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Japan is one of the most unique places in the world where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge modernity. And did I mention cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and landscapes that will leave you enchanted?

Watching sumo wrestling is a unique and culturally enriching experience that allows you to witness Japan's ancient and revered sport firsthand.

TIP: The main sumo tournaments in Tokyo are held in January, May, and September at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall. But if you're not a big sumo fan or the timing is not right, we recommend an easier way to get to know the sumo culture — visit a keiko, a sumo practice session.

It's a rare opportunity to witness this ancient sport from a behind-the-scenes perspective and appreciate the physical and mental challenges faced by these athletes.

The easiest way to do it is to join a guided tour. Check the links section for our favorite guides to sumo practice session. The sessions usually last for 3 hours, and it's rude to leave before the end, so plan accordingly. But it's so interesting and entertaining so don't worry.

Sumo Morning Training

Sumo Entertainment Show

Sumo Wrestling Watch

Epic exploration of Japan's vibrant capital metropolis.

Immersive Tokyo

Appreciate one of Japan's most picturesque and peaceful seaside villages.

Ine Village Retreat

The grand tour of Japan's cultural kaleidoscope with Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Japan Highlights

An enchanting journey through Japan's cultural heart and modern pulse.

Kyoto & Osaka

Imagine yourself surrounded by neon lights and the bustling energy of the future while also having the calm of ancient temples just a subway ride away. You can't miss the experience of crossing Shibuya's famous intersection, often described as a "scramble" itself, and grabbing a sushi feast that'll redefine fresh for you.

Tokyo

Experience pure luxury and relaxation at Fuji Onsenji Yumedono. This exquisite ryokan is known for its private open-air hot spring baths in every room, allowing guests to soak while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality, savor traditional kaiseki cuisine, and let the healing waters of the onsen rejuvenate your body and soul.

Fuji Onsenji Yumedono

Hakone Retreat Före by Onko Chishin is a contemporary oasis located in the Hakone area. 

This modern retreat seamlessly blends Japanese aesthetics with a touch of international design, offering guests a unique and stylish experience.

You can unwind in spacious rooms with panoramic views, relax in onsens, and indulge in a blend of Japanese and international cuisine in a tranquil atmosphere.

Hakone Retreat Före

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora (IHG Hotel) is a stylish hotel with a touch of modern luxury that provides comfortable accommodations and is conveniently located for exploring the Hakone area.

You can enjoy contemporary design, access to onsens, and a variety of international dining options, making it a great choice for those seeking a blend of modern comforts and convenience in this beautiful region.

Indigo Hakone Gora

Kaneyamaen is a tranquil and traditional Japanese ryokan nestled in the picturesque Fuji region. This charming retreat is perfectly situated for those seeking to explore the beauty of Mount Fuji and its surroundings. Kaneyamaen offers an authentic escape where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and nature.

Kaneyamaen features comfortable tatami mat rooms, each designed to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Many of these rooms offer stunning views of Mount Fuji, providing a truly immersive connection with this iconic natural wonder.

Kaneyamaen

Oike Hotel is a serene retreat located in the heart of the Fuji region, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking a peaceful pond. This boutique hotel offers modern comforts in a tranquil setting, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

At Oike Hotel, you can enjoy comfortable accommodations and fine dining experiences, all within easy reach of the region's attractions.

Oike Hotel

Funayado Ichi is a charming and traditional guesthouse located in one of the iconic funaya boathouses in the picturesque fishing village of Ine.

Housed in a beautifully preserved funaya from 1920, this ryokan offers an authentic Japanese experience, complete with tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors, and a cozy atmosphere. The property provides modern amenities (Wi-Fi, air conditioning) while retaining its historical charm.

With its stunning location right by the sea, Funayado Ichi allows guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Ine’s waterfront and enjoy the peacefulness of the village. Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing and cultural retreat in a unique setting.

Funayado Ichi

CAFE & BB guri is a cozy bed and breakfast offering charming, modern accommodations with a touch of traditional Japanese style.

Located near the scenic waterfront, the B&B provides comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes. You can enjoy a relaxing stay with views of the surrounding village and hills.

