Tokyo 2020 Team GB LIVE Pre-Travel Guide

TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES 

YOUR PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

TEAM GB LIVE - TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES - YOUR PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE 

On 24 July 2020, Tokyo will play host 

to the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, 

officially known as the Games of 

the XXXII Olympiad. Over 16 days, 

individuals and teams from around 

the world will compete in the largest 

sporting event Tokyo has ever seen. 

These Games will mark the return of the Summer Olympic 

Games in Tokyo for the first time since 1964. It will be the 

fourth Olympic Games overall to be held in Japan, also 

following the 1972 Olympic Winter Games in Sapporo and 

the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. Tokyo is the first 

city in Asia to host the Olympic Games twice. 

Contents 

An introduction from Mark England 

TOKYO 2020 INFORMATION 

Daily Competition Schedule 

Heritage Zone & Tokyo Bay Zone 

Venues 

USEFUL INFORMATION 

Know Before You Go 

Before You Travel 

Flights 

Baggage Allowances 

Japan 

Japanese Laws 

On The Move 

Weather 

Eating In Japan 

Public Holidays 

Tokyo 

Osaka 

4 

5 - 6 

7 - 8 

9 - 10 

11 - 12 

13 - 14 

15 - 16 

17 - 18 

19 - 20 

21 - 22 

23 - 24 

25 

26 

27 - 28 

29 - 30 

31 - 32 

1

2 

YOUR 

TRAVEL 

GUIDE


3

Welcome 

This marks the first step of an exciting 

journey towards the Tokyo 2020 

Olympic Games. 

Since Atlanta 1996, Team GB has been on an upward trajectory of 

success which culminated in becoming the first nation to ever surpass 

its medal tally straight after hosting the Games. The 65 medals won 

at the incredible London 2012 was beaten last time out with 67 at Rio 

2016, our best ever performance on foreign soil. 

I am proud and privileged to have been made Chef de Mission for a 

second successive Games and excited to lead a team of dedicated 

and talented athletes as they embark upon their sporting pinnacle. 

Olympic sport in this country has shown time and again that it unifies 

the nation, harnessing the success and unique stories of the athletes 

to inspire and bring an unparalleled sense of pride and belief. 

Team GB Live promises to take you closer than ever before – through 

tailored supporter packages, dedicated travel advice, official tickets 

to the best events and all the culture and history that Japan has to 

offer and this guide begins your journey towards Tokyo with some 

fantastic information and much more. 

I hope you enjoy this brochure, thank you for your support and I look 

forward to going on this journey together. 

Best wishes, 

Mark England 

Chef de Mission, Tokyo 2020 

4

Tokyo 2020 Information 

Daily Competition Schedule 

Wednesday 22 July - Sunday 09 August 2020 

Sport Discipline Venue 22 23 

Opening and Closing 

Ceremonies 

Aquatics 

Archery 

Athletics 

Badminton 

Baseball/ Softball 

Basketball 

Boxing 

Canoe 

Cycling 

Equestrian 

Fencing 

Football 

Golf 

Gymnastics 

Handball 

Hockey 

Judo 

Swimming 

Diving 

Artistic Swimming 

Water Polo 

Marathon Swimming 

Track & Field 

Marathon 

Race Walk 

Olympic Stadium 

Tokyo Aquatics Centre 

Tatsumi Water Polo Centre 

Odaiba Marine Park 

Yumenoshima Park Archery Field 

Olympic Stadium 

Sapporo Odori Park 

Musashino Forest Sport Plaza 

Wed 

Baseball 

Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium/Yokohama 

Softball 

Baseball Stadium 

O O 

3x3 Basketball 

Basketball 

Slalom 

Sprint 

BMX Freestyle 

BMX Racing 

Mountain Biking 

Road 

Track 

Dressage 

Eventing 

Jumping 

Artistic 

Rhythmic 

Trampoline 

Aomi Urban Sports Park 

Saitama Super Arena 

Kokugikan Arena 

Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre 

Sea Forest Waterway 

Ariake Urban Sports Park 

Izu MTB Course 

Fuji International Speedway 

Izu Velodrome 

Equestrian Park / Sea Forest Cross-Country Course 

Makuhari Messe Hall B 

Olympic Stadium / Tokyo Stadium / Sapporo Dome / 

Miyagi Stadium / Ibaraki Kashima Stadium / Saitama 

Stadium / International Stadium Yokohama 

Kasumigaseki Country Club 

Ariake Gymnastics Centre 

Yoyogi National Stadium 

Oi Hockey Stadium 

Nippon Budokan 

Karate Kata, Kumite Nippon Budokan 

Modern Pentathlon 

Rowing 

Rugby 

Sailing 

Shooting 

Skateboarding 

Rifle & Pistol 

Shotgun 

Park 

Street 

Musashino Forest Sport Plaza / Tokyo Stadium 

Sea Forest Waterway 

Tokyo Stadium 

Enoshima Yacht Harbour 

Asaka Shooting Range 

Ariake Urban Sports Park 

O 

Thu 

O 

Sport Climbing 

Surfing* 

Table Tennis 

Taekwondo 

Tennis 

Triathlon 

Volleyball 

Weightlifting 

Beach Volleyball 

Volleyball 

Aomi Urban Sports Park 

Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach 

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium 

Makuhari Messe Hall A 

Ariake Tennis Park 

Odaiba Marine Park 

Shiokaze Park 

Ariake Arena 

Tokyo International Forum 

5 

Wrestling 

Makuhari Messe Hall A 

*Olympic Surfing Festival (name tbc) will be held from 26 July to 2 August. Starting from 26 July, the sche

July 

August 

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 

O 

O 

O A A A A A A A A 

A A A A O O A O A O A O A 

O O A O A 

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O A A 

A A 

O A A A O O O A A 

A A A A A A A A A 

A A 

A A 

O O O O O O A A A A 

O O O O O O O O O A 

O O O A 

O O O O A 

O O O O O O O O O O O O O A A 

O O O O O O O O O A A A A A A 

O A A O A A 

O A O A O A 

O A 

O A 

A A 

A A A 

A A A A A A A 

O O A A 

O O O A 

O A O A 

A A A A A A A A A 

Key: Session(s) scheduled - O // Session(s) and medal(s) scheduled - A 

O O O O O O O O A A A 

O O O A O O O A 

O O A A A A A A A 

O A A 

A A 


O O O O O O O O O O O O A A 

A A A A A A A A 

A A A 

O A A 

O O O O A A A A 

O O A O O A 

O O O O O O A A A A A 

A A A O A A O A 

O A O A A 

A A 

A A 

O O A A 

O O O A O O O O 

O O A O O A A O O O O A A 

A A A A 

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A A A 

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A A A A A A A A A A 

O A A A A A A 

dule will depend on the wave conditions. 

Disclaimer: Correct at time of publication (Jan 2020). Subject to change. 

6



Heritage Zone 

& Tokyo Bay Zone 

The venue plan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games consists predominantly of two thematic 

and operational zones: the “Heritage Zone” which houses several iconic venues used 

at the Tokyo 1964 Games and further sustains the enduring legacy of Tokyo 1964; and 

the “Tokyo Bay Zone” which serves as a model for innovative urban development and 

symbolises the exciting future of the city. These two zones expand across the city to form 

an ‘infinity’ symbol with the Olympic Village positioned at the point where the two zones 

intersect – at the physical and spiritual heart of the Games. The ‘infinity’ symbol embodies 

the boundless passion, commitment and inspiration of the world’s elite athletes, the limitless 

potential of future generations, and the lasting legacy that will be passed on to the people 

of Tokyo, Japan and the world. 

7

8

29 

25 

FOOTBALL, BASEBALL & 

SOFTBALL 

38 

31 

39 

36 

30 

41 

40 

9 1 

42 37 

8 

10 

9 

7 

3 

2 

1 

4 

5 

6 

23 

OLYMPIC 

VILLAGE 

11 

22 

24 

13 12 14 

15 

19 20 

16 

18 

17 

21 

Tokyo International 

Airport 

35 

33 

34 

32 

9


Venues 

No. Venue Name Sport/discipline No. Venue Name Sport/discipline 

Narita International 

Airport 

26 27 

1 Olympic Stadium Opening & Closing 

Ceremonies 

Athletics 

Football 

2 Tokyo Metropolitan 

Gymnasium 

3 Yoyogi National 

Stadium 

4 Nippon Budokan Judo 

Karate 

5 Tokyo International 

Forum 

22 Yumenoshima Park 

Archery Field 

Table Tennis 23 Tokyo Aquatics 

Centre 

Handball 24 Tatsumi Water Polo 

Centre 

25 Sapporo Odori 

Park 

Weightlifting 26 Makuhari Messe 

Hall A 

6 Kokugikan Arena Boxing 27 Makuhari Messe 

Hall B 

7 Equestrian Park Equestrian 

(Dressage, 

Eventing, Jumping) 

8 Musashino Forest 

Sport Plaza 

Badminton 


(Fencing) 

9 Tokyo Stadium Football 

Rugby 


(Swimming, 

Fencing, Riding, 

Laser-Run) 

10 Musashinonomori 

Park 

Cycling (Road 

Race: Start) 

28 Tsurigasaki Surfing 

Beach 

29 Saitama Super 

Arena 

30 Asaka Shooting 

Range 

31 Kasumigaseki 

Country Club 

Archery 

Aquatics 

(Swimming, Diving, 

Artistic Swimming) 

Aquatics (Water 

Polo) 

