Sumo in September (Tokyo)
 

Is this the correct website to look for tournament & ticket info?

http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/ticket/index.html#kokugikan

I assume we'll be buying second floor seating, so is that something I should buy tickets for now or just wait until we get there. We'll be staying at the Park Hotel Tokyo ... is there a place nearby to buy tix?

Would greatly appreciate any help! We leave in less than 2 weeks.

Also a kabuki question:

I think we're interested in seeing a "single show" as opposed to multiple acts.

Where/how do I buy tickets and about how much are they?

TIA!

For information on kabuki in Tokyo:

http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza/theater/

Yes, 2nd floor arena seating is what you want. These are chairs, like in a theater. The first floor boxes have tatami mats to sit on.

You can wait until you get there. I got tickets at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on the day. I'd plan to get there between noon and 1PM and absolutely stay until the end at 6PM.

That is the correct website, and if you scroll down, almost to the bottom of the page, under "Play Guides" you will see a list of places where tickets are available.

If you are fluent in Japanese you could try calling. You might also try contacting the concierge at your hotel to see if they can help with tickets.

As far as seating goes, there is a recommended spot. Picture an American football stadium, an oval with a rectangular field. You want to sit on the 50-yard-line of course, but which side? The sumo wrestlers, when they enter the arena, enter from the same side. You want to sit on the opposite side so that they walk toward you as they enter. There is a particular name for that side of the arena but I don't remember. Sign language and a stadium map might get you there.

Definitely take a look around the arena. Get in the chanko nabe (sumo stew) line, it moves fast, and enjoy.

Going mid-week early in the tournament is probably best bet for better seats.

If ticket price is an issue then you can get a lower priced ticket without giving up too much. But check the location.

doko?, doe-koe, means where?