Tokyo 2020 Olympics | The Olympic Agora, Official Store, and the Cauldron

As a Tokyo resident, I feel so incredibly lucky to be living here during this very special olympics of Tokyo 2020. Despite the border being closed, the games having no spectators, there are still lots of Olympic experiences that residents of Tokyo get to enjoy. After all, it's all our tax money that's going into funding the games. 

The Olympic Rings at Nihonbashi

While everyone may be familiar with the Olympic rings displayed on the waters in Odaiba, not many know of the rings in the heart of Tokyo displayed on Nihonbashi bridge. There were very flew people at the spot when I visited so it was very easy to get a photo. 

The Olympic Agora Exhibition

From July 1st - Aug 15th, there's a series of free displays indoors and out to emulate the Olympic Agora. An agora in greek means a gathering space where people trade and talk. This exhibition is to celebrate the olympic spirit and showcase everything from the athletes, past logo designs, medals, and torches. 

The Tokyo 2020 Official Store

There are quite a few stores set up around the city, however this one near Tokyo station is one of the larger ones carrying the most complete merch related to the games. You can find things from bathrobes to kids toys, detailed maps of stadiums and facilities, Tomica car model of the Tokyo 2020 taxi, chopsticks, fans, t-shirts, and so many more! My personal favorite is the Medallion. It's only ¥900 jpy but you can engrave it for free. So I got a few made for family members as a keepsake. 

Store location: 2/F Maruzen bookstore, Marunouchi Branch 

The Cauldron

On the big bridge of dreams in Odaiba is the Olympic Caldron. The fires burned from the Opening to Closing ceremonies of both the Olympics and Paralympics. There is a distancing and no-stopping rule at some points, but we went during the Paralympics so the crowd was very minimal. From the bridge you can also see the rainbow colored Ferris Wheel from the mall nearby. What better place to put the caldron then here? 

This is the first time I've been physically in a city where the olympics are held, so it was very exciting to have been able to see the caldron, the medals, the exhibitions, and the Olympic Rings. I still remember buying the Tokyo2020 official magnet on a holiday trip back in 2019 having no ida that I'd move her in time for the games. It's been such an experience! Have you ever been to the Olympic games? Which games was your favorite to watch?