Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehayaza”

Katsuragi City Sumo Museum Kehayaza is a facility dedicated to the history and practice of sumo wrestling, located in a region considered the birthplace of this martial sport. It displays collections spanning the development of sumo combined with a functional training ring visitors can enter.

The museum opened in 1990 and honors Taima no Kehaya, a legendary early sumo figure who was active in this area. The museum's founding underlines the long continuous importance of this region in the sport's development and preservation.

The place is deeply connected to sumo tradition and shows how this sport has been respected in the region for thousands of years. The exhibits convey how sumo here is not just sport, but a central part of local identity and heritage.

The museum sits within walking distance of the nearest train station and offers facilities suited to different visitor types. The best visiting time is outside peak hours so you can explore the exhibits and ring without crowds.

Visitors can actually stand in a real sumo ring built to the same standards as professional competition rings. This hands-on experience gives a direct sense of the scale and intensity that professional wrestlers handle daily.

Location: Katsuragi

Address: 83-1 Taima, Katsuragi-shi, Nara-ken 639-0276

Website: https://city.katsuragi.nara.jp/soshiki/sumokan

GPS coordinates: 34.51561,135.70319

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03