The Fukuoka Kokusai Center (福岡国際センター) is a multi-purpose hall in the Chikko district, between Hakata and the port. Built in 1981, it has hosted the November sumo tournament ever since; the rest of the year it welcomes concerts and exhibitions. It is not directly connected to a station, so plan your route — especially on weekends, when buses fill up after 17:00.
How to get there
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station | Nishitetsu bus from stop F (in front of the Nishi-Nippon City Bank), get off at « Kokusai Center / Sun Palace-mae » or « Kokusai Kaigijo / Sun Palace-mae » | about 15 min |
| Hakata Station | Taxi | about 10 min |
| Tenjin | Nishitetsu bus from the Tenjin Solaria Stage stop 2A to « Kokusai Kaigijo / Sun Palace-mae » | about 15 min |
| Gofukumachi Station (subway Hakozaki line) | Walk | about 12 min |
| Nakasu-Kawabata Station (subway) | Walk | about 15 min |
| Fukuoka Airport | Subway to Hakata (2 stops, 5 min), then bus or taxi | about 30 min in total |
Buses and the subway accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, nimoca, Hayakaken). If you are on a guided tour, check the meeting point: most meet near the venue entrance, a few in front of Hakata Station.
By car
Car park no. 1 of the convention zone has about 700 spaces (¥100 per 20 minutes, ¥1,000 maximum per day, open 8:00–22:00). It fills up on weekends during the tournament: public transport is easier.
Food and drink at the sumo
Eating in your seat is part of the experience. Inside the hall you will find bento boxes, yakitori, onigiri, snacks, beer and sake, as well as stands selling sumo souvenirs. Many spectators also bring their own food from a convenience store. Chanko-nabe, the wrestlers’ hot pot, is the dish everyone wants to try during the basho — the many chanko restaurants of Hakata and Tenjin are busy all November. The only seats where eating and drinking are forbidden are the ringside tamari cushions.
What to bring
- Your ticket (collected at a 7-Eleven if bought on Ticket Oosumo, or the mobile voucher of your tour).
- A photo ID or a copy of your passport: some tours ask for it.
- Binoculars for chair seats.
- A light layer and socks you are happy to show (shoes come off in the boxes).
- Cash: small stalls and some souvenir stands are faster with cash.
- A small bag: large suitcases are not welcome, and there is little space in the boxes. Leave luggage in a locker at Hakata Station.
Rules inside the hall
- No flash photography. Professional cameras and large lenses may be refused.
- No phones, food, drink or photos in tamari (ringside) seats.
- No smoking inside.
- Do not throw cushions.
- Avoid moving around during bouts; wait for the break between two bouts.
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces are sold by phone only (from 22 October 2026, ¥10,000 for the user and one companion). Wheelchairs cannot be used in the box seats, and most guided sumo tours are not accessible to wheelchair users.
Where to stay for the sumo
Stay near Hakata Station (best for buses to the venue, the Shinkansen and the airport) or in Tenjin / Nakasu (more restaurants, the yatai food stalls, nightlife). Hotels fill up during the tournament, particularly on the final weekend: book as soon as you have your ticket. For things to do around your sumo day, see our Fukuoka in November guide.
Read also:Seats and prices at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Fukuoka sumo tournament held?
At the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, 2-2 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, near the port and next to the Fukuoka International Congress Center.
How do I get from Hakata Station to the Fukuoka Kokusai Center?
Take a Nishitetsu bus from stop F to « Kokusai Center / Sun Palace-mae » (about 15 minutes) or a taxi (about 10 minutes).
Can I bring food to the sumo tournament?
Yes, eating and drinking in your seat is normal and food is sold inside. It is forbidden only in the ringside tamari seats.
Is there a dress code?
No. Wear comfortable clothes; in box seats you sit on the floor and remove your shoes.
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