Athletics 

(Marathon/Race 

Walk) 

Taekwondo 

Wrestling 

Fencing 

Surfing 

Basketball 

Shooting 

Golf 

11 Ariake Arena Volleyball 

(Volleyball) 

32 Enoshima Yacht 

Harbour 

Sailing 

VENUES KEY 

TOKYO BAY 

ZONE 

HERITAGE 

ZONE 

OTHER 

VENUES 

12 Ariake Gymnastics 

Centre 

13 Ariake Urban Sports 

Park 

Gymnastics 33 Izu Velodrome Cycling (Track) 

Cycling (BMX 

Freestyle, 

BMX Racing) 

Skateboarding 

14 Ariake Tennis Park Tennis 35 Fuji International 

Speedway 

15 Odaiba Marine Park Aquatics 

(Marathon 

Swimming) 

Triathlon 

16 Shiokaze Park Volleyball (Beach 

Volleyball) 

34 Izu MTB Course Cycling (Mountain 

Bike) 

36 Fukushima Azuma 


37 Yokohama 


Cycling (Road 

(Road Race: Finish, 

Individual Time 

Trial) 

Baseball/Softball 

Baseball/Softball 

28 

17 Aomi Urban Sports 

Park 

Basketball (3x3 

Basketball) 

Sport Climbing 

38 Sapporo Dome Football 

18 Oi Hockey Stadium Hockey 39 Miyagi Stadium Football 

19 Sea Forest Cross- 

Country Course 

Equestrian 

(Eventing, (Cross 

Country) 

20 Sea Forest Waterway Canoe (Sprint) 

Rowing 

40 Ibaraki Kashima 

Stadium 

Football 

41 Saitama Stadium Football 

21 Kasai Canoe Slalom 

Centre 

10 

Canoe (Slalom) 42 International 

Stadium 

Yokohama 

Football

TEAM GB LIVE - TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES - PRE-TOUR YOUR PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE GUIDE 

Useful Information 

Know Before 

You Go 

Tokyo 2020 will be a great Olympic 

Games and our message to you is 

simple, we’re here to help. Our travel 

and Olympic experts will make it easy 

for you every step of the way. 

EVENT DOCUMENTATION 

Your event documentation and merchandise will be 

dispatched by courier, and we will contact you prior to 

dispatch to advise you of the time frame in which you 

will receive your documents. Please note if you have an 

overseas address, additional courier charges will apply and 

you may incur customs clearance fees. 

MERCHANDISE PACK 

Your merchandise pack will be dispatched prior to the 

departure of your holiday. The pack will contain various 

items of merchandise which we hope you will wear and 

enjoy. 

PASSPORT 

Your passport should be valid for th 

duration of your stay. No additio 

of validity beyond this is required. 

information please visit: 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

It is a condition of booking that you 

must have adequate travel insurance to 

cover your trip. If you have an annual travel 

insurance policy, please ensure it covers 

Japan and is valid for the duration of your 

trip. Please also ensure you have the relevant 

policy documents and emergency numbers 

with you whilst on holiday. 

Please check the Government’s Foreign 

Travel Advice website for the latest 

information in regard to travelling to Japan. 

Advice can change at short notice so 

please continue to check up until you travel. 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan 

411

VISA 

e proposed 

nal period 

For further 

/japan 

British citizens do not require a visa to enter 

Japan. Providing you hold a ‘British Citizen’ or 

‘British National (Overseas)’ passport, you can 

enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days however 

may need to provide evidence of a return or 

onward ticket. For all other nationalities, please 

consult the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for 

further information: 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/ 

entry-requirements 

MEDICATION, VACCINATIONS AND 

RESTRICTIONS 

Several common UK over-the-counter and prescription 

medicines are banned in Japan, specifically medicines 

containing stimulants or codeine. If you require long-term 

prescription medication you may need to provide paperwork, 

such as an import license called a ‘Yakkan Shoumei’, in 

order to bring it into the country. You can only bring pre-filled 

syringes or self-injection kits into Japan with you. 

Japanese customs officers may not be 

sympathetic if you claim ignorance, so check 

with the Japan Embassy or Consulate if you 

are in doubt. A frequently asked questions 

document containing useful information 

regarding restrictions and import licences can 

be found at: 

www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/healthmedical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf 

No vaccinations are required when travelling 

to Japan, however it is recommended to visit 

your GP or Practice Nurse 6-8 weeks before 

you travel, who will assess your health and may 

recommend vaccines if necessary. 

The following medicinal items are restricted 

when entering Japan: 

• More than one month's supply of 

medicines that are toxicants, dangerous 

or prescription drugs 

• More than two months' supply of 

medicines that are non-prescription drugs 

or quasi-drugs 

• More than 24 units (normal size) of similar 

cosmetic products 

12

TEAM GB LIVE - TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES - YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE 


Before You Travel 

MY TOKYO 2020 JAPAN CHECKLIST! 

