A Definitive Guide to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025
The silent focus of a sprinter in the blocks. The explosive power of a thrower at the point of release. The tactical battle of wills over 10,000 metres. These are the moments, measured in fractions of seconds and centimetres, that define the pure, exhilarating drama of athletics.
In September 2025, these moments will find their grandest stage in Tokyo, a city poised to host a World Athletics Championships of unique significance. At Above + Beyond, our work is built on a deep appreciation for such pinnacle events, and for over 30 years, we have helped our clients experience them in a way that is truly seamless and memorable.
This guide provides a clear and comprehensive overview of what to expect from Tokyo 2025, from the key dates and events to the deeper context that makes this championship one to watch.
The Championships at a Glance
First, the essential details for your calendar:
- Event: 20th World Athletics Championships
- Host City: Tokyo, Japan
- Dates: 13th – 21st September 2025
- Venue: Japan National Stadium
- Participants: Approximately 2,000 athletes from 200 nations
- Disciplines: 49 track and field events
Why Tokyo 2025 Is More Than Just a Championship
Any World Athletics Championships is a spectacle, but the return to Tokyo carries a particular weight. The city last hosted this event in 1991, a legendary championship remembered for the monumental long jump duel between Mike Powell and Carl Lewis.
More recently, the Japan National Stadium was the stage for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Those were the "ghost games," held with spectator-less stands, where incredible athletic feats were met with echoing silence. For many athletes, 2025 will be their first opportunity to compete in this state-of-the-art stadium in front of a full, passionate crowd. It represents a promise fulfilled – a chance for the city and its visitors to finally celebrate world-class athletics with the vibrant atmosphere it deserves.
The Theatre of Sport: Events and Athletes
Across nine days of competition, 49 world titles will be decided. The schedule is a compelling narrative of raw speed, technical mastery, and profound endurance.
- Track Events: The explosive 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints; the tactical middle-distance 800m and 1500m; the gruelling 5000m and 10,000m; plus the intricate rhythm of the hurdles and the drama of the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
- Field Events: The power and precision of the shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin throws; and the aerial grace of the long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault.
- Combined Events: The ultimate test of all-around athleticism, with the ten-discipline Decathlon for men and the seven-discipline Heptathlon for women.
- Road Events: The marathon and race walks will take to the streets, offering a unique tour of Tokyo's iconic cityscape.
While final team rosters are confirmed closer to the date, the championships will feature a compelling mix of reigning Olympic and World champions, ambitious rising stars looking to make their mark, and national heroes carrying the hopes of their countries.
Attending the Championships: Planning Your Visit
For those wishing to witness the action first-hand, planning is key. This is the first time since before the pandemic that a global athletics event of this scale will be fully open to international spectators.
Ticketing Information:
- General Sale: Opens at 18:00 JST on Friday, 31st January 2025, via the official Tokyo 25 website.
- Availability: Over 700,000 tickets are expected to be available across the nine days.
- Pricing: Organisers have focused on accessibility, with many tickets priced at or below 10,000 JPY (~£52). A special allocation of 2,025-yen tickets (~£11) will also be available for each session.
The Venue:
The Japan National Stadium is an architectural marvel. Designed by Kengo Kuma, it integrates natural materials and eco-friendly technology, offering a superb experience for the 68,000 spectators it can hold. Its location and Tokyo’s famously efficient public transport network make access straightforward.
The Above + Beyond Approach
For our clients, simply attending is not enough. The value of a global sporting event lies in experiencing it with absolute ease and in a style that reflects its world-class nature. Attending a championship in a city like Tokyo involves navigating significant logistical complexities, from securing premium accommodation to arranging seamless transport and local experiences.
This is where our expertise becomes invaluable. Our work isn't about selling tickets; it's about curating a complete and personalised journey. Leveraging a network built over three decades, we provide:
- Unparalleled Access: We secure the best seats and exclusive hospitality options, placing you at the very heart of the action.
- Seamless Logistics: We handle every detail, from your flights and private transfers to your stay in one of Tokyo’s finest hotels.
- Curated Itineraries: Beyond the stadium, we can arrange private dining, exclusive cultural tours, and other experiences tailored to your interests, ensuring your time in Japan is truly unforgettable.
We specialise in transforming a complex trip into a flawless and enriching experience.
A Lasting Impression
The World Athletics Championships 2025 promises to be a remarkable celebration of human achievement. It is an opportunity to see sporting history written and to experience the unique culture of a city that blends tradition and modernity like no other.
If you are considering being there, we should talk. Let us help you plan a journey that is as exceptional as the event itself.
Start Your JourneyWorld Athletics Championships 2025 FAQs
The World Athletics Championships 2025 will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 13 to 21 September 2025 at the Japan National Stadium.
More than 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete at the event.
There are 49 disciplines, including sprints, middle and long-distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, combined events (heptathlon and decathlon), race walks, and the marathon.
Key events include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, 3000m steeplechase, hurdles (100m/110m and 400m), relays (4x100m, 4x400m, mixed 4x400m), high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, decathlon, heptathlon, 20km and 35km race walks, and the marathon.
Both the men’s and women’s 100m finals are scheduled for the second day of the championships.
Yes, Tokyo previously hosted the event in 1991. This will be the second time the city has hosted the championships.
General ticket sales open at 18:00 JST on Friday, 31 January 2025. Tickets can be purchased via the official event website, with prices starting from 2,500 yen for morning sessions and special tickets available for 2,025 yen per session.
Yes, fans are welcome to attend. The 2025 event is expected to have full stadium attendance, unlike the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were held without spectators due to the pandemic.
The event is hosted by World Athletics and organised by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF).
The championships are held every two years. They were originally held every four years until 1991, after which they became biennial.
Volunteer registration is open to those born on or before 1 April 2007, regardless of nationality. Volunteers must be available for at least seven days, and there is no upper age limit. More details are available on the official event website.
For further details, visit the official World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 website or contact the organisers via the contact details provided on the event’s contact page.
