Many people are planning to travel to Tokyo for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games (July 24 – August 9, 2019).
But while Tokyo is safe and it’s going to be quite lively, there are a few things that you will need to know.
- JULY & AUGUST IS HOT & HUMID IN TOKYO
In 2019, Japan reached the high eighties and mid-nineties (fahrenheit) and averaged about 34-35 degrees (celcius). In 2018, north east Tokyo reached 41 degree celcius (105 degree fahrenheit) + humidity.
On July 30th, 11 people died and 5,664 people were taken to the hospital with heat exhaustion symptoms. By the next week, August 9th, 57 people across Japan died and 18,347 people were taken to the hospital.
While some may want to party and drink alcohol and have fun, it is important that you drink as much water as possible. Use parasols or wear hats when going outdoors, purchase UV sunblock.
Tokyo knows how bad things can get and for anticipation of the Olympics, they will be doing a flag-off time for marathon races (as well as setting the time to start the marathon at 6 a.m.), installing coating on the streets to reduce surface temperatures by 8 degrees celcius and installing mist sprayers at event venues. Also, making sure security checkpoints and rest areas have shaded areas.
In the past, locations with hot weather such as the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games (which was held in October) and the Mexico 1967 Olympics were held later to avoid the summer heat but unfortunately due to international broadcasting and sports schedules, holding the Olympic games at a later date is impossible.
Travel agents are trying to tell all their customers planning to go to Tokyo for the Olympics to take precautions, to not stay outdoors that long, visit retail outlets that have air conditioning. Also, to drink a lot of water, avoid getting too hot and tired.
B. T-Shirts & SHORTS – Still wear good shoes/breathable socks
In many countries, many people wear t-shirts and shorts. In Japan, unfortunately with strict dresscodes for work, many still have to wear suits and ties. But for those coming from another country, there is no shame in wearing shorts or t-shirts. Because of the amount of walking, you will still want to bring along your most comfortable walking/running shoes and breathable socks. Leave the slippers at home!
Please read the following travel guide:
The One about Having Very Good Socks and Shoes and Preparing for Stairs in Tokyo
C. Sunscreen (purchase SPF 50+)
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your sunblock from another country to Japan, but you can purchase them easily at a convenience store like 7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, etc.
Just know that sunblock is around Y1060 (about $10 US) in Japan. Recommendations are Skin Aqua (inexpensive and does the job), Nivea Sun, Biore UV (which is a bit pricey)
D. AVOID RIDING TRAINS DURING PEAK TIMES
While there are peak times to avoid riding on the train, unfortunately with the huge number of people visiting Tokyo for the Olympics, it’s going to be packed. It’s going to be hard to avoid.
But just know that between 7:30 – 9:00 a.m., the trains are going to be busy and it will also be packed at nights. Fortunately, Japan is going to allow the trains to run late, so there will be no mad rush to take the train around 10:30 p.m.- midnight.
But because you may be packed like sardines inside the train and because you will more likely be in a sweaty mess at times, please be mindful of body odor.
Please read my travel guide about riding the trains/subways in Tokyo! And also:
The One about Avoiding the Crowded Trains in Metropolitan areas of Japan
E. GET AN IC CARD (SUICA) WHEN YOU ARRIVE TO JAPAN
It’s quite frustrating for one to purchase train tickets each time they want to go from destination to destination. Do yourself a favor and save yourself time and avoid the frustration to purchase a SUICA or PASMO IC Card (Please click here to read my travel guide on how to get an IC Card). I recommend the SUICA Card! Especially now that JR East is offering points for those who use the train often (and can you use the points to make purchases at JR Stations.
And YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE A JR PASS as that is for traveling very long distances via shinkansen. If you are staying or visiting areas in Tokyo or near Tokyo, your IC Card is enough.
F. MORE TRAVEL GUIDES I RECOMMEND READING BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO JAPAN
I highly recommend my other travel guides before going to Japan:
The One about the Importance of Having WiFi, GPS and Google Maps for Traveling Overseas
The One about Contacting Your Medical Provider Before Traveling Overseas
The One about 10 Travel Essentials (Must Bring Extra Items) for International Travel
The One about the Top 10 Things One Should Do Weeks Before Traveling Overseas
The One about Having a Travel Luggage Scale
The One about Cold Medicine for Children
The One about Medicine and Drug Stores in Japan
