When traveling for a big world event like the World Cup or the Olympics there are things you have to prepare for well ahead of time! The 2020 summer Olympics in Japan is no different.
First things first, if you have tickets for an event already, BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS!!! I cannot stress this enough. I secured accommodations months ago to be able to find an affordable place in a good location. As you can imagine everyone has spiked their prices way up due to this popular event. Places that would normally go for maybe a couple of hundred dollars (USD) a night were going for 10k plus for a week in the busy city of Tokyo! I'm not kidding.
I booked a hostel with free cancelation up until the day before we arrive, preparing for any unforeseen circumstances (Lord knows those happen), thinking it would be a private room for our group but it was mislabeled, so I had to find another one. As always I used booking.com 😊 (this is an affiliate link, we have to keep our site going somehow at no extra cost to you 🤷🏻♀️, regardless, I love them). I don't have anything against staying with other people in a hostel and would do it if had to, but life is so much easier when you don't have to put all your stuff away every time you take it out. We like to be considerate 😉.
I was going to look into an Airbnb but I read that in Japan they have to have proper licensing to host visitors and if they don't have it it is possible you show up to no accommodations if your host is caught breaking the strict rules. I didn't want to take the chance at such a busy time.
Above is a video of a normal summer in a subway station in Japan. Can you imagine such a busy city hosting an extra million people in its already crowded city? Before going to Japan anytime, look into the JR Pass (not an affiliate link) they offer foreigners. Look into getting one well before your departure date because once you leave home you can no longer receive a pass. It must be ordered and delivered to foreigners that live outside of the Japan. Locals cannot use the JR Pass. There are a lot of benefits to getting one, it makes traveling on the train system cheap and easy, and makes transportation very convenient. You MUST carry your passport with the pass at all times to use it as well. This is how they make sure the people using them are not from Japan. I kept mine in a clear ziplock bag to keep it safe from water damage and the bag is clear so I could leave it in the bag when going through subway stations. You will have to take it in and out of your bag a lot so make sure its well protected.
Obviously, if you find good deal on a flight book that as soon as you come across one, but make sure you secure your event tickets and accommodations first. UPDATE* Make sure to buy insurance for your trip, flights and all, with this Coronavirus going around. It is always a good idea, but honestly I don't buy it as much as I should. I did happen to book it on this one though, even before the Coronavirus. I do not want to lose out on all the money put out for this adventure so far.
Obviously you will want to explore the country while you are there as you should, Japan is one of my favorite countries and for good reason. There is so much to see and do in such a friendly, fun, cute, slightly off beat, culture. Some of my fondest memories are from Japan from all the countries I have been too. After all this is where Travelista Life was born!
Research things you want to do and prioritize. I highly recommend looking to making reservations for the highly sought after places or check distances of where your high priority spots are located. Don't assume they will be easy to get to and make sure they will fit your itinerary. I don't want you to not be able to make the best of your time in Japan.
As always be aware, be smart, and be safe. There are always risks anywhere, even when you aren't traveling, but being a tourist makes you a different kind of target, and nowadays, where there are lots of people there are higher risks for people trying to harm others and prove a point. Sad to say, but realistic. Don't be dumb and be observant, it could stop a threat. Sorry for the PSA but it is something I take into consideration at events where high volumes are expected. Rather to be safe than sorry.
More Japan tips and stories to come but I hope that helps you get the ball rolling on your plans for the 2020 Olympics! Maybe we will see you there! Happy planning!
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