Torch Relay
© 2017 / Comité International Olympique (CIO) / BICANSKI, Milos
The Torch Relay will travel to all 47 prefectures in Japan, showcasing the cultural and scenic attractions of each region
The Torch Relay will commence on 26 March 2020 in Fukushima Prefecture and start its journey southwards. In early April, it will traverse the inland prefectures of central Japan, coinciding with the bloom of Japan's famous cherry blossoms.
The Torch Relay will then proceed southwest until it reaches the islands of Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, in early May. From there, it will make its way back up to the north of the country, passing through Kyoto in late May and travelling on to Hokkaido, where it will arrive in mid-June. The Torch Relay will then turn southwards again and complete its long journey in Tokyo after spending three days in each of the four prefectures outside of the capital that are hosting events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The flame will traverse Japan for a total of 121 days. In addition to building excitement across the country ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games and promoting Olympic values, the Torch Relay aims to show solidarity with the regions still recovering from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami with the overall concept of “Hope Lights Our Way.”
Schedule of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay
| 12-Mar | Flame Lighting Ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece |
| 12-19 March | Greek Leg |
| 19-Mar | Flame Hand-over Ceremony in Athens, Greece |
| 20-Mar | The flame will arrive from Greece at Matsushima Airbase in Miyagi prefecture. It will be displayed at Ishinomaki Minamihama Tsunami Recovery Memorial Park, Ishinomaki city, Miyagi prefecture |
| 21-Mar | Sendai Station East Exit, Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture |
| 22-Mar | Sanriku Railway and the SL Ginga Steam Locomotive Express (between Miyako, Kamaishi and Hanamaki stations, Iwate prefecture) |
| 23-Mar | Kyassen Ofunato retail and entertainment complex, Ofunato city, Iwate prefecture |
| 24-Mar | Fukushima Station East Exit, Fukushima city, Fukushima prefecture |
| 25-Mar | Aquamarine Park, Iwaki city, Fukushima prefecture |
| 26-Mar | Japanese leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay starts from J-Village, located in the town of Naraha and Hirono, Fukushima prefecture |
