Japan is the birthplace of many of the world’s most practised martial arts — judo, karate, aikido, kendo, jujutsu, and naginata among them. For visitors, Japan offers everything from watching a professional sumo tournament to training a single class at a Tokyo dojo. This guide covers the main options.
Sumo
- Grand tournaments (honbasho): Six 15-day tournaments per year — January, March, May (Tokyo), July, September (Tokyo), November. Tokyo tournaments at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Buy tickets in advance; day tickets sold at the door from early morning.
- Morning practice viewing: Some sumo stables (beya) in Tokyo allow observation of morning training (keiko) by arrangement. Arrive before 8 am. Research which stables accept visitors; arrangements can change each season.
- Sumo Museum (Ryogoku): Free admission; extensive collection of portraits, belts, and tournament records.
Kendo, Aikido, and Iaido
- Nippon Budokan (Tokyo): Japan’s premier martial arts venue; hosts national kendo and judo championships. Not a training venue for visitors but open for major events.
- Budokan visitor training: Several Tokyo dojos near Shinjuku and Shibuya offer single-class experiences in kendo, aikido, and iaido for visitors. English instruction available at selected dojos.
- Aikikai Foundation (Shinjuku): The World Aikido Headquarters; observation of regular classes is possible; some visitor training options.
Karate
- Okinawa: The birthplace of karate; Okinawa Karate Kaikan in Tomigusuku is a dedicated karate tourism centre with demonstrations, museum exhibits, and training sessions. An excellent destination for serious karate visitors.
- Tokyo dojo experiences: Multiple styles (Shotokan, Kyokushin, Goju-ryu) offer visitor classes; check online for English-language sessions.
Ninjutsu and Samurai Experiences
- Iga (Mie): The historical hometown of the Iga ninja; Iga Ueno Ninja Museum with demonstrations and a hands-on ninja training experience.
- Koka (Shiga): Rival ninja capital to Iga; Koka Ninja Village offers shuriken throwing and other ninja experiences.
- Samurai experience Tokyo: Multiple studios in Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Harajuku offer swordsmanship demonstrations, costume dressing, and photo sessions. Tourist-oriented but enjoyable.
For related content, see martial arts travel guide, Japan cultural experiences guide, and Okinawa guide.