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE TRAVELLING 

(NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST): 

Passport – check it is valid for the duration of your stay 

Make sure you are covered by appropriate travel insurance and that you 

have declared to your insurer any pre-existing medical conditions of you 

and your immediate family 

Check that you have enough medication for the duration of your holiday 

and sunscreen - please check entry restrictions on the Japan customs 

website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements 

Check with your bank and credit card companies on any restrictions or 

additional charges when using your card(s) abroad 

Exchange some money into Japanese Yen, as many shops and restaurants 

outside of major cities do not accept cards and are legally forbidden to 

accept foreign currencies 

Check with your mobile phone provider to find out if you can use your 

phone in Japan and any related costs 

Complete the address cards in your luggage tag 

Check that your baggage weight is in line with the airline allowance as 

additional charges may apply if this is exceeded 

Check security restrictions for carry-on baggage 

All travel documentation (travel itinerary, visas if applicable). 

Also provide your next of kin with a copy of your travel itinerary and 

passport (prior to departure) 

Learn some basic Japanese 

Remember to pack a plug adaptor 

We recommend you take shoes that are easy to remove due to the Japanese 

custom of removing shoes (see section on Japanese Etiquette and Useful Tips) 

13

Learning a few everyday Japanese phrases will make your 

trip even more memorable. See below for a list of basic 

Japanese greetings, phrases to get attention, and simple 

questions. 

ENGLISH 

Good morning 

Good afternoon 

Good evening 

Good night 

Good-bye 

Excuse Me 

I am sorry 

I don’t understand 

Thank You 

Yes 

No 

Where is ___? 

How much is ___? 

JAPANESE 

Ohayo gozaimasu 

Konnichiwa 

Konbanwa 

Oyasumi nasai 

Sayonara 

Sumimasen 

Gomen nasai 

Wakarimasen 

Arigatou 

Hai 

Iie 

Doko desuka 

Ikura desuka 

USEFUL INFORMATION – SESSION TICKETS 

Whilst Team GB LIVE has a confirmed amount of tickets for each event, further information 

regarding location of these tickets is not available at this time. 

Please advise us in writing if you will be using a wheelchair. Wheelchair and companion 

tickets must be requested as soon as possible as availability is limited. Please note these 

tickets include one space for a wheelchair and one temporary chair for the carer in a 

designated area which may be away from our allocated group seating area. 

The ticket distribution method will be confirmed closer to the tournament. 

14



Flights 

15

IMPORTANT 

Please advise us in writing of any medical 

conditions including allergies, disabilities, and if you 

will be travelling with any medical equipment e.g. a CPAP 

machine or needles, a minimum of four weeks before you 

travel. If you are travelling with needles in your hand luggage you 

will need to carry written authorisation paperwork from your doctor 

in case it is required as supporting evidence when you pass through 

security. 

Please note that all medical equipment will also require an import licence 

called a ‘Yakkan Shoumei’, see Medication, vaccinations and restrictions 

section. 

FLIGHT TICKETS 

If you have purchased flights as part of your package with Team GB LIVE, 

you will not be issued any physical flight tickets or a booking reference as 

our allocations are group flights. All you need to do is present your passport 

upon check-in, and boarding cards will then be issued. Please be assured 

you will not need a ticket or booking reference to check in for your flight. 

FLIGHT REQUESTS 

Please note that seats are pre-allocated and online check in is not 

possible due to the seats being managed in a group. 

Seat requests cannot be actioned until the flight has been ticketed, 

approximately six months prior to the flight departure date. Once the 

flight has been ticketed we can investigate the cost and availability of 

any seat requests, however these cannot be guaranteed and we are 

unable to confirm specific seat numbers to clients. 

Please advise us in writing of any special meal requests i.e. 

vegetarian/gluten-free meals. These requests will be submitted 

to the airline and are subject to availability at the discretion 

of the carrier. 

16



Baggage Allowances 

CLASS 

ECONOMY 

PREMIUM ECONOMY 

Check-in Hand Baggage Check-in Hand Bagga 

JAPAN AIRLINES 

2 x 23kg 

1 x piece of carry-on with total 

linear dimensions 55 x 40 x 25cm. 

Plus, one small personal item. 

The total weight of the two bags 

must not exceed 10kg. 

2 x 23kg 

1 x piece of carry-o 

linear dimensions 55 x 

Plus, one small pers 

The total weight of th 

must not exceed 

AIRLINES 

BRITISH AIRWAYS 

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS 

2 x 23kg 

2 x 23kg 

1 x 23 kg cabin bag with 

maximum total linear dimensions 

56 x 45 x 25cm. Plus, a 

personal bag (shopping bag, 

handbag, laptop bag etc.) 

