Travel to 2020 Tokyo Olympics

[Dust For Eyes]

As a sort of non Olympics observation, when it was on in SYD I seem to remember some back haul seats at good prices, so maybe getting out of Tokyo could throw up some creative oppos for attendees / and non attendees.

I was working at QF at the time and recall being somewhat underwhelm by demand at the time. Another reason for good prices popping up.

 

[Dust For Eyes]

What’s the weather expected to be like at the time of the Olympics? Isn’t it on during the peak of summer? I’d be going for tickets to events that have air conditioned venues.

 

[Quickstatus]

I wouldn’t go

 

[DaveinCanberra]

Weather should be hot and humid - awful. I wonder why the IOC picked that time of year.

 

[Katie]

Weather should be hot and humid - awful. I wonder why the IOC picked that time of year.

Agreed. I was in Tokyo in early August a couple of years ago. Surprisingly humid and hot - and I'm from Brisbane, so humid and hot are not strangers for me! Easily mid-30s with high humidity.

Cool clothes and plenty of Pocari sweat will be your friends.

 

[Quickstatus]

Weather should be hot and humid - awful. I wonder why the IOC picked that time of year.

Well it is the “Summer” Olympics

It has always been held around late Jul-Aug, except for Sydney when it was Mid Sep to Oct. even Rio was August. Southern Hemisphere summer Olympics were held in Southern Hemisphere winter corresponding to Northern Summer

 

[zenyattamondatta]

The previous Tokyo Olympics were from October, which is a much more sensible time of year.

It’s all about TV and money.

Why the Summer Olympics are held in July, August despite heat

 

[mel-world]

I've worked on 13 Olympics since 1984 so happy to answer any sports related questions. Previous comments about some accommodation and tickets being cheaper closer to the Games are valid but remember that these Olympics will attract Japanese, Chinese and Koreans to Japan as well as the rest of the world so I expect heavy demand for everything.

If you wand to see some new (returning) Olympic sports look out for Baseball/Softball, 3x3 Basketball, Sports Climbing, Karate, Skateboarding and Surfing. I can see some Aussie medals there.

You do need a lot of energy and patience to attend any Olympics (or lots on money) but I think the Japanese will be better than some other countries and are very well organised already from what I hear.

And to add to the last comment; the Olympics must finish before the NFL season starts in the States - yep - TV does influence the scheduling.

 

[Oliver Brown]

The way the Aussie dollar is going it might be worth loading some Yen onto your Qantascash card sooner than later.

 

[Quickstatus]

The way the Aussie dollar is going it might be worth loading some Yen onto your Qantascash card sooner than later.

Too far ahead to really know

 

[exceladdict]

The way the Aussie dollar is going it might be worth loading some Yen onto your Qantascash card sooner than later.

Too far ahead to really know

While I broadly agree about the direction of the AUD, I'd be unsure whether the % cost associated with a prepaid card would be bigger than the drop in currency.

I had heard that Japan does generally use cash more than others so acquiring physical yen might be a better idea if it can be found without a nightmare commission.

Keen for feedback on how successful I'd be with my normal combo of a fee free MasterCard plus a debit Visa card for ATM withdrawals in Japan for most uses.

 

[Quickstatus]

Tokyo merchants mostly accept CC. But as usual there might be some smaller merchants who wont

 

[Himeno]

Tokyo merchants mostly accept CC. But as usual there might be some smaller merchants who wont

Only the larger brand stores are likely to take cards (or smaller stores owned by one of those larger companies). Some smaller shops are starting to pick up services such as Square or PayPal Here. Lots of restaurants won't take cards.
Stores that take cards will generally have a sign posted near the check out saying they do (look for credit card logo signage).

 

[Katie]

Some ATMs won't take non-local cards. General consensus is that 7-Eleven ATMs will take non-local cards.

 

[Quickstatus]

English menu restaurants seem to take cards

 

[dajop]

Well it is the “Summer” Olympics

It has always been held around late Jul-Aug, except for Sydney when it was Mid Sep to Oct. even Rio was August. Southern Hemisphere summer Olympics were held in Southern Hemisphere winter corresponding to Northern Summer

One other exception, Melbourne 1956. 22 Nov - 8 Dec. Wouldn't happen again.

 

[Himeno]

Some ATMs won't take non-local cards. General consensus is that 7-Eleven ATMs will take non-local cards.

Most ATMs at the major international airports, regardless of bank, will take international cards.
Outside of airports, 90% of the ATMs that will take non JP issued cards are 7&i (7-11) and JPBank (Post Office) branding ATMs. You can find these ATMs outside 7-11 stores and post offices.
Newer model ATMs at some Lawson stores will take international cards. May be hard to find a store that has a newer ATM.
Many Family Mart stores have 7&i ATMs.

These ATMs will offer multiples of 1000JPY (up to 10,000) or multiples of 10,000JPY.


My normal plan for Japan trips is to exchange cash on hand to JPY on arrival, get extra cash at an ATM.
Use card where card is available. Keep cash on hand otherwise. Also have a useful amount loaded on an IC card for transport, etc.

 

[mrsterryn]

We were there last year and of July beginning of August. Family trip with adult son and his wife
Even my daughter in law who loves heat and suchlike said Tokyo was too hot and humid then
Definitely wouldn't be visiting at that time again

 

[Quickstatus]

My normal plan for Japan trips is to exchange cash on hand to JPY on arrival, get extra cash at an ATM.
Use card where card is available. Keep cash on hand otherwise. Also have a useful amount loaded on an IC card for transport, etc.

Do the airport arrivals money changers give good rates?

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I assume one shouldn't book airfares and accom until they've successfully received tickets (unless refundable). Also assume once tickets go on sale airfares and accom start restricting if not already. Other than the Sydney Olympics (home city) they seem like a romantic concept without considering the practical execution of such travel at peak pricing/peak crowds/etc.

Since a rather personal insight into the last Winter Olympics, I decided to never again attend/support an Olympics Games

This has me curious