The 2020 Olympic Games are fast approaching and will be taking place in one of the most eccentric cities in the world. Tokyo, Japan, is the perfect balance between cultural arts and futuristic, coming-of-age technology. Everyone wants to know who can jump the highest, swim the fastest and throw the farthest – no-doubt in jaw-dropping, breath-taking excitement. With that in mind, we’ll keep you up-to-date with everything you need to know for Tokyo 2020!
When will the Tokyo Olympics 2020 be taking place?
The prolific games will begin on 24th July 2020 and finish on 9th August 2020, with over 11,000 athletes and 206 nations expected to compete. The Olympic Games are returning to Tokyo for the first time since 1964! (Fun fact: 1964 was the first Olympic Games to be broadcasted on worldwide satellite)
Five new sports will be added to this year’s games including: baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, climbing and surfing.
The Paralympics will begin on 25th August 2020 and finish on 6th September 2020 and will feature 22 sports with two new additions: badminton and taekwondo.
Where can I buy tickets for Tokyo Olympic Games 2020?
It’s essential you buy your tickets from a secure and reliable source. Team GB Live is the Authorised Ticket Reseller for residents in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, offering peace of mind when purchasing tickets online.
Do I need travel insurance for Tokyo Olympic Games 2020?
If you’re heading to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics make sure you have your travel insurance policy in place before you go. Your policy is simply there to protect you in case something goes wrong – so why take the risk and not have it? If, for example you fall sick and urgently need to be brought back home, your travel insurance may cover the cost of any pre-paid expenses, hospital bills and alternative transport to bring you back. Without the right cover you could find yourself severely out of pocket.
Medical insurance in Japan
Although Japan has extensive medical facilities and a good health care system you should still take out a policy that provides suitable cover for medical expenses in the event that something does go wrong.
If you do find yourself in a medical emergency, it is very likely that the medical facility you are at will ask for your travel insurance document. You should make sure that you take all necessary documents with you when travelling. If you plan to stay in Japan for longer than three months, it is essential to be enrolled in the Japanese health insurance system – even if you do have your own separate travel insurance policy.
Prescription Medication
You should be aware, some common prescription medicines which are acceptable in the UK are illegal in Japan. Japan’s anti-stimulant drug laws prohibit Vicks inhalers, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine from being taken into the country. The laws are strictly enforced and if you are found in possession of a banned substance you may be detained or deported.
If you are travelling with prescription medicine in Japan you need to bring a copy of your most recent prescription and a letter from your GP detailing what the medicine is being used to treat. You will be entitled to carry one month’s supply of prescription medicine into the country under Japanese law.
Top tip: If you need to call for an ambulance in Tokyo the number for ambulances is 119. It’s worth noting English speaking operatives are available however, in the event they are not you can follow this guide published by Tokyo Fire Department to help you converse with the operative.
Natural Disasters
Tokyo is situated on the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ and has fallen victim to several natural disasters over the years. If you are travelling to Japan you should take out a policy that covers you for “Force Majeure”. Cover for natural disasters is not generally available as standard on most travel insurance policies but it is usually available as an ‘add-on’ or ‘extension’. If, for example, your accommodation is destroyed because of a tsunami and is no longer liveable – Force Majeure will cover the cost of moving you to a safer location or bringing you home if necessary. We recommend you buy your policy soon after booking your holiday so that you will be covered if there is a natural disaster before you leave home.
It is worth noting, cover is only available if you purchased your policy before the incident occurred. If you purchase a policy after incident becomes a ‘known event’ – you will not be covered by travel insurance.
Top tip: Before you leave home you should familiarise yourself with the country’s safety procedures in the event of a natural disaster. It is important to register at your embassy as well as being aware of the evacuation routes in your accommodation. This information can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
