Location: Japan
Date: July 19, 2021
Preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Olympic Games will take place in Japan from July 23 to August 8, 2021 (with the first events occurring on July 21, 2021), while the Paralympic Games will take place between August 24 and September 5, 2021.
Road Closures Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games
Motorists in Tokyo should be aware of road closures around Olympic and Paralympic venues throughout the Olympic period. While spectators will not be allowed at most events, road closures will continue during the Games. Specifically, roads around the National Stadium have been closed off in preparation for the Opening Ceremony on July 23, 2021. Around the venues in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture, motorists will see “dedicated lanes” for use only by vehicles related to the Tokyo 2020 Games, and “priority lanes” where vehicles related to the Games have the right of way. More information can be found on the Bureau of Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Preparation website. Motorists who do not abide by the road closures or detours may be subject to fines.
Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway Tolls to Temporarily Increase
According to media reports, tolls for the Metropolitan Expressway in the Tokyo area between 06:00 and 22:00 will increase by 1,000 yen from July 19 as part of measures to ease traffic congestion during the upcoming Olympics. The road pricing system will start on July 19 and continue until August 9, 2021 – the day after the Closing Ceremony. The new tolls will also be in effect during the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5, 2021.
Availability of Consular Services During the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games
The U.S. Embassy and consulates will remain open for routine and emergency services, but appointment availability in Tokyo will be severely limited. Notarial services will not be offered at the U.S. Embassy between July 20 and August 6, 2021.
Spectators for Tokyo 2020 Games and Ticket Refunds
The Japanese government has announced that no spectators will be allowed at Olympic venues in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, or Kanagawa. This is in addition to the previous decision to ban foreign spectators from entering Japan for the purpose of attending the Games. Current ticketholders who wish to obtain information about refunds should contact the ticket agent directly.
Increased Attention on Foreigners and Heightened Security During the Tokyo 2020 Games
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, scrutiny of foreigners living, working, and visiting Japan will be high. U.S. citizens are strongly urged to monitor local news resources and comply with all local and national COVID-19 mitigation guidance.
Summer Heat and Heatstroke Prevention
The rainy season is now over, and the scorching summer is here! In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and COVID-19 and ways to respond. At-risk populations for both heat-related illness and COVID-19 include older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Know how to protect individuals especially at risk from both extreme heat events and COVID-19.
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