The Sacred Arenas
Geography of Greatness
Grand Sumo tournaments (Honbasho) are held six times a year across four major regions of Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka—following a ritualistic seasonal cycle that turns modern sports halls into temporary Shinto shrines.
Three of the six annual Honbasho take place in the spiritual home of sumo, Tokyo, while the remaining three travel to Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, bringing the spectacle of the national sport to the people of Japan.
The legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's National Sports Hall.
Ryogoku Kokugikan
両国国技館Location: Tokyo
The "National Sports Hall" in Tokyo. Opened in 1985, its iconic green roof houses three of the six annual Honbasho (Jan, May, Sept). It is the spiritual headquarters of the Sumo Association.
Edion Arena Osaka
エディオンアリーナ大阪Location: Osaka
Formerly the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, this Namba venue has hosted the Spring (Haru) Basho every March since 1952. Famous for its boisterous and energetic fans.
Dolphins Arena
ドルフィンズアリーナLocation: Nagoya
Located in the grounds of Nagoya Castle, this venue hosts the July Grand Sumo Tournament. Known for its intense summer heat and historical surroundings.
Fukuoka Kokusai Center
福岡国際センターLocation: Fukuoka
The final tournament venue of the year in November. Located near Hakata Port, it has been the home of the Kyushu Basho since 1981.
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