How to Score Sumo Tournament Tickets: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a sumo wrestling enthusiast, obtaining tickets for a tournament can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. While asking the concierge at your hotel is a straightforward method, there are other strategies that can increase your chances of securing a seat. This article will explore various ways to acquire sumo tickets and share some behind-the-scenes stories to help you navigate the process successfully.

Ticketing Strategy

One of the most effective methods to get sumo tickets is to use your hotel's concierge service. Hotel staff often have extensive knowledge of local events and can provide invaluable assistance in obtaining tickets to highly sought-after events like sumo tournaments.

Historical Background of Free Ticket Giveaways

Before discussing modern methods, it's interesting to revisit a special event from a few years back—thefree ticket giveaway during a significant sumo scandal. In this special year, a significant figure from the sumo federation was implicated in a cheating scandal, leading to severe consequences and a unique ticket granting event.

For each day of the tournament, the Kokugikan stadium offered 200 free tickets to the first 200 people in line. This event was a dream come true for sumo fans.

Historical Ticket Acquisition Experience

Here's a step-by-step guide to how we secured these tickets years ago:

Early Preparation

The excitement began with early preparation. We woke up at 04:00 AM and arrived at the train station by 05:00 AM. By 05:45 AM, we were at the subway station near the Kokugikan building, positioning ourselves just 10-15 minutes before the free ticket giveaway queue started.

The Free Ticket Giveaway

No need to worry at 06:00 AM when the giveaway began. As the crowd rushed into the queue, we joined and started chatting with fellow fans. The excitement grew significantly as rikishi (sumo wrestlers) made their way to the center, many in custom yukatas and even with pets, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Encountering a Hilarious Moment

One rikishi, a Hawaiian-born wrestler named Baruto, was seen walking with a tiny dog. This was a truly amusing sight. Moments like these made the anticipation even more thrilling.

The Hardest Part—Waking Up Early

We faced the tedious wait, but it was worth it. As we got closer to 08:00 AM and the ticket booths opened, we secured our free tickets towards the end of the free giveaway period. The thrill of seeing the legends up close in action was incredible.

Securing Tickets for the Main Events

After securing free tickets for the opening day, we were advised to return for the second half of the day when more prominent rikishi would be wrestling. This strategy worked well, allowing us to experience the excitement of the entire tournament.

A memorable encounter with a Wrestler

There was a special moment when a maegashira, a higher-ranked rikishi, passed by. Fans rushed out of the queue to get autographs and selfies, making for a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Securing sumo tickets is both an art and a science. By understanding the history of free ticket giveaways and utilizing strategic methods, you can significantly enhance your chances of attending this thrilling spectacle. Hotel concierge services and early arrival are key to successfully acquiring tickets. Tune in for more insights and tips to experience the best of sumo!