Sumo morning practice, Ekoin Temple, Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Outside Market!!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 27 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 11 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
Our itinerary is below!
Ryogoku Station
Ryogoku KOKUGIKAN is a stadium where the sumo official tournaments are held in January, May, and September.
It takes only one minute to get there from the west exit of Ryogoku Station.
Once you get off the station, you will see many things related to sumo.
Yokozuna( grand champion) big port lates on both side of the entrance.
You can also see the statues and handprints of yokozuna (grand champion) on the road near the stadium.
Ekoin Temple
This Buddhist temple mourns the victims of the Great Edo( old Tokyo) Fire of 1657, which burned down Edo and claimed 100,000 victims.
Chikara zuka
This is the birthplace of sumo official tournament in Edo ( 1603:1868) period.
Since many worshippers came to the temple to offer prayer for victims of the Great fire, sumo tournament was performed for them.
Also this enshrines deceased sumo wrestlers.
Sumo wrestling morning practice
We observed morning practice in a sumo stable.
It is very quiet at the Sumo stable inside.
We feel the quietness and tension together.
Shiko( stumping the ground)
They work on their Shiko training their lower body.
In sumo, the strength of the lower body is everything.
Their thighs are so thick!
Suriashi( slide the soles)
Practice of walking to put both soles not to leave the ground.
It’s a practice also train the stability of the body.
Moushiai( match practice)
This practice is like a real sumo match.
They try to fight to train how to use their body and overcome the opponent.
Butsukari geiko(pushing practice)
This is practice to develop the power of pushing.
Higher-ranked rikishi lend their support.
Stretching
Lastly they do Shiko and stretching to relax and make their body flexible .
Their body is very flexible!
I promise you will surprise to see them!
Tsukiji Honganji Temple
A Buddha temple of the Jodo Shinshu school, founded in Asakusa in 1617.
It was relocated here in 1697 after the Great Edo( old Tokyo)Fire.
The current building was designed by the same architect as the Meiji Shrine.
It has the atmosphere of an Indian temple.
Namiyoke ( calm down the waves)Shrine
This shrine was founded 1657 to pray for the safety of the construction of Tsukiji area.
Tsukiji area was a coast before 1657.
The Great Edo Fire of 1657 burned down Edo and feudal government decided to reclaim Tsukiji area. ( Tsukiji literally means build ground)
During that time, the reclaiming project was repeatedly hindered by accidents caused by the ocean waves.
One day, many people saw a bright white fireball on the reclaiming sea.
People wondered about it and built this Namiyoshi Shrine to pray to the fireball.
After that, no accidents occurred and the Tsukiji landfill was completed.
Even today, people come here to pray for safety at sea and safety in their homes.
Tsukiji Outside Market
Tsukiji Outside Market is the kitchen of Tokyo and is usually visited by Tokyoites.
You can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a traditional market.
There are more than 460 stores selling fish, produce, meat, dried foods, seasonings, cooking utensils, restaurants, etc., and the market is always crowded with people.
You should visit here in the morning hours.
Business hours are from 5:00 to 14:00.
Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.