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