1 x 10 kg cabin bag with total 

linear dimensions (length, width, 

height) of no more 

than 115 cm (45 in.) Plus, a 



2 x 23kg 

2 x 23kg 

1 x 23 kg cabin b 

maximum total linear 

56 x 45 x 25cm. 

personal bag (shop 

handbag, laptop b 

Hand Baggage – 

cabin bag with to 

dimensions (lengt 

height) of no m 

than 115 cm (45 in 

personal bag (shop 

handbag, laptop b 

FINNAIR 

2 x 23kg 

1 x cabin bag with total linear 

dimensions 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 

cm. Plus, a 


handbag, laptop bag etc.) with 

a combined weight of 8kg. 

- - 

17

BUSINESS 

Please Note 

ge Check-in Hand Baggage 

n with total 

40 x 25cm. 

onal item. 

e two bags 

10kg. 

3 x 32kg 

1 x piece of carry-on with total 

linear dimensions 55 x 40 x 25cm. 

Plus, one small personal item. 

The total weight of the two bags 

must not exceed 10kg. 

For more information: www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/baggage/ 

ag with 

dimensions 

Plus, a 

ping bag, 

ag etc.) 

2 x 32kg 

1 x 23 kg cabin bag with 

maximum total linear dimensions 

56 x 45 x 25cm. Plus, a 



For more information: www.britishairways.com/en-gb/ 

information/baggage-essentials 

1 x 10 kg 

tal linear 

h, width, 

ore 

.) Plus, a 

ping bag, 

ag etc.) 

2 x 32kg 

Hand Baggage – 1 x 10 kg 

cabin bag with total linear 

dimensions (length, width, 

height) of no more 

than 115 cm (45 in.) Plus, a 



For more information: www.ana.co.jp/en/gb/ 

international/prepare/baggage/ 

3 x 23kg 

2 x cabin bag with total linear 

dimensions 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 

cm. Plus, 

a personal bag (shopping bag, 

handbag, laptop bag etc.) with 

a combined weight of 10kg. 

For more information: www.finnair.com/th/gb/informationservices/baggage 

CHECK IN 

We recommend that you arrive at the airport 

a maximum of three hours prior to departure. 

Check-in desks usually open two hours prior to 

an international flight. 

MEAL REQUESTS 

Please advise us in writing of any special 

dietary/meal requests i.e. vegetarian/glutenfree 

meals. These requests will be submitted to 

the airline and are subject to availability and at 

the discretion of the carrier. 

18



Japan 

+8 

GMT 

Hrs 

TIME DIFFERENCE 

Japan is currently nine 

However, this will change 

won’t operate daylight sav 

2020 Olympic Games. 

CURRENCY 

The Japanese currency 

technology-driven eco 

cash society and deb 

outside of Japan ar 

Check with your ban 

card can be used t 

to withdraw cash in 

and take sufficient 

funds for the dura 

of your stay. Bills com 

in denomination 

of ¥10,000, ¥5,000, 

¥2,000, and ¥1,000. 

Coins come in 

¥500, ¥100, ¥50, 

¥10, ¥5, and ¥1 

denominations. 

PLUGS AND ADAPTORS 

Japanese electrical plugs have two 

non-polarised pins and operate on 

a 100V supply voltage. 

19

hours ahead of GMT. 

to eight hours as Japan 

ing time during the Tokyo 

is the Yen (¥). Despite their 

nomy, Japan is mainly a 

it and credit cards issued 

e not widely accepted. 

k before travelling if your 

o pay or 

Japan, 

cash 

tion 

e 

s 

MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS 

AND PRE-PAID SIM CARDS 

Only 3G and 4G capable UK handsets will work in 

Japan. GSM-only phones will not work, as there is 

no GSM network. If you plan to make lots of calls or 

use mobile data in Japan, it could be worth buying 

or renting a pre-paid Japanese data SIM card for 

use during your stay. Suppliers can be found on the 

internet. 

Please note, your phone must be unlocked for the 

pre-paid SIM card to work, and it does not enable 

incoming or outgoing phone calls. Calls will instead 

need to be made over the internet, via an app 

such as Skype or WhatsApp. Providing that your 

phone is compatible, purchasing a pre-paid data 

SIM card could save money on expensive data 

roaming costs. Contact your mobile service provider 

before purchasing to check if your phone will be 

compatible. 

20


21


Japanese 

Laws 

CARRYING INFORMATION 

It is a legal requirement to always carry official ID on 

you in Japan. Whilst Japanese locals are issued 

with official residency cards, visitors must carry 

their passport at all times and are legally 

required to produce it upon request if 

asked by a police officer or officials of 

the Justice Ministry (such as immigration 

officials). 

Crime levels are low in Japan, especially pickpocketing, 

however if your passport is lost or 

stolen, you should report this at a police station 

and must get a police report. We suggest that 

you take multiple photocopies of your passport 

with you just in case and store them somewhere 

safe, preferably in a safe at your accommodation. 

