Are you planning to go to the Tokyo Olympics with Kids? The Summer Olympics 2020 will be held in Tokyo from July 24 – August 9, 2020 and the Paralympics are from August 25 -September 6, 2020. Over 10 million people are expected to travel to the Olympics this year, so expect crowds and heat.
The 2020 Olympic Games has 339 Olympic events, competing across 33 sports. There are also five new sports this year: baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, climbing, and surfing, and 15 new events in existing sports (for example 3-on-3 basketball and freestyle BMX). Here are out top 10 tips on going to the Tokyo Olympics with Kids.
Checkout our other popular fun list for planning what to do with the kids in Tokyo.
100+ Top Tokyo Attractions With Kids
What To Do Early In The Morning In Tokyo
What To Do With Kids Late At Night In Tokyo
Going to the Tokyo Olympics with Kids? Here are some tips!
Tips for Taking Kids to the Tokyo Olympics
1. Where should we stay? Accommodations are hard to get, and prices are high. First, figure out your event locations and then the accommodations. Sometimes staying in Chiba or nearer to Yokohama is better than downtown Tokyo due to cost and availability, and transport time. We have tickets to basketball which is taking place in Saitama, so if I were visiting from out of town, I would stay in northern Tokyo near Ikebukuro or more north. Traveling with kids, I always recommend Airbnb for kitchens and laundry. Also, don’t forget to look at Toei bus roots. Most people think only about getting to venues with trains and subways, but there is excellent local bus service in Tokyo.
2. What is the weather going to be like? – It is going to be HOT, HUMID, and CROWDED. Many visit folks this summer are from hot locals, but until you experience the heat and humid of Tokyo in August, you cant understand. You will walk out of your apartment/hotel and be soaked in sweat in mins. So bring very light clothing, but also light layers. Department stores and other facilities will be blasting air conditioners, so you need to be able to cover-up. Also, the sun is brutal, so make sure you have sun protection, hats, and sunglasses. If your child seems to find mosquitoes where ever they go, I recommend you bring some mosquito repellent or buying some once you arrive.
3. Where are the Olympic Venues? – There are 42 Olympic venues, so once you have severed tickets, plan out your itinerary considering transport time from your lodging to the venue. You can see a map of venues and events below. The majority of the venues are in Tokyo, but some are in surrounding prefectures. The marathon has been moved to Sapporo in Hokkaido ( the northernmost prefecture) due to the heat. See the venue and sport list below. You might also want to spec out the area around the venue to visit a park or cafe before or after. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan!
4. So many people! What happens if I lose my kids? As a mom of three crazy boys, I have had one run off while shopping in Tokyo. The great thing about Tokyo is that it is one of the safest places in the world. The biggest challenge can be the language barrier. To prepare for the worst, I would recommend you writing on your child’s arm (if under eight or so) in marker their name (your name) and your contact email or phone number. There will be many volunteers at each event that your child will be returned quickly to you! If you lose your wallet or bag, you can learn how to get back with this information.
5. The Parks and most Venues will be noisy, so if you have sound-sensitive children or babies, we recommend you bring ear canceling headphones or earplugs. Note; if you have noisy kids or a baby, I would not attend the diving or other “very quite sports.” You don’t want your child breaking the silence.
6. There will be long waiting times – Although the Japanese are known for efficiency, there inevitably will be some long lines with security. Make sure you have some items prepare to keep kids happy – reading materials, pens, paper etc.
7. Prepare food and drink – The venues may not allow you to bring in food and drink, but I have found if your child has a small backpack with their drink and food, they are usually allowed. We always say the kids have dietary restrictions. It does not seem to work well with adults carrying their food. Also, bring a reusable beverage container to refill at the water foundations at the venue. You will need to stay hydrated.
8. Plan to get to the event location about 1-2 hours before. All stadiums allow you to enter 3 hours before, but that would be a long wait inside. Enjoy all fans singing, costumes and fun outside the stadium before you rush in.
9. What are the major train stations and lines within walking distance to the New Olympic Stadium? You can walk from any other these stations (5-10 mins) on some big subway lines. Look for lodging anywhere on these lines. Also, consider bus routes – of which there are two many to note (check maps).
- JR Sobu Line “Shinanomachi Station” or “Sendagaya Station”
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or Toei Oedo Line “Aoyoma-itchome Station”
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line “Kitasando Station”
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Gaienmae Station”
- Toei Oedo Line “Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station”
Important Dates for the 2020 Olympic Games – July 24 to August 9, 2020
July 22: Softball and Soccer Matches Begin
July 24: Opening Ceremony
July 25: Official start of the Olympic Games
July 31 – August 9: Athletic competition finals
August 9: Closing Ceremony
August 25 – September 6: Paralympic Games
*** Tokyo Olympics with Kids ***
2020 Olympic Venues – The Olympic venues are laid out in two main zones set up in the Tokyo area. The two zones (Heritage Zone and Tokyo Bay Zone) intersect creating a infinity symbol.
