A day of sumo lasts almost ten hours, but it is not a ten-hour show. The tournament works like a pyramid: hundreds of young wrestlers fight in the morning in front of empty stands, and the tension rises through the afternoon until the stars enter the ring. Knowing the timetable lets you choose when to arrive — and which day to book.
Typical timetable of a tournament day
| Time (approx.) | What happens | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| 8:45 | Doors open (days 1–12) | For die-hard fans |
| 9:00–11:00 | Jonokuchi and jonidan bouts (lowest divisions) | Quiet, great for photos and exploring the hall |
| 11:00–13:30 | Sandanme bouts | Rising level, few spectators |
| 13:30–14:15 | Makushita bouts, the last division before the salaried ranks | Excellent sumo, still easy to move around |
| 14:15–14:30 | Juryo ring-entering ceremony (dohyo-iri) | Yes |
| 14:30–15:40 | Juryo bouts | Yes |
| 15:40–15:50 | Top-division ring-entering ceremony, east and west | Must-see |
| 15:50–16:00 | Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony | Must-see |
| 16:00–17:55 | Top-division (makuuchi) bouts, highest ranks last | The highlight |
| 17:55–18:00 | Bow-twirling ceremony (yumitori-shiki) | Stay for it |
Times are indicative and shift by a few minutes every day depending on the number of bouts. On days 13 and 14, doors open at 10:30 and on the final day at 10:00, because fewer lower-division bouts are scheduled.
What not to miss
The ring-entering ceremonies
Around 15:40 the top-division wrestlers enter in two groups, east then west, wearing their kesho-mawashi, embroidered silk aprons worth a fortune. They form a circle on the ring and perform a short ritual. Then each yokozuna performs his own ceremony with two attendants, stamping the ground to drive away evil spirits. It lasts minutes, it is spectacular — be in your seat.
The last bouts
The highest-ranked wrestlers fight last. The final three bouts of the day are announced as kore yori san’yaku; on the last day the winners receive arrows, a bowstring and a bow. Bouts last a few seconds, but the ritual before them — salt throwing, stares, false starts — builds the tension for up to four minutes.
The bow-twirling ceremony
Once the last bout is over, a lower-ranked wrestler performs the yumitori-shiki, a graceful bow-twirling dance that closes the day. Many spectators leave before it: don’t.
Which day should you choose?
| Day | Date 2026 | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening day (shonichi) | Sun 8 Nov | Festive atmosphere, everyone fresh | Sells out very fast |
| Week 1 weekdays | Mon 9 – Fri 13 Nov | Best availability, lower prices | No title race yet |
| Middle Sunday (nakabi) | Sun 15 Nov | Weekend atmosphere, contenders emerging | Weekend prices, sells out |
| Week 2 weekdays | Mon 16 – Thu 19 Nov | Title race takes shape, weekday prices | Selling out in recent years |
| Days 13–14 | Fri 20 – Sat 21 Nov | Decisive bouts between leaders | Among the hardest tickets |
| Final day (senshuraku) | Sun 22 Nov | Title decided, trophy ceremony | Hardest ticket of all |
Our advice: if you can only go once and tickets are available, pick a day from day 10 onwards — the title race gives every top bout a meaning. If you want the best chance of a seat at a lower price, choose a weekday of the first week. Check availability in our ticket guide.
How long should you stay?
- 3 hours (15:00–18:00): the essentials — ceremonies and top-division bouts. That is the format of most guided tours.
- 4–5 hours (13:30–18:00): our recommendation; you see the makushita and juryo levels rise and have time for a bento.
- All day: for fans; walk around during the morning, watch the young wrestlers and spot the stars arriving.
Read also:Sumo rules, ranks and rituals for beginners
Frequently asked questions
What time does the sumo start in Fukuoka?
Doors open at 8:45 on days 1 to 12 of the Kyushu Basho (10:30 on days 13–14 and 10:00 on the last day). The first bouts start soon after; the top division begins around 15:40.
What time does the sumo finish?
The last bout is around 17:55 and the bow-twirling ceremony ends the day at about 18:00. On the final day, the award ceremony follows.
Can I leave and come back during the day?
Your ticket is valid for the whole day. Re-entry rules are shown on the ticket; most visitors arrive in the afternoon anyway.
Which is the best day to watch the Kyushu Basho?
The final weekend has the most at stake, while weekdays of the first week are easiest to book. Day 10 onwards is a good compromise.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.