Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna

Sumo and chanko nabe are just some of the highlights of this new Japanese culture experience.

Despite its worldwide fame, not a lot of people actually get to watch sumo .

Not only are tickets incredibly hard to get – the official site is so busy when sales start that it’s virtually impossible to access and everything sells out within minutes – but tournaments are only held during very limited periods at certain locations each year, which might not match up with the time and place of your visit.

Now, though, there’s a convenient way to get a taste of the sport, thanks to a brand new restaurant experience called Tokyo Sumo Club Entertainment .

After opening its first branch in Sapporo last summer, the restaurant is now coming to Tokyo due to popular demand. ▼ Located on the fifth floor of Tokyo Tower’s FootTown , the restaurant offers more than just sumo and a meal.

Every diner will get to enjoy a “ Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments and Dance ” performance , a procession by Oiran courtesans , a performance of a famous Kabuki play , and a festival with a lion dance and traditional music .

There’ll also be a tradtional bon odori dance and mochi pounding , which guests can take part in. ▼ Learn about kabuki … ▼…and oiran .

At the centre of it all, though, is sumo , with visitors able to watch an entrance ceremony , practice sessions , and serious bouts .

A salt-throwing experience and Q&A session is also included, as well as a “ Challenge Sumo ” experience where you can wrestle with a sumo wrestler .

The venue contains a real clay sumo ring , with diners seated around the ring in a way that mimics the seating at a real tournament venue.

While other sumo restaurants exist in Tokyo , this one is unique in that it’s said to be the only one in Japan officially endorsed by two yokozuna: the 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji and the 70th Yokozuna Harumafuji . ▼ Asahifuji speaking at the grand opening.

The endorsement of two sumo champions – yokozuna is the title given to the highest-ranking wrestlers – makes this a sumo experience like no other, and Asahifuji has even given his endorsement to the authentic chanko nabe (sumo stew) served at the restaurant.

There are three dining options available , all of which include chanko nabe , differing according to seating tier. ▼ Standard ▼ VIP (different dish in the bottom right-hand section of the box) ▼ V-VIP ▼ A vegetarian option is also available upon request.

There are four performances each day, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with each experience lasting around 90 minutes.