At present, both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Olympics organizers say the Tokyo Olympics WILL be held from July 23 to August 8 of this year. Japanese officials recently announced that foreign spectators will NOT be allowed at the games. All details below.
The Tokyo skyline and a view of the Olympic Stadium Ned Snowman / Shutterstock.com
For all details on Covid-19 and Japan entry restrictions, visit our Can I Travel to Japan page on our sister site, InsideKyoto.com
Tokyo Olympics Situation Summary
Last update: March 22, 2021 (this page is updated every Monday)
- At present, both the IOC and the Japanese government say the Tokyo Olympics will be held this summer.
- On March 20, Japanese Olympic officials, with backing of the IOC, announced that foreign visitors will not be allowed at the Tokyo Olympics.
- The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 23. Some events are scheduled to start on July 21.
- The closing ceremony is scheduled for August 8.
- We will update this page if there are further major announcements that change the situation for foreign visitors who want to attend the Tokyo Olympics.
Tokyo Olympics Overview
The Tokyo Summer Olympics were originally scheduled for the summer of 2020 but were rescheduled to the summer of 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The games are still officially called Tokyo 2020.
Surging cases in the winter and new variants put the Games in peril, but vaccine progress and declining case numbers make the games look very possible again. Both the IOC and the Tokyo Olympics organizers have said they intend to go forward with the games.
On March 20, Tokyo Olympics officials, with the backing of the IOC, announced that foreign visitors will not be allowed at the games. There is a chance that some foreigners affiliated with corporate sponsors of the games will be admitted, but nothing is certain yet.
We are monitoring all news and listening for leaks and will publish information here on a weekly basis.
Tokyo Olympics Schedule
The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 23. A few events like baseball and football will start on July 21. The closing ceremony is scheduled for August 8. Check the official Tokyo 2020 schedule for full event schedules.
How To Buy Tokyo Olympic Tickets
The Tokyo Olympic organizers have said that they will honor tickets for the original games at the rescheduled games this summer. Obviously, this is only relevant to residents of Japan, since foreign visitors will not be able to attend. For more details, and information on how to purchase tickets for this summer’s games or how to get refunds, visit the official Tokyo 2020 ticket page.
Passports and visas
Japanese Government Visa and Travel Restriction Pages
Details on current Japan visa and travel restrictions can be found on the three Japanese government sites below (the first is the most user-friendly).
- JNTO Coronavirus and Travel Page
- Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa and Travel Restriction Page
- MOFA Phased Business Travel Reopening Page
Latest Tokyo Olympic News
- Japan Times: It’s Official - No Foreign Visitors Can Attend Tokyo Olympics
- Japan Times: IOC Says Games Will Be Held This Summer in Tokyo
- Japan Times: Latest Tokyo Olympics News Roundup
- Japan Times: Olympic Playbook Released
More Useful Information
- Best places to stay for the Tokyo Olympics
- How to buy tickets for the Tokyo Olympics
- Venues for the Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help