One of Osaka’s most highly anticipated spring events is the Grand Sumo Tournamet, held over 2 weeks in the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Every year in March, 700 of Japan’s strongest athletes battle it out at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (also known as the Edion Arena Osaka) for a 15-day tournament.
In this 2,000-year old sport, two wrestlers enter a roped ring of 4.5 meters’ diameter.
To win a bout, a wrestler must either push his opponent out of the ring, or knock him down within it.
The sumo action runs from 8:30am-6pm daily (starting later on the final weekend).
Fans may enter at any time during the day, and for maximum enjoyment, should arrive before the spectacular ring entrance ceremonies at 3:45pm.