Inside the Heritage Zoneis the original ‘64 Olympic, the new Olympic National Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held and some soccer matches and all track & field events. There are also six there venues in the heritage zone (see the list below). The stadium with within walking distance from six stations on six train lines. See above #10.
| Venue Name | Address & google map link | Olympic Sports | Paralympic Sports | |
| 1 | Olympic Stadium | 10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Opening and Closing Ceremonies Athletics Football |
Opening and Closing Ceremonies Athletics Football |
| 2 | Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium | 1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Table Tennis | Table Tennis |
| 3 | Yoyogi National Stadium | 2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Handball Badminton | Wheelchair Rugby |
| 4 | Nippon Budokan | 2-3 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Judo Karate |
Judo |
| 5 | Tokyo International Forum | 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Weightlifting Powerlifting | NA |
| 6 | Kokugikan Arena | 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Boxing | NA |
| 7 | Equestrian Park | 2-1-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Equestrian (Dressage, Eventing, Jumping) | Equestrian |
| 8 | Musashino Forest Sport Plaza | 290-11 Nishimachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo (google map) | Badminton Modern Pentathlon (Fencing) |
Wheelchair Basketball |
| 9 | Tokyo Stadium | 376-3 Nishimachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo (google map) | Football Rugby, Modern Pentathlon (Swimming, Fencing, Riding, Laser-Run) |
NA |
| 10 | Musashinonomori Park | 3 Asahicho，Fuchu-shi, Tokyo (google map) | Cycling (Road(Road Race: Start)) | NA |
| 11 | Ariake Arena | 1-11 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Volleyball (Volleyball) | Wheelchair Basketball |
| 12 | Ariake Gymnastics Centre | 1-10-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Gymnastics | Boccia |
| 13 | Ariake Urban Sports Park | 1-7 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Cycling (BMX Freestyle, BMX Racing) Skateboarding |
NA |
| 14 | Ariake Tennis Park | 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Tennis | Wheelchair Tennis |
| 15 | Odaiba Marine Park | 1-Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Aquatics (Marathon Swimming) Triathlon |
Triathlon |
| 16 | Shiokaze Park | 1, Higashiyashio, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (google map | Volleyball (Beach Volleyball) | Volleyball (Beach Volleyball) |
| 17 | Aomi Urban Sports Park | 1- 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Basketball (3×3 Basketball) Sport Climbing |
Football 5-a-side |
| 18 | Oi Hockey Stadium | 4-1-19 Yashio, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Hockey | NA |
| 19 | Sea Forest Cross-Country Course & Waterway | 3 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Equestrian (Eventing, (Cross Country)) Canoe (Sprint) Rowing |
Canoe (Sprint) Rowing |
| 20 | Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre | A6-1-1 Rinkaicho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Canoe (Slalom) | NA |
| 21 | Yumenoshima Park Archery Field | 2-1-4, 2 Yumenoshima, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Archery | Archery |
| 22 | Tokyo Aquatics Centre | 2-2-1Tatsumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Aquatics (Swimming, Diving, Artistic Swimming) | Aquatic Swimming |
| 23 | Tatsumi Water Polo Centre | 2-8-10 Tatsumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Aquatics (Water Polo) | NA |
| 24 | Sapporo Odori Park Odorinishi | 4 , Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (google map) | Athletics (Marathon/Race Walk) | NA |
| 25 | Makuhari Messe Hall A & B | 2-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba (google map) | Taekwondo Wrestling Fencing |
Taekwondo Wheelchair Fencing Goalball Sitting Volleyball |
| 26 | Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach | 6961-1 Torami, Ichinomiya-machi, Chosei-gun, Chiba (google map) | Surfing | NA |
| 27 | Saitama Super Arena | 8, Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama (google map) | Basketball (Basketball) | NA |
| 28 | Asaka Shooting Range | 9-4 Oizumigakuencho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo (google map) | Shooting | NA |
| 29 | Kasumigaseki Country Club | 3398 Kasahata, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama (google map) | Golf | NA |
| 30 | Enoshima Yacht Harbour | 1-12-2 Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa (google map) | Sailing | NA |
| 31 | Izu Velodrome & MTB Course | 1826 Ono, Izu-shi, Shizuoka (google map) | Cycling (Track) Cycling (Mountain Bike) | Cycling (Track) |
| 32 | Fuji International Speedway | 694 Nakahinata Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka (google map) | Cycling (Road (Road Race: Finish, Individual Time Trial)) | Cycling (Road Start & Finish) |
| 33 | Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium | 1 Kamikotoba, Sabara, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima (google map) | Baseball/Softball | NA |
| 34 | Yokohama Baseball Stadium | Yokohamakoen, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (google map) | Baseball/Softball | NA |
| 35 | Sapporo Dome | 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (google map) | Football | NA |
| 36 | Miyagi Stadium | 40-1 Date, Sugaya, Rifu-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi (google map) | Football | NA |
| 37 | Ibaraki Kashima Stadium | 26-2 Ushiroyama, Jinkoji, Kashima-shi, Ibaraki (google map) | Football | NA |
| 38 | Saitama Stadium | 2-1 Misono, Midori-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama (google map) | Football | NA |
| 39 | International Stadium Yokohama | 3300 Kozukuecho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (google map) | Football | NA |
| 40 | Olympic Village | 4-5 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (google map) | ||
| 41 | International Media and Broadcast Center | 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map) |
Going to the Tokyo Olympics with Kids? Here are some tips!
Did you enjoy this article? If yes, please sign-up for the Best Living Japan newsletter so you don’t miss any great info. It is easy to sign-up just click here, and enter your email.
