1.
Ryōgoku (Tokyo neighborhood famous for sumo)
A district in Sumida Ward, eastern Tokyo, known as the home of sumo. Site of the 国技館, where the Tokyo grand sumo tournaments are held three times a year.
両国で相撲を見た。
I watched sumo in Ryōgoku.
両国国技館は年に三回場所が開催される。
The Ryōgoku Kokugikan hosts a sumo tournament three times a year.
両国には相撲部屋が多く、力士が町を歩いている姿も見かける。
Ryōgoku has many sumo stables, and you can sometimes spot wrestlers walking through the neighborhood.
Located in 墨田区, on the east side of the 隅田川. The name 両国 literally means "both provinces," referring to the historic Musashi and Shimōsa provinces joined by the Ryōgoku Bridge.
READING NOTE:
The same kanji read 〈りょうこく〉 means "both countries." The place name uses the rendaku form 〈りょうごく〉.
KEY LANDMARKS:
- 両国国技館: Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo arena
- 江戸東京博物館: Edo-Tokyo Museum
- 両国橋: Ryōgoku Bridge over the Sumida River
CULTURAL NOTE:
The sumo-related restaurants in Ryōgoku are famous for ちゃんこ鍋, the protein-rich hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers.