Japan’s ongoing tourism boom has resulted in a year-round influx of people interested in experiencing the country’s national sport.
Sumo’s current popularity, however, makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to acquire tickets, with a bimonthly schedule limiting tournament action in Tokyo to just six weeks out of 52 each year.
The capital city is a top destination on most tourist itineraries, but Tokyo's January, May and September tournaments fall outside of the peak tourism seasons of early spring and summer. The result is a lot of disappointed travelers.
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