For the 2027 opening tournament, we will travel to the Kokugikan in Tokyo with our elderly family members and fellow spectators without any fatigue from the journey.
From Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba to Roppongi National Gymnasium, it’s door-to-door service in a private jumbo taxi. You sit in the front seat and watch the game slowly, then get off at the end and take another taxi back.
"With such a great first tournament, we all want to go to the Kokugikan in Kyoto with ease. But we're a little worried about the transfers between stations and the travel after watching the entire day." — This is a common comment we get. The 2027 first tournamentFrom January 10 (Sun) to January 24 (Sun)For 15 days. In this article, a group of three generations of people who watch sumo wrestling on their way to and from the Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium.charter jumbo cabWe will summarize the selection methods when using it and the preparations until the day ahead as check points to avoid failure.
Things that can be difficult during "moving" for watching the first round of fights
Watching the match itself is a pleasure, but the round-trip journey to and from Tokyo also comes with a modest burden. Especially on days when there are many people or when elderly people or kimono wearers are traveling together, you are likely to encounter difficulties in situations such as the following.
Transferring between stations and getting stuck in a crowded train
Although the Kokugikan in Kokura is conveniently located just a short walk from the station, it is not uncommon for transfers to be required several times from your home. Even if you are in good health on the way, after watching the match from start to finish from the morning session onwards, everyone is exhausted. Switching between trains in a crowded stadium is especially challenging for those with limited mobility.
Handbags get stuffed with kimono, souvenirs, and gifts
The first sumo tournament is held at the beginning of the year. Many people who go out in kimono, bring their own lunch and drinks for friends to enjoy at the stage seats, and also bring hand-made souvenirs for their acquaintances. Climbing stairs and transferring between venues with both hands tied up is more daunting than you might think.
Sharing rides with elderly family members with care
When there are between 4 and 9 people in a group, it often happens that ordinary taxis split into two groups to accommodate everyone. We have to be careful about which elderly person we put in which car, and the conversation about who we think will win in the car gets interrupted.
Point:The Kokugikan in both countries does not have parking for spectators. If you drive a car, you will have to find a nearby coin-operated parking lot and risk being stuck in traffic. That is why the method of being able to get on and off at the entrance without worrying about where to park is perfect for watching the games on the day.
Check points to consider before heading to both countries
Whether a charter jumbo taxi is the right choice can be determined by the following four points. Please read it by applying it to your own group.
There must be more than 4 people.
A Jumbo Taxi can accommodate up to 9 people. If there are more than 4 people, everyone can travel together without having to share seats, making it easier to split the cost per person.
Are you traveling with an elderly person or a young child?
From the front door to the National Gymnasium, it’s a two-door journey. It’s so convenient that you can get off and on without having to take any stairs or change trains, which is a great advantage for those who want to avoid hassle.
Is there any luggage or kimonos?
Packed lunches, drinks, and treats, and traveling in kimono. The large luggage compartment allows you to load everything together, so you can enter without having to close your hands.
Will it be a full-day viewing?
On days when you have to watch the entire performance from start to finish, you probably don't have enough energy for the return journey. It's reassuring to have someone pick you up in a single vehicle with a time reservation.
If any of these apply to you, a private rental that allows you to simply get on and off the train might be a better fit for your day’s itinerary. Conversely, if you’re a small group with plenty of mobility and good access to the station, you don’t need to make the private rental a requirement.When enough people are gathered and there is more luggage and attention, chartering becomes reasonable.——It’s easier to choose if you use that as a guide.
Private rentals are ideal for groups like this.
Here are some common and compatible situations that people often ask about. Please compare them with your own plans.
Witnessing my grandfather's first ascent to the throne for three generations
Gathering with my grandfather who loves sumo wrestling, my son and his wife, and my grandchildren, we all went to the first tournament with a total of seven people. If you head from your home to the National Sumo Hall by car, the walking distance and the change of transportation will be significantly reduced. The car was filled with discussion about the “top wrestlers of the day,” and we were already in the atmosphere of watching the tournament before arriving.
