The Hard, Cold Facts Of Winter Games

The final plan is only for the very bold. Yukie Chudo, manager of the foreign tourist section of the Japan Travel Bureau, says that prospects for individuals attending the Games are dim right now. But Chudo also points out that "there is always great pressure on accommodations and tickets before an Olympic event. Then, once the Games get under way, it turns out that there are always some hotel rooms, some tickets and even some transportation available. It happened in Tokyo in 1964 and it happened in Grenoble in 1968." So perhaps the prospective visitor with a nervy view of life should not lose all hope. Go ahead, fly to Tokyo on a gamble. Contact the foreign section of the Japan Travel Bureau upon arrival (telephone 211-3211) and see if something has opened up. You might be lucky.

If not, stay in Tokyo and enjoy the visit. Watch all the Olympic action on TV—the quality of Japanese color television is better than ours—and, for atmosphere, step outside and see if Mount Fuji shows through the smog.