DRINKING AND SMOKING 

The legal age for buying and consuming alcohol and 

cigarettes in Japan is 20. Photographic ID may be 

required if you look under 20, and driving licences issued 

outside of Japan are not commonly accepted so we 

advise that you take your passport with you. Smoking is not 

uncommon in public places including bars, restaurants 

and hotels. 

DRIVING 

Driving in Japan is on the left, as in the UK. To 

drive in Japan, you must hold an International 

Driving Permit (IDP), a current UK licence and 

insurance. An IDP is only valid for 12 months, 

however the start date of the permit can be 

delayed for up to three months from when you 

apply. Applications can be made at selected 

UK Post Office branches. Please see the Post 

Office website for more details: 

www.postoffice.co.uk/internationaldriving-permit 

22



On The Move 

Using public transport in a foreign country can be daunting, 

however for foreign visitors in Japan, it has been made as 

easy as possible. Signs are written in both Japanese and 

English, and announcements at transport hubs are also given 

in both languages too. In addition, the next station is often 

displayed on electronic boards in the carriages whilst on the 

train in both languages. 

When using the train, each train line can 

be easily identified on the route map as 

they are all marked in a different colour. To 

help guide you to the relevant departure 

platform at the station, coloured lines 

that correspond with the coloured route 

map lines are often painted on the station 

floor. Simply follow the coloured line that 

corresponds to your route to find the 

correct departure platform. Please also 

note that standing on escalators in Japan 

is on the left. 

SUBWAY AND METRO 

Japan’s subway and metro system 

is known worldwide for its efficiency. 

Allowing rapid movement around inner 

urban areas of the country, most subway 

23 

systems in Japan start at around 0500hrs 

and last trains depart at around midnight. 

As there is no night bus service in Japan, 

you may have to rely on taxis after the last 

trains depart. Services are less frequent on 

weekends and public holidays. 

Some subway lines in Japan have womenonly 

carriages running in the rush hour 

period, normally between 0800-0900hrs. 

Look out for the pink sign on the platform 

and train carriage. Please also be aware 

that during rush hour/busy periods, public 

transport staff known as ‘pushers’ are 

employed to push people into carriages 

to help decongest busy platforms. If you 

are claustrophobic it could be worth 

avoiding public transport during these 

busy periods.

SHINKANSEN 

The Japanese main islands of Honshu, 

Kyushu and Hokkaido are home to the 

famous Shinkansen high speed bullet 

trains. Served by a network of high speed 

train lines, the Shinkansen connects Tokyo 

with the country’s major cities. Running 

at speeds of up to nearly 200mph, 

the Shinkansen is operated by Japan 

Railways and is known for its punctuality 

(the average delay for a scheduled train 

is 36 seconds), comfort (relatively silent 

cars with spacious, always forward-facing 

seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its 

history) and efficiency. 

The Shinkansen trains operate three 

different classes of carriage: Ordinary 

(Economy), Green Class (Business) and 

on a very limited basis, Gran Class (First). 

When the train changes its direction of 

travel, you will see everyone on board 

turning their seats 180 degrees, so you are 

always facing forwards. 

IC CARDS - PASMO AND SUICA 

IC cards are pre-paid smart cards that 

can be used to conveniently pay public 

transport fares and to make payments at 

a rapidly increasing number of vending 

machines, shops and restaurants by 

simply touching the card on a reader 

(similar to an Oyster card used on London 

public transport). The most popular prepaid 

cards in Tokyo are Pasmo and Suica. 

For most purposes, Pasmo and Suica are 

interchangeable. Both cards can be used 

for all trains (not including the Shinkansen 

bullet train), subways and buses in Tokyo. 

They can also be used at many shops, 

especially convenience stores. 

Pasmo cards can be purchased from 

vending machines at subway stations 

in Tokyo, while Suica cards can be 

purchased from vending machines at 

Japan Rail stations in Tokyo. You can also 

buy either card at Narita and Haneda 

airports. 

Pre-loaded Suica cards are provided as 

an inclusion of standard web Team GB 

LIVE Travel packages. 

24



Weather 

SEASONS IN JAPAN 

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games run from 24 July 

to 9 August, during Japan’s summer season. The 

weather tends to be hot and humid and August is 

notorious for being the hottest month in Japan. 

Average daily temperatures vary dependent on 

where you are in the country, however it is typically 

cooler in the north and warmer in the south. The 

table below provides an indication of how the daily 

average temperature can vary across the country*: 

Month 

Average Daily 

High (°C) 

Average Daily 

Low (°C) 

Average 

Monthly 

Rainfall 

(mm) 

July 25-28 22-24 36 

August 28-30 23-26 16.4 

*Statistics have been taken from records of the last three years 

25


Eating in 

Japan 

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DIETS 

It is relatively easy to avoid meat dishes in Japan 

however seafood is very common. Fish stock or 

‘dashi’ is frequently used in soups, salad dressings 

and Ramen broth. It may be easier to explain you 

cannot eat meat and/or fish products rather than 

referring to yourself as a vegetarian/vegan. 

