The 2026 Haru Basho at a Glance
The March Grand Sumo Tournament, known as the Haru Basho, is one of the most anticipated events in Osaka's cultural calendar. Held annually at the EDION Arena, it brings together the elite of the sumo world for 15 days of intense, high-stakes wrestling.
Key Dates for 2026
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Tickets On Sale | February 7, 2026 | Booking opens via official channels |
| Banzuke Release | February 24, 2026 | Official wrestler rankings announced |
| Tournament Start | March 8, 2026 | Opening ceremonies and first bouts |
| Tournament End | March 22, 2026 | Senshuraku (Final Day) and Championship |
Daily Schedule & Timing
While the tournament spans the entire day, the schedule is structured to build tension toward the main events in the late afternoon. You can enter and exit the arena freely throughout the day.
- 08:30 AM: Lower division matches (Jonokuchi, Jonidan, Sandanme) begin. This is a great time to see future stars in a quiet environment.
- 02:00 PM: Juryo division (second division) matches start. The atmosphere begins to heat up.
- 03:45 PM: Makuuchi (top division) ring entrance ceremony (Dohyo-iri). This colorful ritual is a must-see.
- 04:00 PM: Makuuchi division matches begin. These are the elite wrestlers.
- 05:00 PM: Yokozuna ring entrance ceremony. The highest-ranking wrestlers perform their sacred ritual.
- 06:00 PM: Conclusion of the day's matches.
Venue: EDION Arena Osaka
The EDION Arena Osaka (formerly known as the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) serves as the battlefield for the Haru Basho. Located in the heart of Naniwa Ward, it's easily accessible and surrounded by Osaka's vibrant food scene.
Address & Access
3-4-36 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Namba Station (Subway Midosuji Line, Yotsubashi
Line, or Nankai Railway).
Looking Ahead: 2027 Haru Basho
The 2026 tournament is complete. The next Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament — the 2027 Haru Basho — will run at EDION Arena in March 2027. Ticket sale dates have not yet been announced. If you're planning a March 2027 Japan trip around sumo, watch sumo.or.jp from late January 2027 for the official schedule and ticket release date.
Not visiting during March? Year-round sumo shows in Namba run daily and need no tournament ticket.
Tips for Attending
To make the most of your tournament experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive by 2:00 PM: Even if you're mainly interested in the top division, arriving early allows you to soak in the atmosphere, buy souvenirs, and get settled.
- Check the Banzuke: Once released on Feb 24, check the rankings to see which matches are the most high-stakes.
- Book Early: Weekend tickets and the final three days of the tournament sell out almost instantly.
Book a Guided Sumo Experience
Skip Japanese-only booking sites. Guided experiences include transport, English commentary, and often chanko nabe — available year-round, not just during tournament season.
Why Book a Guided Tour? →Related Guides
EDION Arena Osaka Guide
Seating types, access, peak days, and exactly when to arrive. The complete venue guide for the Haru Basho.
Arena Guide →Top Wrestlers to Watch
Profiles of the Yokozuna, Ozeki, and rising stars competing in the 2026 Haru Basho — know who you're watching before you arrive.
Wrestler Profiles →2026 Haru Basho Results
Kirishima won the Emperor's Cup with a 12–2 record. Full standings, key storylines, and Ozeki promotion explained.
See Full Results →