Tokyo November 2020 - yes/no predictions?

[Gill H]

I know it's a pointless question as no-one has a crystal ball...

We have flights booked from Heathrow to Tokyo at a really good price for mid November. It's with JAL through BA.

We haven't booked anything else - we were waiting for hotel prices to come down, and then the world went a bit bonkers.

The plan is 5 nights in Tokyo itself, and 5 at Tokyo Disney Resort. It's our 25th wedding anniversary this year (last week actually, fact fans) and thanks to a family anniversary present, we know we will have enough money to stay in one of the Disney hotels.

It looks like Japan - and particularly TDR - are being much more cautious than most in how they handle the current crisis. Face masks are part of the culture in Japan, and the hygiene levels in public are much better. Shaking hands isn't really a thing either. So we haven't lost hope that by November it may be safe to go, and the experience wouldn't be so altered that it would take all the fun out of going.

So - any guesses whether we will make it?

[Gill H]

Encouraging news that TDR is opening in July!

[NatsyNoo]

I am hopeful for you, Gill. As you say, we don't have a crystal ball, but things do seem to be moving forward.

I have a trip to the USA booked for October; and have opted to move forward with plans and bookings for the trip. We can always cancel if we don't go. I have just ensured to book cancellable rates. Perhaps you can do the same?

We went to Tokyo last year (and Hong Kong and Shanghai) and it is the most wonderful place. You won't be disappointed.

Hopefully the uncertainty won't take away from your enjoyment of the planning process - lots of YouTube vlogs to keep you going, I have a trippie if you're interested, and there's lots of other trippies too!

How exciting about the Tokyo hotel too! Wow, what a gift?! Which hotel are you thinking?

[Gill H]

Hoping for the Ambassador. Budget won't stretch to the MiraCosta (I don't have any millionaires in my family) and though the Disneyland Hotel looks lovely, it reminds me of the DLH in Paris and the GF in WDW - I would rather stay somewhere that looks really unique. (Plus, it was good enough for Geoff and Darrin so...!)

[kk20]

ambassador is close enough that you can walk to the entrances if you prefer. But the shuttle is good enough. Ikspiari is on the doorstep too. You'll love it.

[NatsyNoo]

Originally Posted by Gill H

Hoping for the Ambassador. Budget won't stretch to the MiraCosta (I don't have any millionaires in my family) and though the Disneyland Hotel looks lovely, it reminds me of the DLH in Paris and the GF in WDW - I would rather stay somewhere that looks really unique. (Plus, it was good enough for Geoff and Darrin so...!)

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That sounds very special! And as you say, Geoff’s opinion was and is still highly valued by many!

[Alidoll]

Read on Facebook Japan planning site that Japan are planning to open a number of testing sites including at Narita / Haneda. If they could do quick turnarounds on testing in theory people arriving could be tested and if negative allowed to travel onward to your hotel etc. Not sure if you’d need to redo the test every 5/10 days though. I’d assume they’d also charge for each test which might be expensive...guess it’ll be a waiting game till the authorities decide how they will proceed given the rescheduled Olympics next year as well.

[Gill H]

TDR Explorer has posted a blog saying don't come to Japan this year. Basically saying that last time they shut the borders with 40 hours' notice and even residents couldn't get back in. Also lots of construction planned this year (eg Beauty & the Beast etc) might not be finished.

We are currently thinking of postponing till next year.

[MrsBC]

Japan has had quite low levels of infection too hasn't it? It looks positive for November. I hope you get there, I know you've mentioned how you're looking forward to it. I'd love to go but DH won't.
ps Happy silver wedding!

[CosmicGirl]

Originally Posted by Gill H

TDR Explorer has posted a blog saying don't come to Japan this year. Basically saying that last time they shut the borders with 40 hours' notice and even residents couldn't get back in. Also lots of construction planned this year (eg Beauty & the Beast etc) might not be finished.

We are currently thinking of postponing till next year.

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I think I read somewhere that BatB is actually ready to open, they simply haven't announced a new opening date. I believe the construction is the Toy Story Hotel and the DisneySea expansion, so it shouldn't interfere with a park visit as those weren't slated to open in 2020.