GLUTEN-FREE 

Many restaurants and hotels across Japan are 

unfamiliar with the concept of coeliac disease/ 

gluten-free food. The main problem is soy sauce, 

which contains wheat and is used vastly in both the 

preparation and consumption of a lot of Japanese 

dishes. A small number of restaurants offer tamari, a 

soy sauce that can be produced gluten-free and is 

also suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Check 

with restaurant staff to see if this is available where 

you are and always double check the label. Please 

note that Japanese restaurants are not always open 

to requests to modify their dishes, as such requests 

can be considered rude/insulting to the chef. Do 

not be surprised if a restaurant is therefore unable to 

accommodate your needs. 

26



Public 

Holidays 

Japan will observe 16 public holidays during 2020, three of which 

occur during the Summer Olympic Games. 

National Holiday 

2020 Date 

Marine Day July 23 (Date changed only for 2020) 

Sports Day July 24 (Date changed only for 2020) 

Mountain Day August 10 (Date changed only for 2020) 

KEY EVENTS IN JAPAN DURING 

THE SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES 2020 

HIROSHIMA LANTERN 

CEREMONY 

(HIROSHIMA) 6 AUGUST 

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial 

Ceremony is held each year on August 6th, 

the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, 

at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Some 50,000 local citizens 

and visitors, as well as ambassadors and dignitaries from around 

70 countries, gather here to console the spirits of those killed by 

the atomic bomb and also to pray for lasting world peace. 

Additionally, the “Peace Message Lantern Floating Ceremony” 

is also held on the evening of August 6th. Anyone is welcome to 

write messages of peace on the lanterns, which will be set afloat 

down the Motoyasu River, where they will pass directly in front of 

the Atomic Bomb Dome. 

The experience of watching the warm lights of some 10,000 

lanterns as they float tranquilly down the river in the dark of night, 

each bearing wishes for peace from the gathered attendees, 

has a powerful, almost other-worldly quality. The participants in 

this event include not only Hiroshima locals, but also many visitors 

who come from far and wide. 

27

ITABASHI HANABI (TOKYO) 

1ST AUGUST / 7:00PM TO 8:30PM 

One of Tokyo’s biggest firework events with 

12,000 fireworks launched over the course of 

90 minutes. It also makes the boast of having 

the largest firework and the longest (a “Niagara 

Falls” explosion that stretches 700 meters). 

See the official website (itabashihanabi.jp/ 

paidseat.html) for reserved seating. 

28


Tokyo 

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, 

with nearly 10% of the country’s total 

population residing within the city limits. 

Officially called Tokyo Metropolitan Area, 

the busy capital mixes the ultramodern 

and the traditional by being home to both 

neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples. 

Tokyo hosts an abundance of sightseeing 

delights, from the old downtown area 

where the futuristic Tokyo Skytree coexists 

with an ancient temple, to Shibuya and 

its famous pedestrian scramble crossing, 

along with many more. 

You simply cannot ignore sushi when you 

visit Tokyo. The fish market (Toyosu Market) 

brings tonnes of fresh seafood from other 

parts of Japan and the world. It is the 

biggest fish market in the world! 

There are also approximately 

30 Michelin-starred sushi 

restaurants in Toyko. 

The Samurai Museum is a must-visit 

destination for those interested in old 

Japan and the history of combat and 

conflict that characterized the country 

up through the late 16th century. Not 

only will you be able to see 70 selections 

of samurai armour, you can also wear 

samurai costumes, don a kabuto helmet, 

and witness combat re-enactments by 

skilled actors. Women can also wear 

irouchikake (a special type of kimono, 

usually worn in weddings). 

Tokyo Skyline 

29

MUST DO'S 

• Tokyo Skytree 

• Tokyo Tower 

• Sensō-ji temple 

• Meiji Shrine 

• Samurai Museum 

Tokyo Tourist Information Centre 

Tokyo Tourist Information Centre TMG Building Headquarters, 

〒163-8001, 2-8-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 

Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) Tourist 

Information Centre 

〒100-0005, First Floor, Shin-Tokyo Building, 3-3-1, Marunouchi, 

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 

Odakyu Tourist Information Centre 

〒160-0023, 1 Chome−1−3, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 

THINGS TO DO FOR 

FREE IN TOKYO 

Imperial Palace East Garden is a three 

minute walk from Takebashi Station 

on Tozai Line, or seven minute walk 

from Otemachi Station on Chiyoda, 

Mita, Hanzomon and Marunouchi Line. 

