Tokyo 2020 Olympics - What you must know before travelling to Japan

From spectacular cherry blossoms to mouth-watering foods, it’s no wonder Tokyo is such a beloved destination amongst all who visit Japan. If you’re looking for even more reasons to visit Tokyo, why not head over during the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games? 

 

After receiving the baton from Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo will host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games - also known as Tokyo 2020. The Olympics is set to be the biggest event happening in Tokyo this year! If you’re interested in flying to Tokyo especially for the Olympics, mark these dates in your calendar: 

 

 - 2020 Summer Olympics: 24 July - 9 August 2020

 

- 2020 Paralympic Games: 25 August - 6 September 2020

 

Whether you’ll be attending the Olympics or just heading there around the same time, read on to find out more on what you need to know before travelling to Tokyo during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics season: 

 

1. The Cheapest Months To Fly 

 

Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

 

A quick search on our Mayflower flight booking platform shows that the cheapest months to travel in 2020 are June, July and September at an average rate of RM1400 - RM1500 for return flight bookings. This would put the cheapest travel months during the summer and autumn season in Tokyo! If you enjoy living in a tropical climate, you would do well in the summer heat more than others - so have no fear travelling during this season! 

 

2. Train stations in Tokyo will be more crowded than usual

Leading up to the Olympic games, Tokyo is preparing itself for a massive surge of travellers and high public transport usage. You might face overcrowding in several train stations in the capital city. Major sports venues are scattered across Shinjuku, Odaiba, and Koto City, as well as a few locations outside Tokyo including Sapporo Dome, Miyagi Stadium and International Stadium Yokohama for football matches. Baseball events will also be held at Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium and Yokohama Baseball Stadium. For a full list of Olympic and Paralympic venues, click here.

 

The renovation work is scheduled for completion before the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. If you're visiting Tokyo before the big event, the overcrowding might affect your train travels, especially during the famous cherry blossom season happening at the end of March - early April.

 

3. Tokyo Disneyland will be launching new attractions

 

 Photo by Roméo A. on Unsplash

 

Long queues are a norm at Tokyo Disneyland, but prepare for longer waiting times as the theme park is set to be launching new attractions - just in time to welcome the Tokyo 2020 Olympics  and celebrate the park’s 37th anniversary! 

 

Opening on 15 April 2020, Tokyo Disneyland will be adding a new expansion called New Fantasyland featuring two exciting attractions: 'Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast' and 'Fantasyland Forest Theatre'. Disney park lovers can look forward to the up-and-coming Beauty and the Beast castle - guaranteed to make anyone feel like a Disney princess! 

 

Not a fan of the Disney princess movies? Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland has a new ride that’ll be coming your way! Get ready for 'A Happy Ride with Baymax' that's based on the animated superhero flick - 'Big Hero 6'. 

 

4. Universal Studios Japan will also be opening a new attraction

 

Image by Pharaoh_EZYPT from Pixabay 

 

Video game fans would be thrilled to discover that Universal Studios Japan has new major attractions upon their sleeves too! If you're making a day trip to Osaka, you can definitely look forward to the opening of the world's first Super Nintendo World. 

 

Super Nintendo World will feature various attractions including Super Mario Kart and Yoshi's Adventure rides. Not to mention you’ll be able to relive Mario’s dashing rescues in Peach's Castle and Bowser's Castle towering in the heart of the theme park! The launch dates are yet to be confirmed, but it was announced that they'll launch in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics games. 

 

5. Browse new stores and museums 

Photo by kkasuminew via Instagram

The buzz surrounding the recent opening of Japan's first Nintendo Flagship store in Shibuya is a strong indication for more attractions to visit ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics games. Other strong contenders include the newly-opened Snoopy Museum in Roppongi featuring three floors of Snoopy figurines, short films, comic strips and souvenir workshops.

Another recently opened store - Shibuya’s Pokemon Centre Megastore - also drew plenty of excitement from locals and tourists. Shop for limited edition Pokemon goods such as graffiti Pikachus and Swarovski bedazzled Pikachu keychains - the perfect stop for souvenirs during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics season.

 

6. Rocketing Accommodation Prices

Photo by japantravelcom via Instagram

With an expected 10 million travelers descending on the city of Tokyo for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finding a place to stay is going to be a challenge. In fact, it is estimated there is going to be a shortfall of 14,000 rooms for every day of the Olympics in Tokyo according to Mizuho Research Institute. You can expect to pay up to quadruple the average rate in hotels if you can even find an available room that hasn’t already been blocked out for Olympic personnel.

 

Based on our Mayflower Hotel Booking platform, you can find the cheapest room rates in January and July 2020. In January, booking a hostel is still relatively affordable starting from RM40 per night, and a standard room in a three-star hotel will only set you back at RM150 - RM250 per night.

 

The room rates will increase slightly in July. A night's stay in a hostel ranges from RM50 - RM200 whereas a 3-star hotel will cost you anywhere from RM150 - RM600 per night. At the time of writing, there are still plenty of available rooms in Tokyo. Remember to book your accommodations early!

 

Disclaimer: Rates shown are based on a search for a single capsule in a hostel or double-room in a 3-star hotel for a one week stay in January and July 2020. Please note that rates may be subject to fluctuations and availability depending on seasonal and holiday periods. 

 

Whether you're braving the crowd before the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics or waiting patiently for a better time to go, the choice is up to you! Start planning your trip to Tokyo with Mayflower Holidays! Register as a Mayflower member for the best travel deals and steals. Book your flight, hotel and tour packages on Mayflower.com.my now. AND don’t forget to follow our Mayflower Facebook Page for more!