Tokyo Hotels are Already Booking out for the 2020 Olympics

It’s still just under two years away from the big event, but in light of recent Airbnb restrictions and its rapid growth in the tourism sector, hotels across Tokyo are filling up in anticipation of the 2020 Olympics. If you’re planning to visit during the summer of 2020, it’s not too early to plan ahead.
As a tourist destination, Japan has experienced an almost unprecedented influx of interest. Just last year, the country welcomed 28.7 million visitors – a massive 19% increase on the year prior (2016). But this is nothing compared to the anticipated numbers coming to Japan in time for the 2020 Olympics.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Tokyo’s major hotels have already started releasing news announcements to let potential visitors know that their accommodation is already completely booked. Hotel Okura Tokyo, the flagship hotel for the Okura brand, issued a statement to say every single one of their 508 rooms is now fully booked for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This early booking out in conjunction with the recent crackdown on Airbnb rentals in Japan has meant that those planning to make the trip for the games have to act smart and fast to make sure they’re not left at the starting line. Here’s everything you need to know.
The current Airbnb situation
As covered in another Culture Trip piece, June this year saw the Japanese government crack down heavily on those running Airbnb-style accommodations. Amendments made to the Japanese Hotels and Inns Act required Airbnb hosts to register their listing by June 15. By this date, owners who failed to comply with the rules, and those without a valid license number, had their rental status revoked.

The rules have been called out as rather restrictive, as owners are limited to renting out their properties for just 180 days a year. The rules also stipulate that rooms have to be of a certain size and that someone in a management-type position must always be on site. As a result, many owners who have been renting out spare apartments and rooms have shut down, making it not only harder to get their apartments filled, but also making it more difficult for visitors to find affordable accommodation.
What are the visitor numbers?
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website, the number of tourists visiting Japan almost tripled in just four years, going from 10.3 million visitors in 2013 to 28.7 in 2017. Since 2011, the number of visitors coming to the country has steadily increased and tourism officials are expecting visitor numbers of 40 million by 2020 and 60 million by 2030.
It’s a big leap, but not unreasonable when you consider that just in the months between January and May in 2018, the country had reportedly welcomed 13.1 million guests, only 300,000 off of the total number of visitors in 2014.
This is all well and good to know, but it’s integral to think about when booking a visit to Tokyo, especially considering that according to The Investor reports, hotel spending makes up 28% of the total tourist spend. Because of this massive financial incentive, Tokyo is in the midst of a hotel boom, with new accommodation options still currently underway.
Where should people stay?

Deciding where to stay during your Olympic visit really depends on a number of factors; what sports you’re planning to see; what else you want to do while you’re in town; your budget and how big your travelling group is. As a general rule, most areas within 20 km of inner Tokyo will be easily accessible thanks in large part to the country’s incredibly efficient train network.
Tokyo’s inner city areas, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Marunouchi, Akasaka and Roppongi, are the most international neighbourhoods in the city. They’re also very well connected to the rest of the city’s other neighbourhoods and main train stations. If you don’t mind the commute and are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of Olympic Tokyo, but still want inner-city comforts, consider booking a hotel in the neighbouring city of Yokohama.
What are the hotel options?
With some hotels already completely booked, and others not even built yet, figuring out the best hotel options can prove to be a minefield. However, there are some excellent options. If you’re eager to make the most of your time and money is not an object, the city is full of luxury choices. Many of these options are in Marunouchi, central Tokyo and Roppongi.
For those on a budget, consider booking a hostel. Typically located in Akasaka and in the slightly more residential neighbourhoods of Tokyo, they’re an excellent escape from busy inner city life.

Looking to splash the cash on some opulent accommodation? Book one of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo with Culture Trip. Or for those inclined to save their yen, discover the best cheap hotels in Tokyo, now bookable via Culture Trip.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.