With a gift from our fellow spectators, we headed to the New Year's Eve event
It’s the annual first-place match viewing event among our friends. On days when we bring snacks and drinks to the stands, we often end up with a lot of luggage. We pack it all together in the luggage room and head off together with everyone on board, having a great time.
The person in charge who guides visitors from afar to the National Gymnasium
We pick you up at your home or hotel in Saitama or Chiba, and take you to Roppongi. There’s no need to worry about getting tickets for multiple people or changing trains, so you can streamline your day-of arrangements.
Preparation leading up to the day of the event and basic information you need to know
To avoid any last-minute panic on the day, be sure to have a basic understanding of the schedule and venue. As the event dates and opening hours may change, please check the official information from the organizers for the final details.
| Item | General guidelines and points |
|---|---|
| 2027 First Round Tournament Dates | January 10 (Sun) to 24 (Sun) for 15 days (Kokugikan, Ueno) |
| venue | Kokugikan in both countries (Yokogawa, Sumida Ward, Tokyo) |
| Parking lot | There is no parking for spectators. Attendance by public transportation or by shuttle is the norm. |
| Seating up (mass seating) | In a section with dividers, it's easy to watch the game in a relaxed group setting. |
| Roundtrip transportation | Get off at a place where you can get on and off around the National Gymnasium. Depending on the congestion situation, we will provide guidance. |
To make the day at the restaurant pleasant
Since the seating arrangement is a tatami style, comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put on are recommended. For long-term seating, wear clothes that are comfortable to sit in for long periods. For small gifts or treats, use a drawstring bag that is easier to pack than a paper bag. Since the luggage for the trip and return is stored in the car, you can bring only what you need for watching the game, leaving you free to bring only what you need to the seating area.
Decide on the approximate time of return in advance.
The pick-up time will change depending on whether you watch the entire performance or cut it short midway through the show. Sharing an approximate exit time in advance will make the day go smoothly. If you are unsure of the exact time, you can discuss it with us based on what happens on the day.
When splitting the cost:Chartering a car is a system where the cost is shared by the number of people. For example, if you take a car with seven people, you split the cost among seven people. By taking this approach, you can avoid the hassle of changing cars, the fatigue of carrying heavy luggage and kimono, and the lingering exhaustion after a day of watching the games—all the “difficulties that are hard to put into monetary terms”—and instead, everyone can share the burden a little at a time.Pricing pagePlease confirm with the quote from the web form below.
Reservation and Inquiry Process
- Contact:Please provide the date, number of people, pickup location, and desired time from the web form.
- Plan and Estimate:We will suggest a vehicle suitable for the number of people and the route and price estimate for the return journey.
- Booking Confirmed:Once you are satisfied with the content, the reservation is confirmed. We recommend booking early as the first venue is very popular.
- Boarding on the day:We will pick you up at your designated location and take you to the nearby Kokugikan in Roppongi.
summary
If you want to enjoy the 2027 first tournament (January 10–24 at the Kokugikan in Ueno) leisurely with your elderly family members and fellow spectators, getting there and back is crucial. There is no parking available at the Kokugikan, and changing between watching the matches all day consumes more energy than you might imagine. As long as you have enough people, it’s a good idea to bring along luggage, kimono, and other items to help elderly people feel more comfortable.Private taxi service to the Kokugikan in both countriesIt provides comfort with the convenience of "just getting on and off." First, please let us know the date and number of spectators, and feel free to contact us for further discussion.
Full transfer service for the first round match in Kokonoe
When enough people are gathered, the private rental fee becomes more affordable per person. You can simply leave the hassle of changing trains and carrying your kimono or other gifts behind, and just let us take care of everything for you on the way back from the day of watching the fireworks.
Simply let us know your desired viewing date, number of people, and pickup location. You can contact us 24 hours a day through the web form, and we offer a free quote.
Contact via web form
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