A family trip to Japan turned unforgettable with sumo wrestling as the main attraction

Wendy’s job as a travel writer means her family gets to explore the world. They’ve been to places like Peru, Greece, and Thailand, but Japan is their favorite.
During their summer trip, they visited beautiful shrines, enjoyed street food, and even met wild monkeys. The kids said Japan is a feast for the senses, and they loved every moment.
One of the coolest experiences was finding a beach filled with pottery pieces from a shipwreck. They also caught a wild robot show in Tokyo while munching on dinner.
But the real highlight? Learning about sumo wrestling. In Nara, they fed sacred deer and then headed to Katsuragi City to dive into Japan’s oldest sport.
At the Kehayaza Sumo Museum, they took off their shoes and sat on cushions to watch a sumo demonstration. It was a unique experience, way better than a big tournament.
They saw the wrestlers perform rituals, like rice throwing and singing, before the match began. The two massive rikishi entered the ring, and the excitement was palpable.
Sumo has a rich history, starting as a dance to entertain the gods. Now, it has six divisions, and wrestlers earn more as they climb the ranks. The Grand Champion can make a whopping $18,000 a month!
Tickets for tournaments can be pricey, but the museum is free for foreign visitors, making it a great family outing.
Wendy’s husband even got in the ring with a wrestler! The boys followed suit, and it was hilarious to see them face off against these huge athletes.
The wrestlers were playful, especially when they picked up Wendy’s sons and swung them around. It was a blast!
Afterward, they thanked the wrestlers for the fun experience. Back home, Wendy’s youngest wrote about his time in the ring, saying, “I was only 8, I obviously lost.”