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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/TheSquishies on 2024-11-22 20:18:13+00:00.
I know this sub gets questions on accessibility, so I wanted to do a summary of my recent trip focused on accessibility. For reference, I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kawaguichiko with my partner this past Sept/Oct, spanning about 17 days. We're both in our early thirties and from the USA. I have a disability that affects my one leg and I wear a leg brace. For the trip, I was either walking with a cane or using an electric wheelchair.
Overall Notes
- Shops & restaurants - 100% my biggest frustration of the trip was just how many shops and restaurants were inaccessible for wheelchairs. Most of the time the issue was either that it had a curb/big step(s) at the entrance or the aisles were just too small to maneuver in. I honestly couldn’t recommend going to Harajuku or Akihabara if you need a chair as the majority of local shops weren’t accessible. Also, there are a ton of restaurants that are counter seating only, which is both not great for wheelchairs and also not very comfortable to take a break on.
- Streets - In general, the streets were fine. I did get stuck in a big curb or two, but luckily I was able to get through them with some help from my partner. Also, the sidewalks do have a ton of tiny bumps in them for blind people. I didn't find it to be too bumpy, but you definitely feel them.
- Benches - Benches aren't common on the streets which was frustrating. Also, most cafes and restaurants didn’t have plentiful seating, so it was often hard to find a place to sit down and rest in popular areas.
- Estimated Walking Time - Not Japan specific, but learn from my mistake. If you’re disabled or just a slow walker, double the estimated google map walking time for a more accurate time.
- Flow of Foot Traffic - I don’t think there’s any flow or guideline to the direction of foot traffic…at least I didn’t pick up on one. There didn’t seem to be a “everyone stay to the right” or any kind of pattern to foot traffic which made navigating the streets more stressful.
- Language - The only time it helped to know some Japanese was when dealing with my wheelchair. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have needed anything outside of please, thank you, and excuse me. Know that in Japan they don’t really use the word “ramp,” but “slope” (surōpu) so definitely know that word. I’d also recommend knowing “doko”, “koko”, and directional words as most of the needed communication was about where I needed to go.
- People - I hope this doesn't come across rude, but I often hear how nice and accommodating the Japanese people are, but I unfortunately didn’t experience this. I had several people walk into me and out of all the times I rode public transport only 1 person ever gave up their seat for me (or honestly any old or disabled person). I thought people were just like any other city, so don't expect people to help. I will say that people were great at holding the elevator door for anyone though (which was good bc they close FAST).
- Hotels - We did splurge a bit to make sure we’d have a room that would fit a wheelchair and we didn’t have any issues. I would definitely recommend doing your research on hotels though as even in some of the nicer hotels, it was a tight fit.
Transportation
- Trains - I have a love/hate relationship with the trains lol. I thought most stations were easy to navigate and we only had significant timing delays with 2 trips. However, the trains are a lot less efficient when using a wheelchair. First off, the right elevators are hard to find. I’d be following signs to my platform and then get blocked by a flight of stairs with no accessible route in sight. I’d have to ask employees and/or go a completely round-about way to get to where I needed to go. Then there’s the platforms themselves. The gaps between the platforms and the trains varied greatly. Because I was unfamiliar with them, I got in the habit of asking for a slope at the ticket office to avoid any issues. Although this worked well, it did mean waiting 10-20 minutes for the train workers to coordinate with the receiving station, so it ate up a bunch of time. Lastly, I know it’s a tiny thing, but PEOPLE GO USE THE OTHER 10 TICKET GATES THAT YOU CAN FIT INTO, I CAN ONLY FIT IN ONE. The amount of times I had to basically push my way into the only gate big enough for my chair WHEN ALL THE OTHER ONES WERE FULLY OPEN was frustrating.
- Buses - The buses were great. All the local buses I used had a ramp onto them and they would flip up some seats for space. I only took one non-local bus from the airport and it had storage space under the bus that fit my chair fine.
- Taxi - We unexpectedly took one taxi ride, which was kind of crazy. It was a normal sized car that they flipped two of the seats down in, had a ramp to wheel me in, and then some how strapped me down to the floor. It was a little scary, but it worked.
Kanto Region/Attractions
- Sensoji - Super accessible. I knew the main part had an elevator which is great, but I was worried the surrounding streets would be too tight, especially when crowded with people. However, the streets were all wide enough and my only issue was a big curb or two.
- Teamlab Borderless - All but one of the rooms was accessible, but they did have a accessible viewing area for that one. Note though, that they don't allow electric wheelchairs, only manual. Luckily mine can be either, but I did feel bad that my partner had to push me through it. I don't think I could have done it without my chair though as there are not places to sit down inside (unless you count the floor.)
- Disney - Disney was very accessible, although a little difficult to figure out. I basically got stopped at the entrance of every ride, had the cast member ask me some questions, and then either went through one of the lines, or came back after the current wait time to get on via the exit. Then I'd park my chair around the loading area and just walk on. All the nighttime shows had a special viewing area for wheelchair users which was great.
- Puroland - Also very accessible. Right after scanning our tickets an employee pulled me aside and explained how accessibility worked for all the attractions and shows. I hope they know just how appreciated that was! They had a big accessible restroom and elevators to all floors. The only inaccessible thing I encountered was you need to walk about 10 stairs to the main boat ride, but luckily I could handle that.
- Ghibli Museum - Pretty accessible. There are a bunch of staircases and little nooks that are inaccessible and you can only access the rooftop garden via a spiral staircase. However, all the exhibits, the theater, shop, and restaurants are accessible. They also get points for having the coolest elevator of our trip.
- Pokemon Cafe - I didn't use my chair when I went but I didn't notice any stairs, it was a wide space, and the seating was easily movable, so I'd give it a thumbs up.
Kansai Region/Attractions
- Kyoto - I went in thinking Kyoto would be the most difficult and that was correct. It’s very hilly and has a lot of rough terrain (like stone roads), so it was difficult both with or without my chair. We mainly hit Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Fushimi Inari, and Nishiki Market. I didn't use my wheelchair at any of these places and I'm honestly not sure I would have been able to with the terrain. You'd probably be ok with a chair in Nishiki if it's not too busy.
- Nara - Similar difficulties as with Kyoto, but I thought it was better here. Definitely do research on which temples/shrines are accessible though, as they vary. For example, Todaij was super accessible but then one right next to it was completely inaccessible. Also, don't worry, the deer will still bow to you even if you're seated in your chair lol.
- Osaka - We only did Dontonburi and the castle grounds. Castle grounds were very accessible and Dontonburi was similar to any other street.
Conclusion/What I’d do Differently Next Time
Overall, I did have a good time and I would love to go back some day. However, on future trips I would take things slower so I could walk more and bring a portable chair or stool. I did feel like using a wheelchair prevented me from going to a number of places which was disappointing. I’d probably also take my chances with the train gaps and not ask for the slope help as it got way too time consuming. Lastly, I’d stick to the newer cities/areas as the older towns were just too challenging/uncomfortable for me.