Adjoining the Imperial Palace and 

Sannomaru Shozokan museum, the 

210,000m² garden first opened to the 

public in 1968. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 

is situated directly above Tocho-mae 

Station on Oedo Line, or a 10 minute 

walk from Shinjuku Station. Constructed 

in 1991, it has an observatory on the 45th 

floor (202m high) which commands a 

panoramic view of metropolitan Tokyo. 

The Sumo Museum is a one minute walk 

from JR Ryogoku Station or a five minute 

from Ryogoku Station on the Oedo line. 

This is the official museum of the Sumo 

Association and houses more than 20,000 

historical and memorial items of sumo 

wrestling. 

Beer Museum Ebisu is a five minute walk 

from Ebisu Station on JR and Hibiya Line 

by “Sky Walk” (moving walk), located in 

the Ebisu Garden Place. Here you can 

learn about the history and technology 

of making beer. It also features a tasting 

lounge (drinks are charged). 

30


Osaka 

OSAKA 

The capital of Osaka Prefecture 

is Osaka City. The Prefecture 

has the third largest population 

in Japan, after Tokyo and 

Kanagawa. The stadium lies 

approximately 10 minutes 

outside of the capital in Higashiosaka City, a small 

city formed in 1967 when three towns merged. 

Food lovers will appreciate Osaka’s role 

as the birthplace of instant noodles, 

cup noodles and conveyer belt sushi. It 

is a food paradise that is home to many 

national dishes, including okonomiyaki (a 

pancake of shredded cabbage, egg and 

meat topped with lashings of mayonnaise) 

and takoyaki (grilled octopus balls). 

Dotonobri is Osaka’s hotspot for tourists 

and revellers alike and best explored in 

the evening, when the lights are bright, 

and the people are merry. Filled with 

towering neon signs, clubs, bars and 

restaurants serving up local specialities. 

The famous Osaka Mon brand of gift foods 

is highly recommended. Higashiosaka 

City has popularised a curry bun (a deepfried 

bun with curry filling) in the shape of 

a rugby ball, while the world’s very first 

conveyor-belt sushi shop, Genroku Sushi, 

is still in business. 

31

Osaka Tourist Information Centre, Umeda 

JR Osaka Station, 〒530-0001 Central Concourse 

JR Osaka Station 1F, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku Osaka-shi 

Osaka Tourist Information Centre, Namba 

Nankai Information Centre 

〒542-0076 Nankai Terminal Building 1F5-1-60 Namba, 

Chuo-ku, Osaka 

Osaka Castle 

MUST DO'S 

• Osaka Castle and 360° observation deck 

• Universal Studios theme park 

• Dōtonbori – nightlife and entertainment area 

• Maple leaves in autumn 

THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN 

OSAKA 

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a one-minute walk from 

Sumiyoshi-Torii-mae Station on the Nankai 

Line or a three minute walk from Sumiyoshi 

Taisha Station on the Nankai Line and is 

one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Most 

of its buildings are designated as National 

Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. 

This shrine is worshipped as god of marine 

voyage, business and prosperity. 

Osaka-jo Koen is a one minute walk from 

Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop 

Line or subway Chuo Line and is a large 

park surrounding Osaka Castle. You can 

walk through the forest, plum garden, a 

line of pine trees and willows. 

Ikeda Castle Park is a 15 minute walk 

from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Line (20 

minutes from Osaka). This is a park built 

right where Ikeda Castle was in medieval 

times. Various traditional Japanese-style 

architectural structures and stone, iris and 

wet gardens are restored. The observatory 

commands a fine view of the whole park. 

Satsukiyama Botanical Garden is a 15 

minute walk from Ikeda Station on the 

Hankyu Line (20 minute ride from Osaka), 

located at the foot of Mount Satsukiyama. 

Here you can appreciate about 350 

species of subtropical plants throughout 

the year. 

32

The FCO travel advice page for Japan contains necessary information to prepare for your trip: 

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan 

We recommend you sign-up to receive the important updates straight into your inbox, as well as 

follow their social media channels 

@ukinjapan 

UKinjapan 

Keep an eye out for their Tokyo 2020 guidance page with tips and advice tailored to the games 

Team GB LIVE is a trading name of Mike Burton Travel Limited. Address: Carter Court, 8 Davy Way, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2DE. Mike Burton Travel is a Member of ABTA. When you 

book with an ABTA Member you can expect high service standards, fair terms of trading and accurate information. ABTA’s strict joining criteria for Members, code of conduct, customer 

helpline and approved ADR scheme to resolve complaints are all there to give you confidence and peace of mind when booking your travel arrangements. For more information see 

www.abta.com. 

This brochure was published in December 2019. The content and packages contained within this brochure are correct at time of publication. 

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Tokyo 2020 Team GB LIVE Pre-Travel Guide

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