two Yokozuna: Chiyonoyama, Hokkaido’s first Yokozuna, and Chiyonofuji, the first sumo wrestler to receive the People’s Honor Award. At this memorial museum, you can learn about the history and glorious path of these two Yokozuna.

Kansai

Kansai “The Story of the Beginning of Sumo.” Katsuragi and Sakurai cities in Nara Prefecture are the locations of the strength contest between Taima no Kehaya and Nomi no Sukune, which is also mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. This is said to be the first sumo tournament in Japan to be viewed by the Emperor. Sakai city in Osaka prefecture is the birthplace of student sumo, and the Ohama Park Sumo Stadium hosts 10 to 20 national tournaments each year.

SPOT 01

Katsuragi City Sumo Hall “Kehayaza”

This sumo museum is rare in Japan, and houses approximately 12,000 valuable sumo-related materials. Inside the museum, there is a sumo ring the same size as that used in a professional sumo tournament, and anyone can freely enter. Other popular activities include taking commemorative photos wearing a sumo wrestler costume and experiencing salt-throwing.

SPOT 02

Sakai City

Ohama Park Sumo Stadium in Sakai City is a sumo arena with a prestigious main ring that has produced many famous wrestlers. The winner of the National Student Sumo Championship, the oldest tournament held at this sumo arena, is awarded the title of Student Yokozuna and a Sakai Ohama Commemorative Sword from Sakai City. Many of the students who competed in the tournament went on to enter sumo stables, and many of them are still active today. Experience the Japanese tradition at the birthplace of student sumo, which has been going on for over 100 years.

Chugoku

Shimane Prefecture consists of three regions: Izumo, Iwami, and Oki. Izumo is a region where sumo is considered a sacred art, with myths about its origins remaining and sumo having been offered at the Izumo Taisha Shrine’s shrine renewal ceremony since ancient times. When there is a celebration on the island, the “Oki Classic Sumo” is held throughout the night by the entire island, and this tradition remains to this day.

SPOT 01

Oki Classic Sumo

In Oki, a sumo tournament called “Classic Sumo” is held to commemorate the re-roofing of shrines and the completion of large-scale public works projects. The name “Classic Sumo” is new, as it was originally held as “Miya Sumo,” a sumo tournament dedicated to the gods.

SPOT 02

Izumo City

Two stories from Izumo that are said to tell the story of the origins of sumo. The contest of strength between Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto and Takeminakata-no-Mikoto at Inasa Beach in the myth of the transfer of the country, and the contest of strength between Nomi no Sukune and Togama no Kakehaya. Sumo is a sacred art that has been offered at the Izumo Taisha Shrine’s shrine renewal ceremony since ancient times. The traditional performing art of Izumo Kagura, including performances of “Arajin” and “Nomi no Sukune,” brings to life the story of the origins of sumo.

Kyushu

The Kyushu region has long been known as a land of sumo, with traditional votive sumo events and community-based tournaments held throughout the region. Children’s sumo is also held at local shrines, ensuring that sumo culture lives on across generations.

SPOT 01

Usa City

Usa City in Oita Prefecture is known as the birthplace of Yokozuna Futabayama, and is a sacred place for sumo, where he achieved the milestone of 69 consecutive wins. Usa City General Sports Ground hosts tournaments for elementary school students to university students, where young wrestlers from all over the country compete against each other. It is an important region that supports the inheritance and development of sumo culture.