Japan leads the world in Accessibility Travel. New investments have been made to eliminate barriers for a stress-free travel experience, so that travel can be accessible for everyone, including those who may need assistance. Whether the elderly, people with disabilities or families with children, Japan has been investing in enabling anyone, regardless of age or ability to visit Japan without worry or limitation.
Many major tourist destinations across Japan are developing websites in English, providing general information on accessibility, including wheelchair rental services, and in some hotels, bathing/showering facilities, as well as assisted bathing services. For Safe and Convenient Accessibility shares the accessibility of train stations across Japan, of which 95% are entirely accessible, including elevators, wheelchair ramps, and other accommodations.
For those with visual impairment, sidewalks are equipped with raised yellow tiles to indicate safe walking paths. For information on taxi service, and any other travel basics visit Accessible Japan to have all your queries answered.
Sports tourism is becoming increasingly popular, whether that be attending a baseball game or paragliding through the sky. There are plenty of destinations with accessible sports in Japan which everyone can enjoy, from water sports in Okinawa to skiing in Nagano. With advances in athletic prosthetics and the increasing popularity of parasports, Japan is a great place to get your game on.
In preparation for the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo ramped up efforts to implement barrier-free technologies and designs for accessibile tourism. Follow this link to learn how and when to use public transportation (trains, buses, or taxis,) as well as public restrooms, lodging, and popular tourist attractions. To avoid unwanted surprises, you can access barrier-free information that details all you need to know to travel in comfort.
For those with an adventurous spirit, here is a list of 30 historical, cultural and gastronomic destinations across Tokyo. There are even ready-made Tokyo itineraries that cover all the bases for accessibility and carefree travel.
Beyond Tokyo, visitors can check out accessibility of various facilities in Yokohama City to experience the excitement and dynamism of its tourism sites and hotels. This link includes maps and excursions to delight all.
Every visitor to Japan comes ready to eat. Here is a regional restaurant guide that highlights some of the best places for eating and drinking that accommodate those with concerns about accessibility. For safe and convenient access and transit, this guide informs how to map a route between your destinations.
If you’re looking for some itinerary inspiration, then the Tokyo Sightseeing Accessibility Guide offers options throughout Tokyo’s 23 wards and Islands. You can also check out our Barrier-free 72-hour Tokyo Itinerary packed with Tokyo’s urban attractions and serene outskirts using barrier-free transportation and UD taxis.
The Tokyo Universal Design Navigator portal site brings together a wealth of information on transportation, hotels, and facilities for barrier-free travel in the Tokyo area.
HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 provides online medical consultation for international visitors in Japan with appointments in as little as 30 minutes from the comfort of your hotel room. Patients are connected with doctors via video call and are supported by expert medical interpreters in 22 languages to eliminate the anxiety of language barriers.
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a Japan Visitor Hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies. Support is available in English, Chinese and Korean.
For more general information about visiting Japan, you can check out the JNTO’s Canadian website: https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/.