6 Amazing Sporting Experiences You Can Have In Japan
From sumo to rugby and even baseball, sport is a big part of Japanese culture.
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Sport is an important part of Japanese culture. There are tournaments held every year for traditional sports like sumo and kyudo, and Japan has one of the most active fanbases for baseball in the world.
There’s no shortage of sporting events you can attend in Japan and there are lots of opportunities to try traditional sports for yourself.
So, if you love sport or just want to plan a Japan holiday that’s a bit out of the ordinary, take this as the inspiration you’ve been waiting for. Here are six amazing sporting experiences you can have in Japan.
#1 Sumo wrestling
Image: Meeh / Shutterstock
Sumo is Japan’s national sport and an unforgettable event to see live. The best way to experience sumo is to attend one of the six tournaments that are held throughout the year – in Osaka in March, Nagoya in July, Fukuoka in November, and Tokyo in January, May, and September.
Sumo wrestlers, called rikishi, win by forcing their opponent to step outside the ring or touch the ground with anything other than their feet. Bouts can be over in seconds and begin with a dramatic ritual that includes purifying the ring with salt and the opponents bowing to each other.
Tickets are easy to get and typically cost around ¥3,800 (AUD$47), although it’s a good idea to book in advance because they sell out quickly. Head here for more information about upcoming tournaments and how to buy tickets.
If you want to try a traditional dish eaten by sumo wrestlers, find a restaurant that serves chanko nabe. This hearty soup is made with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other protein-rich foods to help wrestlers bulk up.
#2 Baseball
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While sumo is Japan’s national sport, baseball might be the most popular. It’s such a spectacle here that each player has their own intro song that plays as they step up to the plate. Players can choose their song and often pick the theme from one of their favourite movies or anime. A pitcher named Hirokazu Sawamura, who now plays for the Boston Red Sox, used Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’ as his intro song.
Baseball games in Japan are very energetic, with the crowd getting involved in organised cheers and chants throughout the game. Adding to the fun are ‘biiru no uriko’ – ladies who patrol the stands and serve beer from kegs carried in backpacks. Head here to get tickets for upcoming baseball matches in Japan.
#3 Kendo
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Kendo originated from a form of martial arts practiced by samurai. Now the sport involves two competitors wielding bamboo swords (shinai) trying to strike their opponent’s head, chest, or hands.
There are lots of opportunities to see a kendo match when you’re in Japan, but you can go one step further and book a kendo experience like this one. You’ll wear the armour, learn traditional kendo etiquette, and learn how to strike with the shinai.
#4 Judo
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This martial arts form focuses on using defensive techniques to counter your opponent’s attacks. Judo is so popular that it was introduced to the Olympics in the Tokyo 1964 games. If you watched Japan compete in Judo the 2021 Olympics, you’ll know how captivating it is to watch.
Browse the upcoming judo tournaments here to find one that fits into your Japan holiday, whenever that may be.
#5 Kyudo
Image: Ignat Gorazd / Flickr
Another sport with a history in martial arts, kyudo is the art of Japanese archery. The goal is to reach the state of Shin Zen Bi, which can be translated as “truth, goodness, and beauty”. Archers strive to shoot correctly (truth) with a sense of peace and courtesy (goodness); beauty lies in Shin and Zen. Unlike regular archery, kyudo is judged on the archer’s form and how they carried out the shot.
It makes kyudo a unique sport to watch, and there are kyudojos all around Japan where you can try it for yourself. Check for tournaments and places to try kyudo here.
#6 Rugby
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Rugby is almost as popular in Japan as it is in Australia, and a lot of Aussie players compete in the top leagues here. Wallabies captain Michael Hooper played for the Toyota Verblitz team in the Japanese Top League this year, along with more than 30 other Aussies and Kiwis.
“This is really exciting being up in Japan,” said Kieran Read, the former All Blacks skipper who’s also playing in the Top League. “I’m enjoying the rugby. It’s a high-quality level but it certainly means I can enjoy what’s outside the game as well.”
You can watch the best Aussie and Japanese rugby stars play live throughout the year, with information about games here.
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Ready to be inspired? Check out more amazing destinations and activities here.
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(Lead image: Meeh / Shutterstock)