Japan is a dream destination for many travelers — cherry blossoms in the spring, neon-lit streets, and a culture rich in history and innovation. But when you bring accessibility into the conversation, many assume it’s an impossible dream. The image of narrow pathways, crowded trains, and steps at every temple or shrine can make accessible travel seem daunting.
But the reality? Japan is more accessible than you think. Much more. In fact, Japan is the birthplace of tactile paving, with distinctive yellow blocks now seen around the world. It also boasts an incredibly high percentage of accessible train stations — without elevators that are out of service — and clean, spacious accessible toilets that truly deserve praise. The country’s accessibility infrastructure can be considered both thoughtful and reliable.
Here are some accessibility tidbits to encourage you to ponder Japan for your next accessible travel get away.
Transportation
Japan’s extensive rail network is highly accessible. Over 90% of train stations in major cities feature elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and multilingual audio-visual announcements. Ticket gates accommodate different mobility devices, and seating for wheelchair users is available on nearly all lines. Wheelchair users can request boarding assistance when they arrive and staff will provide a ramp to get on and off the train.
When using the Shinkansen, it’s best to reserve your ticket at the Midori no Madoguchi or Green Ticket Window. Accessible seating is limited to specific cars, and a multipurpose room is available on the train.
City buses are becoming increasingly accessible with low-floor models and ramps. Drivers assist with boarding and will clear space for wheelchair users. However, highway and airport buses often lack this accessibility, so alternatives like trains or accessible taxis may be better.
Wheelchair taxis are available in most major cities. Vehicles like the Toyota JapanTaxi offer options for manual wheelchairs, but for power wheelchair users, larger lift-equipped wheelchair vans may be a more suitable option — though they do need advance booking.
Hotels
While Japan is becoming more accessible, finding suitable hotel rooms can still be a challenge. Until recently, Japanese hotels with more than 50 rooms were only mandated to offer one wheelchair-accessible room, regardless of the total number of rooms, leading to a scarcity of available accommodation. Now, new hotels with over 50 rooms, or hotels undergoing major renovations, must make at least 1% of their rooms wheelchair accessible.
Booking these rooms often requires direct contact with the hotel, as they are not usually available for online reservation. If a hotel’s website lacks an email address, you might need to call them or use a travel agent. Another option is to book through a site like Booking.com and then contact the hotel through the booking platform to request an accessible room.
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to start your hotel search well in advance of your trip. The Accessible Japan website, which features a database of accessible hotel rooms, can be a useful tool for your planning.
Tourist Attractions
Despite their age, many of Japan’s famous temples and shrines are improving accessibility. For example, Sensoji in Asakusa features ramps and elevators despite its historic setting. Major museums, parks, and even a few castles now include accessible routes and restrooms.
Tactile paving, elevator signage, and rest stops with accessible toilets are increasingly common at tourist sites. As with everything, it is always important to check before you go!
Sensō-ji
establishment, place_of_worship, point_of_interest- 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- ★★★★☆
Multipurpose Toilets
Japan excels in providing clean, unisex accessible toilets — known as multipurpose or “everyone” toilets. These bathrooms are typically located between men’s and women’s facilities in public spaces, offering both privacy and accessibility to those with disabilities, those with young children and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
You’ll find these toilets at nearly all train stations and department stores, many tourist attractions, and even some public parks. Most also offer facilities for those with children and ostomate sinks for those with colostomy bags. Though there are very few Changing Places toilets, adult-sized changing beds are becoming more common.
A Few Japanese Phrases
Even though English signage is common, mastering a few Japanese phrases helps:
- バリアフリー (Baria furi)—”Barrier-free/accessibility” — the word “accessible” isn’t common in Japan!
- 手伝ってください!(Tetsudatte kudasai!) — “Please help me!”
- エレベーターはどこですか？ (Erebeta wa doko desu ka?) — “Where is the elevator?”
Plan Ahead
Planning is key. Use tools like Google Maps for wheelchair-friendly routes and apps like WheeLog! for accessibility information at restaurants and the location of accessible toilets. Reserve hotels, transportation, and mobility aids in advance. Accessible Japan offers a lot of resources to plan your trip and the tabifolk accessible travel community has a group dedicated to accessible travel in Japan for peer and professional support.
Safe Travels
Japan’s accessibility journey hasn’t always been easy, but the progress it has made is undeniable.
I hope these tips and insights help you decide to add Japan to your bucket list and explore the country with confidence. Who knows, maybe I’ll bump into you under a sakura tree or rolling through Shinjuku Station. Safe travels!
Featured Image: Catgirlmutant
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