The café on-site serves delicious local dishes, perfect for travelers looking to experience Ine’s culinary delights.

The B&B is also conveniently located for exploring the village, cycling, and visiting nearby attractions like the funaya boathouses.

Guri B&B

Ine Funaya stay Minagi is a luxurious boathouse accommodation in the heart of Ine, offering an elegant blend of traditional Japanese design with modern comforts.

The two-story funaya has been carefully renovated, featuring sleek, minimalist interiors with high-quality furnishings. The first floor includes a spacious living area, bath, and toilet, while the second floor offers refined sleeping quarters with a focus on comfort and style.

Though no meals are provided, its location allows easy access to local dining. Staying at Minagi provides a unique opportunity to relax by Ine Bay, surrounded by the serene beauty of this historic fishing village.

Ine Funaya Minagi

Miyabi Funaya of Ine is a luxurious lodging facility located in the heart of the village. This unique accommodation is composed of three separate renovated boathouses: Miyabi, Fuga, and the main house Kaga, each offering a blend of traditional charm and modern luxury.

Expert note: While this accommodation's photos and booking process are quite far from perfect, it will be all worth it once you stay here. We recommend pasting their website link into Google Translate to check availability and pricing for your dates.

Funaya Miyabi: This two-story boathouse sits at sea level and offers stunning views of the water. The 102-square-meter house features a natural hot spring, a bath, and a toilet, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating retreat.

Funaya Fuga: Like Miyabi, this two-story boathouse also boasts a hot spring and is designed to evoke relaxation, with the serene bay right outside its windows.

Main House Kaga: A more traditional-style home, Kaga is a 76.4-square-meter two-story structure. It too features natural hot springs and a cozy, old-world atmosphere.

You can enjoy the perfect blend of historical architecture and modern comforts, all while experiencing the beauty of Ine's natural landscape, from Aoshima Island to the surrounding "fish-attached forests." The main house also includes a café, making it an inviting space to unwind while taking in the scenic waterfront.

Miyabi Funaya

The Kaizoji Temple Lodging is a serene retreat located in the grounds of a historic temple, offering a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.

This ryokan features traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, futon bedding, and a spacious bathroom. Guests are treated to an exceptional vegetarian breakfast, with hosts known for their warm hospitality.

It's an ideal place for travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic stay in the heart of the picturesque village of Ine​.

Temple Lodging Oumi

BnA Alter Museum Hotel is a unique and innovative art-focused hotel that combines contemporary accommodations with an immersive art experience.

Each guest room within the hotel is designed as a standalone art installation, created by different artists, making each stay a one-of-a-kind artistic adventure. BnA Alter Museum Hotel creates a dynamic and creative environment that showcases the vibrant art scene in Kyoto.

This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a blend of contemporary design, artistic inspiration, and a memorable stay in Kyoto, where the lines between accommodation and art gallery blur, providing a truly unique and immersive experience.

BnA Alter Museum

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto offers a unique and peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Kyoto, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an environmentally conscious and centrally located accommodation.

The hotel is situated on the iconic Kawaramachi-dori street in the Shimogyo-ku area of Kyoto, placing it in a prime location for exploring the city. It is conveniently close to major attractions and just 400 meters from Gion Shijo Station.

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is known for its clean, elegant design and a strong plant aesthetic. The hotel is a part of the Good Nature Station complex, which emphasizes an environment-friendly approach and special care for its visitors' well-being. The ecological and Zen-like atmosphere of the hotel provides a serene and rejuvenating environment for guests​​​​.

Good Nature Hotel

Mercure Kyoto Station is a contemporary hotel conveniently located near Kyoto Station, one of the city's major transportation hubs. This well-appointed hotel offers easy access to Kyoto's cultural and historical attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The hotel features comfortable and stylish rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay for both leisure and business travelers. Some rooms may offer scenic views of the city or Kyoto Tower.

You can enjoy a variety of dining options at the hotel's restaurants, which serve a range of Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel's bar is also a great place to unwind with a drink after a day of sightseeing.

Mercure Kyoto Station provides a combination of modern comfort and convenience, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to explore Kyoto's rich heritage while enjoying comfortable accommodations.

Mercure Kyoto Station

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu stands out as a modern hotel deeply rooted in the local culture and art of Kyoto, offering a unique experience for those seeking both comfort and a deeper connection with the city.

Nestled in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, the hotel enjoys a prime location ideal for exploring the city. It's a short walk from iconic sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangen-do Temple, and is conveniently close to Gion Shijo Station. 

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu's design philosophy revolves around showcasing the "dynamic and edgy side" of Kyoto. The hotel's interiors are adorned with artworks and craftworks created by local Kyoto artists, embodying the city's artistic heritage.

The guest rooms are simple yet refined, featuring furniture, tableware, and lighting crafted by Kyoto's artisans, and upcycled local products. This attention to detail helps guests deepen their understanding and appreciation of Kyoto's culture​​​​.

The hotel is known for its excellent service, quality food options, and a bakery. It also boasts a rooftop dining and bar area, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu

Nol Kyoto Sanjo is a chic and contemporary hotel located in the heart of Kyoto. Situated in the vibrant Sanjo district, the hotel provides easy access to Kyoto's cultural treasures, including temples, gardens, and traditional markets.

The hotel boasts well-appointed rooms with modern amenities and sleek design, ensuring a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Some rooms offer views of the charming streets of Kyoto. Nol Kyoto Sanjo's minimalist yet cozy design reflects the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

You can savor a variety of culinary delights at the hotel's restaurant, which serves a blend of Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel's central location allows you to immerse in the local food scene and explore the nearby attractions, making Nol Kyoto Sanjo an excellent choice during your Kyoto adventure.

nol kyoto sanjo

Ryokan Genhouin is a remarkable and historic accommodation that offers an authentic Japanese experience. It is more than a century old, originally built in the Higashiyama area that was historically a favored retreat for aristocrats and emperors.

Located in Kyoto's Sakyo-ku Okazaki Hoshojicho, the ryokan's setting combines historical charm with accessibility, being just a short walk from major cultural sites like Heian Shrine and Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple​​​​.

The ryokan features a sukiya-style building that covers an area of about 1,700 square meters, reflecting traditional Japanese architectural elegance. A significant highlight is its magnificent Japanese garden, offering a serene and beautifully landscaped environment that enhances the overall tranquil experience of staying here. The property has been updated with modern amenities while retaining its elegant historical character​​​​.

Ryokan Genhouin

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic is a contemporary and stylish hotel renowned for its prime location along the scenic Takase River, offering picturesque views and easy access to Kyoto's cultural attractions.

It offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, providing a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Many rooms feature large windows, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

One of the hotel's highlights is its rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape and the Takase River. It's an ideal spot to unwind and take in the city's beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season.

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic offers a blend of contemporary design, comfort, and cultural charm, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in the heart of Kyoto.

The Gate Hotel

The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is an elegant, luxury hotel situated in the heart of the city, offering a blend of modern sophistication and world-class hospitality.

The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, designed with contemporary aesthetics and equipped with top-notch amenities. Many rooms provide stunning city views, allowing you to appreciate the vibrant urban landscape of Osaka.

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka offers a range of dining options, from international cuisine to Japanese specialties, providing a culinary journey for guests. Additionally, the hotel provides leisure and wellness facilities, including a spa and fitness center, to ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

With its central location, luxurious accommodations, and high-end dining, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers looking to experience the best of Osaka's hospitality and attractions.

Centara Grand Hotel

Moxy Osaka Honmachi is a stylish and modern hotel located in the Honmachi district. This trendy hotel offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a fun and contemporary stay.

The hotel features comfortable and well-designed rooms with a touch of playful creativity. These accommodations provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including modern amenities and comfortable bedding.

Moxy Osaka Honmachi also boasts a vibrant lobby and communal areas, where you can socialize, relax, and enjoy the hotel's energetic ambiance. The hotel often hosts events and activities, creating a lively and engaging environment for guests.

With its central location and youthful spirit, Moxy Osaka Honmachi is a great choice for travelers looking for a trendy and affordable stay in Osaka, with easy access to the city's attractions and nightlife.

