Why You Need To Visit Tokyo's Sumo Restaurant

Ryogoku is the center of Japan’s professional sumo wrestling world. So it’s especially fitting that the city’s only sumo themed restaurant, Hananomai, is located here.

In the middle of Hananomai Sumo Restaurant lies a real sumo ring or dohyō. The ring is used by performers, musicians, singers or retired sumo wrestlers, to entertain diners. Expect to be serenaded by the same songs traditionally sung at tournaments, drum performances and of course treated to the occasional sumo match. For a sumo sized appetite, all you can drink and all you can eat courses (nomihōdai and tabehōdai) can be booked online ahead of time.

The sumo love doesn’t stop there. Even Hananomai’s menu is sumo inspired, serving their own rendition of chanko-nabe or ‘sumo stew’. You might want to be wary of that one, however; chanko-nabe is eaten by professional sumo wrestlers as part of a weight gain regimen.

Hananomai takes visitors back to the Edo Period when sumo culture flourished. The décor includes sliding screens and antique-styled storefronts with tiled roofs, and artwork made in the Japanese woodblock print style. Along with the entertainment, which focuses on traditional Japanese arts, it all contributes to the izakaya’s festive Edo atmosphere.

Ryogoku Happyakyacho Hananomai, Japan, 〒130-0014 Tokyo, Sumida, Kamezawa, 1 Chome−１−１５

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.