You don’t need much of an excuse to witness the 2020 Summer Olympics. It is the most anticipated multi-sports event in the world, and it will take place in Tokyo, once dubbed as the world’s greatest city by CNN Travel. 

Whether it be Olympics or a family summer trip, Tokyo dazzles with a mix of modern vibe, authentic culture, and natural wonders, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world. Visiting Tokyo during a feverish time like the Olympics, with all the hype and crowds, may seem unnerving, but this is your opportunity to see the capital of Japan at its liveliest. 

Here’s a guide that will help you fully experience the hype of Tokyo 2020 in the city.

Tokyo Olympics Schedule

As the 2020 Olympics location, Tokyo will become the first Asian city to host the Olympic games twice. The summer Olympics will take place from July 24 to August 9. The key dates are:

• July 24, 2020 – Opening Ceremony at the New National Stadium (10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013, Japan)
• July 25, 2020 – Start of games
• July 31-August 9, 2020 – The finals of the athletics
• August 9, 2020 – Closing Ceremony

Tokyo Olympics Venues

There are over 40 venues that will be used during the Tokyo Olympics. If these sports facilities are near your area, these are the competitions you can watch:

Tokyo Olympic Stadium – Opening/Closing Ceremonies 

Tokyo Olympic Stadium – Athletics, Football

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Table Tennis

Yoyogi National Stadium – Handball

Nippon Budokan – Judo, Karate

Imperial Palace Garden – Athletics (Race Walk)

Tokyo International Forum – Weightlifting

Kokugikan Arena – Boxing

Equestrian Park – Equestrian (Dressage, Eventing, Jumping)

Musashino Forest Sport Plaza – Badminton, Modern Pentathlon (Fencing)

Tokyo Stadium – Football, Rugby, Modern Pentathlon 

Musashinonomori Park – Cycling 

Ariake Arena – Volleyball 

Ariake Gymnastics Centre – Gymnastics

Ariake Urban Sports Park – Cycling, Skateboarding

Ariake Tennis Park – Tennis

Odaiba Marine Park – Aquatics (Marathon Swimming)

Shiokaze Park – Volleyball (Beach Volleyball)

Aomi Urban Sports Park – Basketball, Sport Climbing

Oi Hockey Stadium – Hockey

Sea Forest Cross-Country Course – Equestrian 

Sea Forest Waterway – Canoe (Sprint), Rowing

Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre – Canoe (Slalom)

Yumenoshima Park Archery Field – Archery

Tokyo Aquatics Centre – Swimming, Diving, Artistic Swimming

Tatsumi Water Polo Centre – Aquatics (Water Polo)

Makuhari Messe Hall A – Taekwondo, Wrestling

Makuhari Messe Hall B – Fencing

Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach – Surfing

Saitama Super Arena – Basketball 

Asaka Shooting Range – Shooting

Kasumigaseki Country Club – Golf

Enoshima Yacht Harbour – Sailing

Izu Velodrome – Cycling (Track)

Izu MTB Course Cycling – (Mountain Bike)

Fuji International Speedway  –Cycling (Road Race)

Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium – Baseball/Softball

Yokohama Baseball Stadium – Baseball/Softball

Sapporo Dome – Football

Miyagi Stadium – Football

Ibaraki Kashima Stadium – Football

Saitama Stadium – Football

International Stadium Yokohama – Football

Tokyo Olympics Tickets

Japanese residents can apply for tickets via the Tokyo 2020 official website. If you’re a non-resident, you can purchase your ticket at your country’s authorized ticket reseller. Tickets for adult guests start from 12,000 yen or around $110 USD.  Discounted rates are availing for children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. If you’d like to watch the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, you have to pay 300,000 yen or around $2790 USD per ticket.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo During the Olympic Season

If you also wish to see tourist sites and attractions around the Olympic hosting venues, there are plenty to choose from:

Explore Tokyo

Take a one-day or half-day tour to see the best of Tokyo. Be mesmerized by the architectural beauty of Tsukiji Honganji Temple. Discover the best seafood in Tokyo on a Fish Market tour. Delve into a delicious lunch at Toshi Center Hotel.  Visit the Kokyogaien National Gardens and Daiba Park. Step aboard a futuristic Hotaluna vessel and cruise along Tokyo Bay. Go to the Tokyo Skytree, an iconic landmark in the skyline, to get a 360-degree view of the city and Mt. Fuji. Book this epic one-day experience here.

See the Cityscape from Tokyo Tower

This sightseeing experience from the top of Tokyo Tower, Japan’s second tallest structure and situated in the center of Tokyo, will offer you breathtaking views of the city. Visit the aquarium, souvenir shops, and restaurants inside the tower. Reserve your Tokyo Tower Observatory Tickets here.

Discover the Marine Life at Tokyo Aqua Park Shinagawa Aquarium

Meet different sea creatures and learn about their environment at Shinagawa Aquarium. Marvel at the Jellyfish Ramble and Dolphin Show. Unwind at the Coral Cafe Bar. Skip the line and book your tickets here.

Taste Authentic Japanese Foods 

From sushi to ramen, Japan offers a plethora of dishes that can satisfy your taste buds. Treat yourself to Wagyu beef, fried prawns, and foie gras at the Takadanobaba Teppanyaki Sakura Restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Feast on Japanese street food, like Okonomiyaki, Shioyaki, Tomorokoshi, and Yakisoba.

Marvel at Mt. Fuji 

Join a tour to Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can take in a great view of Mt. Fuji. Eat Hoto miso noodle soup at Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Ride Kachi-Kachi Ropeway for more spectacular mountain views. Watch Sagamiko Illumination at Lake Sagami Resort Pleasure Forest. Book this incredible day tour here.  

*Featured image by Uta Mukuo on Facebook