2026 Asian Games
September 19 – October 4 JST
The 2026 Asian Games, officially known as the XX Asiad, will be a major multi-sport event held in Japan. Hosted jointly by the Aichi Prefecture and the City of Nagoya, this edition will be the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games (following Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994). The Games will emphasize “IMAGINE ONE ASIA,” celebrating the continent’s sporting talent and cultural diversity.
📅 When are the 2026 Asian Games?
- Dates: September 19 – October 4, 2026.
- Opening Ceremony: September 19, 2026, at the Mizuho Athletic Stadium (Paloma Mizuho Stadium).
- Closing Ceremony: October 4, 2026.
🏙️ Where are the 2026 Asian Games?
The Games utilize a regional hosting model, with 41 venues spread across Nagoya City and the wider Aichi Prefecture.
1. Nagoya City Cluster
- Sports: Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, Badminton, Judo, Wrestling.
- Key Venues: * Paloma Mizuho Stadium: The main hub for Athletics and Ceremonies.
- Nippon Gaishi Hall: A major venue for indoor sports.
- Nagoya City Gymnasium: Hosting various ball games.
2. Aichi Prefecture & Regional Venues
- Sports: Cycling, Sailing, Baseball, Football, Hockey.
- Key Venues: * Toyota Stadium: A world-class venue for Football.
- Aichi Sky Expo: Hosting several combat sports and indoor disciplines.
- Gamagori Harbor: The site for Sailing competitions.
🎟️ How do I get tickets for Aichi-Nagoya 2026?
- Official Platform: Tickets will be sold through the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 ticketing website.
- Sales Phases: Ticket sales usually begin with a lottery for domestic residents, followed by a general first-come, first-served sale for international visitors.
- Authorized Resellers: International fans should check with their National Olympic Committees (NOCs) for authorized ticket resellers in their respective countries.
🚆 How to travel between venues
Japan’s world-famous transportation system is the primary way for fans to navigate the 20th Asian Games.
- Nagoya Municipal Subway: The best way to reach venues within the city. The Higashiyama, Meijo, and Sakura-dori lines connect most major stadiums.
- JR Central & Meitetsu Lines: Use these for venues in the wider Aichi Prefecture, such as Toyota City or the Sky Expo.
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Nagoya is a major stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo (1.5 hours) and Osaka (50 minutes).
- Airports: * Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): The primary international gateway, located on an artificial island near the Sky Expo venue.
- Nagoya Airfield (Komaki): Primarily handles domestic flights.
🏨 Where to stay for the 2026 Asian Games
- Nagoya Station Area: The most strategic location. It provides direct access to the Shinkansen, subway lines, and Meitetsu trains for regional travel.
- Examples: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, Meitetsu Grand Hotel.
- Sakae District: The heart of Nagoya’s shopping and nightlife. It is well-connected to the Mizuho Stadium via the Meijo Line.
- Examples: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Sakae.
- Kanayama Area: A major transit hub that is often slightly more affordable than the Station area, with direct links to the airport and city venues.
- Examples: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya.
🥋 2026 Asian Games Fan Experience
- Sporting Diversity: In addition to Olympic sports, the Asiad features unique regional disciplines such as Kabaddi, Sepak Takraw, Wushu, and Kurash.
- Esports: Following its success in Hangzhou, Esports will continue to be a medal sport, drawing huge crowds to high-tech indoor arenas.
- Nagoya Gastronomy: Don’t miss the city’s famous “Nagoya Meshi” (local cuisine), including Hitsumabushi (grilled eel), Miso Katsu, and Tebasaki (chicken wings).
🔗 Helpful Links for Planning Your Trip to the 2026 Asian Games
- Official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Website
- Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by Sports Tourist