Chanko Nabe Experiences in Japan: Our Top 8

1.Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,678 reviews · 2 hours · from $103Our pick

At Asakusa Sumo Club, a bilingual host such as Lala or Benjamin guides you through sumo rituals, exercises, techniques, and a best-of-three bout by retired wrestlers. A geisha dance, unlimited chicken chanko-nabe, one drink, audience challenges, a framed photo, and souvenir bag fill this lively two-hour family show.

“Wonderful experience, amazing show, interactive and so much fun. Every minute was enjoyed. It was fun but also very interesting Great value for money, so much is included You won’t regret it”

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2.Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,205 reviews · from $106Top rated

At Asakusa Sumo Club, you’ll watch retired sumo wrestlers demonstrate traditional moves, learn the rules from bilingual MC Mikey, and enjoy a chicken chanko-nabe hot pot with Japanese side dishes. A geisha dance, audience challenges, a photo opportunity, a complimentary drink, and a take-home gift round out this two-hour evening show.

“I rate this a 3.5 but my husband rates it a 5. I thought it was a little cheesy, but my husband found it very entertaining. The host/MC did a good job explaining everything. Some of the audience members seemed "checked out" and not really engaged (jet lag perhaps). Don't expect very large sumo wrestlers here... These wrestlers are retired and (presumably) they do not maintain the strict training and fueling routine, so they look slimmer than the stereotypical sumo wrestler. They're still very strong though. The food was fine but not amazing. I was disappointed with the photo opp at the end because the lighting for the photo spot…”

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3.Sumo Show & Experience w/ Optional Kimono & Hot Pot

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 609 reviews · from $77Best value

You’ll watch a 35-minute sumo show, learn the rules and training customs, then join a 10 to 15-minute audience sumo session if selected. Meet the wrestlers for photos, try a formal kimono haori, and add a Takasagobeya-style chanko hot pot meal. Lunch begins at 1 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.

“This was so much fun! The demonstrations were really engaging and interesting, learning about the training, techniques etc. There was then a tournament between the wrestlers, which was also excellent. The best part was then being invited up to give it a go ourselves, which was hilarious! If you have kids, they will absolutely love this part and the wrestlers are so funny, the whole crowd was in stitches! One of the really great parts is that the experience is set up by an ex-Sumo, as a way for other former wrestlers to earn a living after retirement. We didn’t eat so can’t comment on the food but it looked…”

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4.Tokyo Sumo Experience: Chanko & Mochi with a Former Pro

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 567 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

In Ryogoku, former professional sumo wrestlers guide you through a lively two-hour introduction to sumo. Watch close-up bouts, learn basic techniques, eat chanko nabe, pound mochi, and step onto the dohyo yourself. English and Japanese instruction, family-friendly participation, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available with advance notice.

“The food, the friendliess of the staff and the narration.”

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5.Sumo Experience and Chanko Nabe Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 257 reviews · from $95

Meet retired sumo wrestlers in English, learn the sport’s rituals and rules, watch demonstrations, and step into the ring for a playful match if chosen. Then enjoy chanko nabe hot pot prepared by the wrestlers. The two-hour, six-person experience runs Mondays in Asakusa and Thursdays in Ryogoku, with lunch included.

“Delicious food. Good English speaking. Fun for everyone of all ages”

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6.Tokyo Sumo Culture Tour with Chanko-Nabe Lunch in Ryogoku

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $131

Spend 3.5 hours exploring Ryogoku, Tokyo’s sumo quarter, with a guide and no more than eight people. Visit sumo stables from outside, see the Kokugikan arena, learn the sport’s rituals at shrines and temples, and finish with chanko-nabe lunch. Guides have included Jeff, Taka, and Aki-san. Actual practice and matches are not included.

“Jeff was fantastic! Very knowledgeable, informative and personable. Highly recommend the tour in general and Jeff in particular.”

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7.The SUMO Show & Experience with Hot pot lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $97

In Ryogoku, a bilingual MC and two former wrestlers introduce you to shiko leg stomps, teppen push drills, and suriashi footwork before a live sumo match. You can step into the real clay dohyo, try a padded-suit challenge against a 160-kilogram wrestler, pose for photos, and finish with a mini chanko hotpot lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-friendly meals require 48 hours' notice.

“great time on stage with the wrestlers getting a feel of the sport . Friendly for kids as well as they are gentle. Hotpot and sashimi provided was great”

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8.Tokyo Sumo History Tour with Chanko Nabe Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $91

Meet Maikel T, or Maik, at 10:00 in Ryogoku for a three-hour English walking tour covering Ekō-in Temple, Kokugikan, the Sumo Museum or historic stables, and a life-sized ring. Finish with an individual pot of chanko-nabe. You learn the sport’s customs, but you do not enter the arena or watch live sumo.

“It was an excellent in-depth informative learning of sumo! Malik was an outstanding guide. While you don’t actually see sumos - we literally learned how to play/watch Sumo. The chanko nabe lunch was delicious! We were lucky to have just Read more”

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