Sumo Wrestling Museum Kehayaza

The historic Katsuragi City, is the birthplace of the Japanese spirit

In the midwest region of Nara Prefecture, Katsuragi City lies at the base of Mt. Nijo and its impressive double-peaks. Japan's oldest road Takenouchi Kaido has ancient myths connected and legends related to the Emperor of Japan, is home to historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. There is a historical enchantment to the area that shows Nara used to be the capital. It is also said to be the region where Japan-specific cultural elements, such as sumo wrestling and the Tanabata festival, originated, making it the birthplace of the Japanese spirit.

Experience Japan's national sport, sumo wrestling, where it was created

In one section of the city, you will find the Sumo wrestling Museum Kehayaza, a rarity even in Japan. Inside, you will find valuable exhibits, as well as a full-scale sumo wrestling ring, which you can enter. Everyone gets a chance to enjoy what it feels like to be a sumo wrestler.

Taima no Kehaya, an ancient, local strong man, invented sumo wrestling
The history behind Katsuragi City being where sumo wrestling originated is in the "Nihon Shoki," Japan's oldest history book. It states that at the start of the 4th century, the local strong man Taima no Kehaya was known for his superhuman strength, and he competed in a strength competition in front of the Emperor with Nomi no Sukune, who similarly boasted great strength. This is the first account of sumo wrestling, as well as that of sumo wrestling being performed in the presence of the Emperor, and has been handed down to later generations. At the end of a long struggle with neither man backing down, Taima no Kehaya was defeated, and died. Later, the Taima no Kehaya-zuka memorial tower was constructed in remembrance of him as a local hero; his name is etched in history as the originator of sumo wrestling. It is in front of the Sumo Wrestling Museum Kehayaza, so please visit it and offer a prayer.

Taima no Kehaya-zuka. It is still cherished and maintained by the locals.

See exhibits and videos to learn about the history and culture of sumo wrestling
Head inside while thinking about Taima no Kehaya, the local who invented sumo wrestling. They have about 12,000 items in their exhibits on sumo wrestling. On the second floor, there are a lot of valuable exhibits centered around its history and local sumo wrestlers. There are sure to fascinate anyone who comes inside. Sit in one of the box seats around the sumo ring, and relax while you watch the jumbotron. There are guide tablet computers with support for six languages that include explanations for the exhibits, an overview of the facility, and explanations on the history and culture of sumo wrestling, to help you get an in-depth understanding.

A drawing of a sumo wrestling match that took place in front of Oda Nobunaga, a wartime general representative of Japan.

You can sit in one of the box seats, which are unique to professional sumo wrestling, and watch a video about sumo wrestling.

The guide tablet computers support six languages: Japanese, English, French, Chinese (simplified, and traditional), and Korean.

Stepping onto a real sumo ring for an unforgettable experience
After learning about sumo wrestling from the exhibits and videos, it's finally time to head to the ring. This is a real sumo wrestling ring with an usher who calls out the names of the wrestlers at tournaments, and this is faithfully reenacted here. In the world of sumo, the ring is seen as a sacred place, and normally only people involved with a match such as the referee and sumo wrestlers are allowed to set foot on one. But this ring was constructed as an "exhibit ring," so anyone can enter it. Once you have actually gotten into it, you will probably feel that it is smaller than you expected. It's easy to get excited here when you imagine sumo wrestlers, who are much larger than you, fighting each other here.

The sumo wrestling ring was made to the same specifications as an actual ring.

Anyone can enter it, shoes and all.

Feel what it's like to be a sumo referee and judge a match by taking hold of the referee's fan!

Putt on a costume and transform. Enjoy what it's like to become a sumo wrestler
Since you're stepping in a sumo wrestling ring, there are sure to be a lot of people who want to feel what it's like to be a sumo wrestler. Look no further! Actually tying a genuine loincloth may be setting the bar a little too high, but with a costume, anyone, man or woman, can easily try it out over their clothes. Putting on a loincloth-style costume and wearing a topknot wig transforms you into a sumo wrestler. Scatter the salt, stomp your legs, and step firmly into the ring like a yokozuna making his entrance. You'll definitely have fun if you compete with friends or family. This is sure to be an exciting sumo wrestling experience that you can't do anywhere else.

Scatter a bunch of salt clasped in your hand to purify the ring.

Try moving like a sumo wrestler by raising and stomping your legs one at a time.

While you're at it, fully embody a sumo wrestler by moving like a yokozuna making his entrance.

Facility information
You can experience these things here!
Name of facility | Katsuragi City Sumo Wrestling Museum Kehayaza
Name of experience | Be a sumo wrestler and enter the ring in the birthplace of sumo wrestling, Japan's national sport
Address | 83-1 Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara 639-0276
Business Hours |10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed | Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on national holidays), New Year's holiday
Price | Starts at 300 yen (may vary depending on the content)
Payment methods | Cash only
Number of guests accepted (groups)| From 1 person
Telephone number| 0745-48-4611
Multilingual support | Guide tablet computers with support for English, French, Chinese (simplified, and traditional), and Korean
Official Website (Japanese)| http://www.city.katsuragi.nara.jp/index.cfm/17,2985,80,html
Notes | None