Moxy Osaka Honmachi

The Ninja & Geisha Capsule Hotel offers a unique and immersive lodging experience that blends traditional Japanese culture with modern amenities. The hotel features capsule-style accommodations, which are compact and private sleeping pods designed for comfort and privacy. Each capsule is equipped with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, charging ports, and lighting controls.

The hotel’s interior design incorporates elements inspired by ninjas and geishas, creating a visually striking atmosphere. You'll find decor that pays homage to these iconic aspects of Japanese culture, with intricate details and thematic touches throughout the space.

Located in the vibrant Osaka, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions, dining, and shopping, making it a convenient base for exploring the city while enjoying a unique cultural experience.

Ninja & Geisha Capsule Hotel

The Boly Osaka is a distinctive and modern hotel located in the Kitahama district of Osaka. It is a renovated establishment that uniquely blends Osaka’s traditional heritage with a modern, new-generation atmosphere.

It is situated in a private space along the riverside of Nakanoshima, providing tranquil views and a serene environment. Its location offers easy access to the main touring spots in Osaka and is conveniently close to the traditional city of Kyoto, making it an ideal base for exploring both areas​​​​.

The Boly Osaka is known for its excellent service and personalized hospitality. It features a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, catering to various needs of its guests.

The Boly Osaka

Hotel THE FLAG Shinsaibashi is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the vibrant Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. This boutique hotel offers a modern and comfortable stay with easy access to Osaka's shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions.

The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, designed with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests. Many rooms offer city views, allowing you to take in the bustling urban scenery of Osaka.

THE FLAG Shinsaibashi

Waqoo Shitaderamachi in Osaka offers a unique experience by blending traditional Japanese culture with modern hospitality.

Created as a "Japanese Space," it encapsulates the history and culture of Japan, particularly focusing on the spiritual heritage of temples and shrines. The hotel is designed to provide the distinctive healing power of shukubo (temple lodgings) and aims to revitalize the Shitaderamachi area in collaboration with local residents.

You can indulge in activities like Zazen (Zen meditation), sutra transcription, and enjoy Buddhist cuisine, offering a deeply immersive and culturally rich experience.

Waqoo Shitaderamachi

Blossom Shinjuku Hotel is a stylish and modern hotel located in the vibrant Shinjuku district of Tokyo. This contemporary hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the bustling city.

Its central location provides easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and public transportation. You can expect well-designed rooms with modern amenities, providing a comfortable and pleasant stay in the heart of Tokyo.

Blossom Shinjuku

BnA_WALL is a distinctive art-focused hotel that goes beyond traditional accommodation, offering an immersive experience in the world of contemporary art and design. Each room at BnA_WALL is a canvas for different artists, making it a unique and ever-evolving stay.

You can expect to be surrounded by creative and visually stimulating environments, as every room is a work of art in itself. BnA_WALL allows you to not only sleep in an art gallery but also purchase the artworks, supporting emerging artists and creators.

This unconventional hotel concept offers a one-of-a-kind experience, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking something truly out of the ordinary.



BnA_WALL

Hotel K5 stands out as a boutique hotel that combines historical charm with contemporary design, offering a unique and tranquil haven in the bustling city of Tokyo.

It is situated in a beautifully converted 1920s bank building. This historic structure provides a charming and atmospheric backdrop to the hotel's modern and edgy design​​​​.

Hotel K5 is located beside the Tokyo Stock Exchange, bridging the traditional Imperial Palace area with more contemporary neighborhoods. Its proximity to Nihombashi Station, just a five-minute walk away, makes it an ideal spot for exploring Tokyo​​​​.

The hotel exhibits a sleek 'Japandi' aesthetic, a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. This design choice is evident in its 20 rooms, which are characterized by high ceilings, large windows, and a sophisticated yet minimalistic decor. The Stockholm-based architecture and design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune was responsible for this design, drawing inspiration from the local area's lack of greenery to create a 'green oasis'​​​​.

The rooms at Hotel K5 are designed for comfort and relaxation. They feature king-sized beds, a sitting area with vinyl records, and a unique loft layout. An illuminated central veil in the loft rooms provides a sense of privacy and seclusion. The rooms also include custom-designed recliner chairs, large sofas, and minimalistic bathrooms equipped with showers​​.

