What to eat at a sumo tournament?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 40% of first-time attendees cite the unique cultural experience, including food, as a key reason for attending a sumo tournament. Knowing what to eat at a sumo tournament, particularly at Tokyo's iconic Kokugikan, is essential for a complete fan experience, blending traditional Japanese cuisine with a spirited sporting atmosphere.

Quick Summary

Your guide to dining at a sumo tournament, covering iconic stadium snacks like yakitori and exclusive bento boxes, plus exploring the Ryogoku district's famous chanko nabe restaurants for a full culinary immersion.

Key Points

Kokugikan Yakitori: A traditional stadium snack, these grilled chicken skewers are considered good luck because chickens stand on two feet, a symbol of a winning wrestler.
Chanko Nabe: The quintessential sumo stew, a hearty hot pot filled with protein and vegetables. You can find authentic versions in the stadium basement and at specialized restaurants in the Ryogoku district.
Bento Boxes: For a complete, convenient meal inside the stadium, choose from a variety of bento boxes that include options like tempura and sushi.
Ryogoku District Dining: The area surrounding the Kokugikan is filled with restaurants, many run by retired wrestlers, offering the most authentic and varied chanko nabe.
Hiyochan-yaki: A popular dessert item sold at the stadium, these grilled cake-like buns are shaped like the sumo mascot and filled with sweet red bean paste or cream cheese.
Local Exploration: Take advantage of the stadium's re-entry policy to dine at a local Ryogoku establishment for a richer cultural experience.

Savoring the Stadium Experience: Foods Inside the Kokugikan

Attending a sumo tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan offers a vibrant sensory experience, where the thrill of the matches is complemented by a unique array of stadium foods. Unlike many sporting venues that offer generic concessions, the Kokugikan features items deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the sumo tradition itself.

The Lucky Charm: Kokugikan Yakitori

One of the most famous and culturally significant items available is the Kokugikan Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers. These are prepared fresh daily in an underground kitchen at the stadium, a tradition dating back to the 1950s. The choice of chicken is no accident; it is considered good luck in sumo because chickens stand on two legs, symbolizing a wrestler who remains on his feet to win the match. The skewers are seasoned with a traditional sweet and savory tare sauce, making them an essential part of the viewing experience.

Chanko Nabe: The Sumo Wrestler’s Diet

For a more hearty and authentic taste of the sumo world, visitors can find small bowls of chanko nabe, the protein-laden stew that is the staple of a wrestler's diet. In the basement hall of the Kokugikan, you can purchase a serving for a surprisingly low price, often made from a recipe provided by one of the sumo stables. This simmering hot pot typically contains chicken, fish, tofu, and a variety of seasonal vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a dynamic and warming dish, perfect for enjoying during a long day of matches.

Bento Boxes and Sweet Treats

For a complete meal, various bento boxes are sold, offering a curated selection of Japanese delicacies. These often include tempura, sushi, or roast beef, providing a comprehensive and portable dining option. Sweet-toothed fans can indulge in hiyochan-yaki, a grilled bun filled with red bean paste or sweet cream cheese, shaped like Hiyo no Yama, the sumo mascot. Creamy soft-serve ice cream is also available for a refreshing treat.

Exploring Ryogoku: Beyond the Stadium Walls

Tournament attendees are allowed a single re-entry, providing a perfect opportunity to explore the surrounding Ryogoku district. This area is steeped in sumo history and is home to numerous restaurants specializing in chanko nabe, many operated by retired sumo wrestlers.

Chanko Nabe Restaurants

Retired wrestlers often open restaurants serving their stable's unique chanko nabe recipe, offering an incredibly authentic dining experience. Notable examples include Kappo Yoshiba, located in a former sumo stable, and Chanko Tomoegata, which offers tiered kaiseki courses named after sumo rankings. These establishments provide an immersive experience, sometimes even featuring a dohyo (sumo ring) inside.

Edo Noren Food Court

For a wider range of Edo-period food culture, visit the Ryogoku Edo Noren. Located between the Kokugikan and the train station, this beautifully renovated food court houses several restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine. The central area features a permanent sumo ring, adding to the cultural ambiance while you dine.

Comparison of Stadium vs. Ryogoku District Dining


Feature	Stadium (Kokugikan)	Ryogoku District (Local Restaurants)
Convenience	Food and drink are sold directly inside the arena.	Requires leaving and re-entering the stadium (one-time allowance).
Authenticity	Authentic Kokugikan Yakitori and stable-recipe chanko nabe.	Incredibly authentic, often run by former wrestlers with unique, full-sized chanko nabe.
Variety	Limited variety of bento boxes, snacks, and chanko nabe bowls.	Extensive menus with various chanko nabe types, kaiseki courses, and other regional dishes.
Cost	Generally affordable, especially for items like small chanko bowls.	Can range from affordable izakaya options to more expensive multi-course meals.
Experience	Fast-paced, on-the-go eating while watching the matches.	Relaxed, sit-down dining experience with a deeper dive into sumo culture.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the quick convenience of stadium-bought yakitori and chanko nabe or venture into the Ryogoku district for a full, immersive dining experience at a retired wrestler's restaurant, the culinary aspect of a sumo tournament is integral to the event. The food not only satisfies your hunger but also connects you to the deep traditions and superstitions of the sport. From symbolic chicken skewers to the hearty stew that fuels the wrestlers, the dining options are a delicious and educational part of attending a sumo tournament. So next time you find yourself at the Kokugikan, don’t just watch the action—taste it as well.

Additional resources

For more information on attending sumo tournaments and exploring the Ryogoku district, consider consulting a comprehensive guide like the one offered by Japan Guide.

Japan Guide: Sumo - What is sumo and how to watch it in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

No, outside food and drinks are prohibited inside the Kokugikan stadium. All refreshments must be purchased from vendors inside the venue.

Chanko nabe is a rich, protein-filled hot pot stew typically eaten by sumo wrestlers to gain weight and strength. It usually contains chicken, fish, tofu, and a variety of vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Chicken is considered good luck in sumo culture. Since chickens stand on two legs and don't fall on all fours, eating yakitori is believed to bring luck to the wrestlers, ensuring they stay on their feet during a match.

For the most authentic chanko nabe, you should visit the Ryogoku district near the Kokugikan, where many restaurants are run by former sumo wrestlers and serve traditional stable recipes.

While traditional chanko nabe and stadium food often contain meat or fish, some restaurants in Ryogoku and certain dining experiences offer vegan and vegetarian chanko options if requested in advance.

Yes, attendees at the Kokugikan are typically allowed to leave and re-enter the stadium once during the day, which gives you the option to eat at nearby restaurants.

Hiyochan-yaki is a popular dessert sold at the Kokugikan. It's a grilled bun filled with either sweet red bean paste or sweet cream cheese and shaped like the official sumo mascot.