Sumo in Nagono (July)

We are coming through Nagano on the 5th or 6th day of the sumo tournament. We were curious if anyone knew how likely if it that there are general admission seats available as a walk in on that day. It is during the first week of the tournament.

The period of the sumo tournament to be held in Nagoya in July of this year is July 13 to 27. I think it's not implemented in the July 5 and 6.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/ticket/year_schedule

We attended the Nagoya basho in July 2012. I must say it was a lot of fun. We did it on a day trip from Tokyo since we had our JR Pass and a free day. We went to the Toyota museum (not the factory), and then to Nagoya Castle before getting to the Sumo venue at about 3PM.

We went on a weekday (wed iirc) on the second week, and there were a lot of empty seats in the upper areas. A LOT. So I think you should be ok, if you aren't picky about seat selection, if you go on a Thursday (5th day). I can't say about Friday (6th day).

We had Box seats, which we purchased well in advance, which were somewhat uncomfortable (I thought we were younger than reality). Our view was superb, but I think the upper seats would give you an "OK" view. There were quite a few empty boxes as well.

I know, TMI... But 2 years later, that trip is still vivid in my mind. It was so hot and humid. Walking around the castle grounds (which are adjacent to the Sumo venue) was a real chore, but it was really beautiful, and not crowded. And there was an extremely drunk guy behind us who kept getting escorted out due to yelling too much, but he kept showing back up. That was actually somewhat entertaining.

Dale