The September dohyo-matsuri will take place at Kokugikan on Saturday, 12 September, the day before the tournament begins. The Japan Sumo Association’s 3 September notice gives an entry window of 09:20–09:50. Admission is free and first come, first served; entry after 09:50 is not allowed.
Keep the entry deadline separate from a start time
09:50 is the published entry cutoff, not a ceremony start time inferred by this article. Allow time between reaching the station and entering the venue. Admission is not guaranteed.
Wrestlers will not attend
This is a solemn ceremony, not a bout session or meet-and-greet. The official notice explicitly says wrestlers will not attend. Visitors should remain quiet and follow staff instructions.
Stay in your seat
Avoid entering, leaving or changing seats after the ceremony starts. Photograph only from your own seat, without flash, and leave promptly afterwards.
Check the official event notice before travelling. For background on the ritual itself, read our dohyo-matsuri explainer. Times are Japan Standard Time; details were checked on 8 September.