Ask any rikishi, sumo official or fan which of the sport¡¯s six yearly meets is their favorite, and you¡¯re most likely to hear November¡¯s Kyushu Basho in reply.

That tournament¡¯s unbeatable combination of seaside location, cool weather and great food, all within walking distance (or a short taxi ride) of the Fukuoka International Center that hosts the meet, inevitably puts it atop most people¡¯s lists.

Osaka in the spring is also a tournament which is popular among participants in Japan¡¯s national sport, while each of the three annual basho in Tokyo appeals to sumo aficionados for different reasons.