What is chanko nabe?
Chanko nabe is the iconic hot pot eaten daily in sumo stables. It is a big, communal pot of broth packed with chicken, fish or pork, tofu, mushrooms, cabbage and other vegetables — high in protein and volume to help wrestlers build their formidable frames. For visitors, it is the natural meal to enjoy alongside a sumo experience: hearty, healthy and deeply tied to the sport's culture.
Contrary to its reputation, chanko nabe is not unhealthy. It is the sheer quantity wrestlers eat (with rice and beer) that adds bulk. A single serving is a balanced, satisfying dinner.
Show + dinner packages
Several Asakusa sumo listings bundle a meal with the demonstration. These typically include:
Chanko nabe set
The classic pairing — a serving of the wrestlers' hot pot after or during the show, often with rice.
Bento option
A Japanese boxed meal for those who prefer something lighter or quicker than a hot pot.
Drink add-ons
Some packages include a soft drink, tea or beer — check what your chosen tier covers.
Group dining
Meal packages suit families and groups who want to make the show the centrepiece of the evening.
Which option should you choose?
| You want… | Best choice |
|---|---|
| The full cultural experience | Show + chanko nabe set |
| A lighter, faster meal | Show + bento option |
| Maximum value | Any meal bundle vs paying separately |
| Just the show | Standard admission, eat elsewhere after |
For the non-meal tiers, see our tickets and prices guide; to weigh whether the whole thing is worth it, read the review and discounts page.
Where to eat like a wrestler near Asakusa
Prefer to book the show alone and dine separately? Asakusa and the neighbouring Ryogoku district (Tokyo's traditional sumo quarter, a short train ride away) are dotted with chanko nabe restaurants, many run by former wrestlers. After a late-afternoon show you can:
- Walk the Nakamise shopping street for street snacks before dinner.
- Seek out a dedicated chanko restaurant for the authentic communal pot.
- Head to Ryogoku, near the Kokugikan sumo arena, for the highest concentration of chanko specialists.
Frequently asked questions
What is chanko nabe?
Chanko nabe is the protein-rich hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat to build size and strength — loaded with chicken, fish, tofu and vegetables in a savoury broth. It is the traditional meal to pair with a sumo experience.
Can I get a sumo show with dinner included?
Yes. Many Asakusa sumo experiences offer a show-plus-meal package including chanko nabe or a bento, sometimes with a drink. Check the live widget for packages that bundle a meal.
Is the meal package good value?
If you were going to eat dinner out anyway, bundling the meal with the show often costs less than paying for both separately, and it saves finding a restaurant afterwards.
Is chanko nabe suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional chanko nabe contains meat or fish, but some restaurants offer vegetable-forward versions. If you have dietary needs, check with the operator or restaurant before booking.