Hotel K5

Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo is a sophisticated and modern hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, offering a blend of contemporary luxury and Japanese hospitality.

Situated in a prime location, it provides convenient access to the city's top attractions, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks.

The hotel features well-appointed rooms with stylish design and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for both leisure and business travelers.

Millennium Mitsui Garden

Nine Hours Hamamatsucho is a unique capsule hotel in the heart of Tokyo, offering minimalist and efficient accommodations. Located in the Hamamatsucho district, it provides convenient access to Tokyo's major attractions and transportation hubs.

This modern capsule hotel is designed for travelers seeking a comfortable place to rest without the frills of traditional hotels. The concept is simple: you have your own compact sleeping capsule with essential amenities, including a comfortable bed and personal storage space.

Nine Hours Hamamatsucho is an ideal choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and no-fuss place to stay in Tokyo, especially if you're planning to explore the city during the day and need a convenient place to sleep at night.

Nine Hours Hamamatsucho

ONE@Tokyo is a contemporary hotel that offers a unique and stylish experience for travelers seeking modern comforts and easy access to Tokyo's cultural and entertainment attractions.

It's located in Oshiage neighborhood where Tokyo’s modern cityscape intersects with the charm of old Edo. Cutting-edge innovation can be found alongside time-honored cordiality, metropolitan refinement alongside deep human connection.

With Oshiage as your home base, you can be sure to have one-of-a-kind discoveries and encounters.

ONE @ Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo's Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo seamlessly blends modern luxury with Japanese hospitality. Its strategic location offers easy access to Tokyo's attractions, shopping, and business centers.

The hotel offers well-appointed rooms with contemporary design and modern amenities, catering to both leisure and business travelers. A unique feature is the "Artist Rooms," where Japanese artists transform each room into an art installation, enhancing the guest experience.

You can also enjoy excellent dining options, including a restaurant with panoramic city views, and unwind at the tranquil spa and wellness center.

Park Hotel Tokyo

The Millennials Shibuya combines capsule-style accommodation with modern technology. Each capsule comes with a tablet, allowing guests to control lighting and connect with other guests. The hotel also features a stylish communal area and a rooftop terrace, making it a trendy choice for tech-savvy travelers.

The Millennials Shibuya

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel offers a serene escape just three train stations away from Tokyo's bustling center, making it convenient for both leisure and business travelers. 

The hotel blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elegance to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. With a variety of cozy rooms, it caters to the needs of solo travelers and families alike. 

For relaxation and wellness, you can enjoy the Bath House with a sauna, surrounded by stunning wall art inspired by world-famous artists.

The hotel's stylish restaurant, TIDE TABLE Shiomi, specializes in French-Japanese cuisine, offering a heartwarming dining experience. 

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince

Nestled in Tokyo's serene Daita neighborhood, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita offers an authentic Japanese ryokan experience. Traditional tatami-mat rooms with garden views provide you with a peaceful retreat, complete with the comfort of futon bedding.

A highlight of this ryokan is its natural hot spring baths, where you can unwind in the therapeutic waters surrounded by nature's beauty. It's an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

You can also indulge in traditional kaiseki cuisine, savoring the flavors of Japan's culinary artistry. Overall, Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita blends traditional Japanese hospitality, onsen relaxation, and an atmosphere of tranquility for an unforgettable stay in Tokyo.

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Sumo Wrestling Watch

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Alternative Itineraries

Curated stays in Tokyo

BnA_WALL

Nine Hours Hamamatsucho

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince

Millennium Mitsui Garden

ONE @ Tokyo

The Millennials Shibuya

Park Hotel Tokyo

Yuen Bettei Daita

Blossom Shinjuku

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Sumo Wrestling Watch

Experience with a guide

Word from curator

Alternative Itineraries

Curated stays in Tokyo

BnA_WALL

Nine Hours Hamamatsucho

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince

Millennium Mitsui Garden

ONE @ Tokyo

The Millennials Shibuya

Park Hotel Tokyo

Yuen Bettei Daita

Blossom Shinjuku

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