Experience Japan's ancient sport of giants. The Haru Basho grand tournament brings 15 days of intense competition, sacred rituals, and legendary wrestlers to Osaka.
Explore the Tournament ↓Osaka hosts one of Japan's six annual grand sumo tournaments each March at EDION Arena Osaka. While Tokyo is sumo's historical heart with three tournaments, Osaka's Haru Basho is a major fixture drawing top wrestlers and vibrant fan energy.
15 days of competition with daily matches from morning to evening. Top-division bouts around 4-6 PM.
Hirakuza and Sumo Studio offer interactive experiences, demonstrations, and chanko meals year-round.
Experience chanko hotpot restaurants, morning practice visits, and guided stable tours.
The March Grand Sumo Tournament (Haru Basho) at EDION Arena Osaka is a 15-day spectacle of ancient rituals, intense competition, and championship drama.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tickets On Sale | February 7, 2026 | Official sites: sumo.or.jp, pia.jp |
| Banzuke Released | February 24, 2026 | Wrestler rankings announced |
| Tournament Start | March 8, 2026 | Day 1 - Doors 8am, matches 9am |
| Tournament End | March 22, 2026 | Day 15 - Championship finals |
EDION Arena Osaka (formerly Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)
3-4-36 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
Access: JR Namba or subway
The 2026 Haru Basho features Japan's elite wrestlers. The official banzuke (rankings) will be announced February 24, 2026.
East yokozuna and dominant force. Strong 12-3 record in Hatsu. Technical mastery with explosive power.
West yokozuna, the other half of the top pair. Consistent champion contender with powerful sumo style.
New promotion! Won Hatsu yusho (12-3 playoff). Eyes yokozuna promotion with another strong showing.
East ozeki powerhouse facing tough intra-rank bouts. Always a championship threat.
| Seat Type | Price (JPY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | ¥3,800+ | Same-day from 8am at venue |
| Chair Seats | ¥5,000-12,000 | Upper sections, individual chairs |
| Masu-seki Box | ¥10,000-18,000 | Floor cushions, 4-person groups |
| Ringside | ¥15,000-25,000+ | Premium views, sell out fast |
| Experience | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Tournament | 7-8 hours | ¥3,800+ | Authentic immersion |
| Guided Tour + Dinner | Full day | ¥20,000+ | Beginners/context |
| Hirakuza Show | 1 hour | ¥5,000-10,000 | Fun/short visit |
Watch wrestlers train at their sumo stables (heya) during the Haru Basho season. An intimate glimpse into the ancient sport's rigorous daily routine.
Home to Osaka native Ura and multiple sekitori. Popular for guided tours during tournament season.
Features Osaka-born Ikioi. Authentic training views with a welcoming, traditional atmosphere.
Associated with former ozeki Gōeidō. Strong local hero connections and "home crowd" feel.
Make the most of your Haru Basho experience with these practical tips for sumo newcomers.
Book English-guided tours via Klook, Viator, or Headout for B/C-class seats, explanations, and optional chanko dinner. Ideal for first-timers wanting cultural context.
Can't make the March tournament? Osaka offers interactive sumo experiences all year.
Live 1-hour shows in Namba Parks with retired wrestlers. Features techniques, mock matches, chanko nabe meals, and audience challenges. Fun and family-friendly.
Demonstrations and wrestler interactions in Nishinari Ward. Photo opportunities and hands-on experiences with sumo culture.
Authentic chanko hotpot restaurant in Chuo Ward. Wrestler-style dining with massive portions and traditional recipes.
The spectacle and tradition of Osaka sumo
The 2026 Haru Basho runs March 8-22 at EDION Arena Osaka. 15 days of competition with daily matches from 9 AM to ~6 PM. Tickets go on sale February 7, 2026.
The actual wrestling lasts only seconds to one minute. Most bouts end in under 10 seconds! Pre-match rituals (salt throwing, staring, squatting) add about 4 minutes, making each complete bout around 5 minutes total.
Yes, absolutely! No restrictions apply. International visitors make up a significant portion of audiences. English guides, tours, and match schedules are available. ~2,000 foreigners attend daily during Tokyo tournaments, similar in Osaka.
Yes! TripAdvisor rates it 4.9/5 with reviews calling it "one of the best few hours of my whole trip." The full-day spectacle with yokozuna entrances and makuuchi finals is a cultural highlight. More authentic than tourist shows.
Osaka offers year-round alternatives: Hirakuza (1-hour shows with retired wrestlers), Sumo Studio (demonstrations), and chanko restaurants. Fun, interactive, and family-friendly options that capture sumo culture.
Consider B/C-class chair seats in upper sections for comfort and good views. Masu-seki boxes require sitting cross-legged for hours. English-guided tours often include good mid-range seats with explanations.