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📍 TOKYO SUMO PLACESSumo in Japan
Steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, sumo wrestling in Japan is far more than just a sport; it's a captivating cultural spectacle that dates back over 1,500 years.
Originally performed as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and ensure bountiful harvests, sumo has evolved into a national pastime where massive, disciplined wrestlers, called rikishi, engage in powerful bouts within a sacred dohyo (ring).
Witnessing a live sumo tournament, particularly at Tokyo's iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan, offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich heritage, complete with elaborate pre-match rituals like salt purification, embodying the enduring spirit of strength, honor, and ancient customs.