Frequently Asked Questions

About Booking

How far in advance can I book a stable tour?

Sometimes stable schedules are not finalised until a month or so beforehand, so booking a few months in advance might not be advised. We recommend contacting us within 3 months of your desired date, but if you have any concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us earlier than this.

Can I make a last-minute booking?

By all means get in touch if you would like to make a last-minute booking and we will see what we can do. Please note that the chanko nabe meal option requires at least 3 business days’ notice, as the stable personnel are responsible for planning meals and buying ingredients.

Can I choose which stable I want to visit?

We currently do not offer a choice of stable, but we can tell you that all the stables we partner with do have active sekitori (juryo or makuuchi) professional wrestlers in their ranks. We hope to offer a choice of stable in the future, but please understand that it is not possible at this time.

Is there an age limit? Can I get a child discount?

Children are welcome to join a heya tour, provided that they are able to sit quietly throughout the entire duration of practice, which is roughly two hours in length. If you cannot guarantee that your child can sit quietly for this amount of time, we would kindly ask that they not come.

Is there a group size limit? Is there a group discount?

Please contact us directly if you have a group of 8 or more people.

What is your refund/cancellation policy for stable tours?

We do charge a small cancellation fee once a tour has been booked and paid for, which increases as the tour date draws near. The policy is as follows:

• 60 days or more before tour date: 1,000 yen per-person cancellation fee

• 30-59 days before tour date: 10% cancellation fee

• 10-29 days before tour date: 25% cancellation fee

• 2-9 days before tour date: 50% cancellation fee

• 1 day before tour date: 75% cancellation fee (100% if chanko nabe meal option has been booked, as the stable staff may have already purchased meal ingredients)

• Day of tour or no-show: 100% cancellation fee

About Your Visit

I have dietary requirements. What should I do?

Please note that since sumo stables are working environments for the wrestlers to live and train, they are NOT restaurants, and therefore we are sorry that we cannot make exceptions for any dietary requirements, including allergies. If you are not comfortable with eating meat or meat products, non-Halal foods, or coming into contact with potential allergens, we respectfully ask that you do not choose the chanko nabe meal option.

I have accessibility requirements. What should I do?

It is usually expected for guests to be able to sit comfortably on the floor to watch morning practice and eat chanko, but in some cases there may be small chairs or stools available for those who need a little assistance. We cannot guarantee that all stables will have such seating available, so please contact us directly, let us know your concerns, and we will do our best to help you.

How long does a practice session last?

Morning practice usually runs from 7:30-8:00am until 9:30 or 10am, depending on the stable. Don’t worry—we will let you know the exact timings for the stable you will be visiting. Chanko nabe, when served, can also have varied times, too—usually around 10:30 or 11am. If you choose a meal option, expect your morning to last around noon. We ask that you don’t linger too long after the meal is finished—sumo wrestlers usually need to get on with chores, cleaning, baths, and an afternoon nap once the morning is done!

Can I take photos or videos?

You are allowed to take photos and video as long as the flash is turned OFF. In rare instances, the stable master or other person in charge may ask you not to share images or video to social media—please respect this request if it happens.

Is there a dress code?

As with our sumo tournament guidelines, there is no official dress code for visiting a sumo stable, however we would kindly ask that you err on the side of conservative dress. That means no low-cut tops or super short skirts or shorts, regardless of gender. We also ask that you do not go barefoot inside a sumo stable. You will be required to remove your shoes at the door, and it is unlikely that slippers will be provided. Please wear clean socks—consider bringing a new pair in your bag to be sure.