Although the stadiums where the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games took place were mostly empty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, athletes from all over the world still amazed the audience with dramatic and attractive matches, adding to the beautiful scenery of the cherry blossom country. In the future, when travel becomes safer, visitors to Japan can visit the place where athletes compete for gold medals in this most special Olympics on the planet.
Japan National Stadium
Located in Tokyo's famous Shinjuku district, the stadium will host the Opening and Closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events of the Olympics. The structure was reborn on the foundations of an old stadium, construction began in 2016, with a capacity of 68,000 people, and is made of wood sourced from 46 of Japan's 47 prefectures.
There have been no shortage of history-making moments at this year's Olympics, including the dramatic, emotional High Jump Final, which saw close friends Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy and Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar share the Gold medal. Head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square for panoramic views of the stadium.
Ariake Arena
Located in southwest Tokyo, this building is where all the Olympic volleyball matches were played. The USA volleyball team made history here when they defeated Brazil in the final on the last day of the Games. After the event, the arena will be used as a local community center and an event venue with a capacity of 12,000 people.
Musashino Forest Sports Plaza
Located in Chofu, a western suburb of Tokyo, this is the first structure built specifically for the 2020 Summer Olympics. With an area of 30,000 m2Musashino Forest Sports Square is the venue for the Olympic badminton and modern pentathlon events. The Chinese team dominated the badminton court here, winning six medals, including two golds. After the Games, Tokyo officials said it would be a multi-purpose venue for major sports competitions and entertainment events.
Tokyo Aquatics Center
Built specifically for the 2020 Olympics, the Tokyo Aquatics Center is located inside Tatsumi-no-mori Park, where visitors can play mini golf or enjoy the cool weather. This venue also witnessed the moment when swimmers continuously set new world records throughout the Olympics.
The U.S. swimming team made a big splash when they won gold and broke the world record in the men's 4x100m medley relay final. American swimmer Katie Ledecky once again made a statement by winning gold in the 1500m and 800m freestyle, and silver in the 400m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relays. After the Games, the Tokyo Aquatics Center will continue to host events and operate as a community pool for Tokyo residents.
Sea Forest Waterway racing venue
The Sea Forest Waterway is a sailing event venue, built between two artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. After the Games, the structure will continue to host sailing competitions and will be open to the public as a recreational attraction. Visitors will know they are approaching the Sea Forest Waterway when they see the Tokyo Gate Bridge – a frequent sight on the small screen during this year’s Olympics.
Nippon Budokan Arena
The Chiyoda Judo Venue was built specifically for Tokyo's first Olympics in 1964. In addition to being a dojo (budokan), it has also become a popular stage for musicians to perform. At the 2020 Olympics, it was the venue for the debut of karate. Japan's Ryo Kiyuna made history by becoming the first gold medalist in men's kata.
Olympic and Paralympic Athletes' Village
Built on 33 acres in Tokyo's Harumi district, the Athletes' Village will have a 'new life' after the games are over. According to an Olympic spokesperson, around 5,650 apartments in the Village will be offered for sale to the Japanese public. The cardboard beds will be removed and the entire complex will be converted into apartments, serving a vital need in a densely populated city like Tokyo.
Tsurigasaki Surf Beach
Surfing made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Games, with Tsurigasaki in Chiba prefecture chosen for its natural waves, where American Carissa Moore made history by becoming the first women's Olympic surfing champion.
Tsurigasaki is very popular with surfers in Japan and around the world. There are many hotels, restaurants, shops selling surf clothes, accessories... for tourists who are planning a beach holiday in Japan after the borders open.
Makuhari Messe Convention Center
Taekwondo, wrestling and fencing are among the events being held at Makuhari Messe during this year's Summer Olympics. In the freestyle wrestling final, Gable Steveson of the United States defeated Geno Petriashvili of Georgia to win the gold medal in the men's 125 kg category.
With an area of 8 hectares, Makuhari Messe is the ideal place to hold the largest events in Japan, from trade fairs, exhibitions, games... Many global cultural and entertainment activities are held here, including Japan's largest rock festival, Lady Gaga's concert (2009), Blackpink's Japan Arena Tour (2018), Japan Pokémon Festival...
Sapporo Odori Park
Located on the northernmost island of Hokkaido in Japan, Sapporo Odori Park is a famous tourist destination, attracting tourists with the Sapporo Snow Festival. The festival usually starts in February every year and usually lasts for a week. Here, visitors can admire the vast and elaborately sculpted snow and ice works, experience ice skating, participate in events, concerts...
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Sapporo Odori will be the venue for the race walk and marathon. On the final day of the Games, Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge won Gold in the men's marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:08:38 to claim his fourth Olympic medal.
