Can You Travel to Japan in a Wheelchair?

Can You Travel to Japan in a Wheelchair?

Our Accessible Japan Tour Service Says “Yes!”

Japan, a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and bustling city life, has in recent decades made significant strides towards becoming a more wheelchair-friendly destination. With a concerted push towards "barrier-free" facilities, the Land of the Rising Sun is opening its doors wider to travelers with mobility impairments. 

From spacious sidewalks in modern city centers to multipurpose toilets and non-step buses, Japan is progressively addressing the challenges of accessibility. This article aims to explain the realities of navigating Japan in a wheelchair and show you why it’s an ideal destination for those with accessibility needs.

An accessible Japan cherry blossom tour is well within reach (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Getting around

Trains

Japan's train and subway systems are marvels of engineering and efficiency, and for wheelchair users, they offer a surprisingly accessible and convenient way to explore the country. Over recent decades, significant efforts have been made to make these transit systems more "barrier-free," though challenges still exist, particularly in stations outside major city centers.

Many train and subway stations, especially in urban areas, are equipped with escalators, elevators, and stair lifts, making them accessible to wheelchair users. In some cases, only specific entrances are wheelchair-friendly, which might necessitate detours.

Buying tickets in Japan can be a straightforward process. Ticket machines are relatively low and accessible from a wheelchair, featuring touch panels and an option to switch to English. Once you have your ticket, head to the wider, staffed booth at the side of the ticket gate for assistance to the platform. 

Station staff will help ensure that assistance is available for you at transfer points and destinations. For long-distance and shinkansen (bullet train) journeys, try to book a wheelchair-friendly seat in advance. Trains typically have designated spaces for wheelchairs. This is especially beneficial during peak hours. 

Buses

Japan's bus systems offer a viable option for wheelchair users traveling through its urban and rural landscapes.

In many large cities, the majority of buses are designed to be wheelchair accessible. These are often referred to as "non-step" or "kneeling" buses. The drivers play a key role in assisting wheelchair users, pulling up close to the curb and manually setting up ramps for easier boarding. Many of these buses feature a designated wheelchair mark.

Inside the bus, the priority seating area often includes foldable seats or a section specifically designed for wheelchairs. While the newer non-step buses may have steps leading to a raised rear section, the front half is typically step-free, facilitating easier access for wheelchair users.

On city buses, the driver is usually responsible for assisting wheelchair users. Passengers in wheelchairs should position themselves near the front of the bus stop to ensure the driver notices them. Informing the driver of your destination is crucial, as they will assist you in disembarking at the right stop, including setting up the ramp for exit.

While urban areas boast modern, accessible buses, smaller cities and rural regions may still operate older buses that are not wheelchair friendly. These older models typically have a higher entrance with steps, making them challenging for wheelchair users. When traveling in these areas, it's essential to plan ahead and possibly seek alternative transportation options.

Cars

Traveling by van or taxi offers a convenient and flexible way for wheelchair users to see the country. In recent years, Japan has made significant strides in enhancing the accessibility of these transportation options.

Japan's taxi industry has evolved to become more inclusive for wheelchair users. The “JapanTaxi,” modeled after the spacious London Cabs, is a notable example. These taxis can comfortably accommodate one manual wheelchair user and a companion, making them a practical choice for short city trips. They can be found at airports and in urban areas.

For those who require more space or use an electric wheelchair, there are taxis equipped with wheelchair ramps or special seats that rotate outwards for easier boarding. The availability of these specially equipped taxis is increasing. For wheelchair users needing more space, especially those using electric wheelchairs, vans with lifts and mini-buses are available.

On the streets

Getting around on the streets of Japan presents a mix of modern accessibility features and traditional infrastructural challenges.

In contemporary city centers and newly developed districts, the streets are generally more accommodating for wheelchair users. These areas often feature spacious sidewalks with cut curbs, making navigation smoother and safer. In high-traffic areas, many elevators now have priority buttons that are easily accessible for wheelchair users. 

In areas with older buildings, the streets and interiors can be less wheelchair-friendly. Narrow sidewalks, sometimes demarcated only by a white line from the road, can make navigation challenging. Additionally, many older shops and restaurants have narrow entrances and interiors, often with steps, making them difficult to access for those using wheelchairs.

Hygiene

Japan's commitment to universal design has significantly improved the accessibility of toilets for wheelchair users.

The introduction of multipurpose toilets commonly found in public spaces like tourist attractions, department stores, train stations, and even on shinkansen trains, has been a game-changer. These toilets are usually spacious, single rooms situated between men's and women's toilets or located just inside them. Their design caters not only to wheelchair users but also to seniors, parents with young children, and people with ostomate needs. 

Features of multipurpose toilets typically include handrails, diaper changing boards, baby chairs, sinks for cleaning ostomy bags, and emergency call buttons. The doors of these toilets can be easily operated by pushing large buttons located both inside and outside the toilet.

Unlike in many countries where the accessible toilet is just a larger stall within a gender-specific restroom, Japan's approach is more inclusive and practical. The multipurpose toilets are often centrally located for easy access and to avoid awkward situations for caregivers of the opposite sex. These facilities are widely available in most public spaces, with train and subway stations being particularly reliable locations to find them.

However, there are still some challenges and variations in the design of these toilets. For instance, some might not have a tank or backrest, which could be an issue for people with balance difficulties.

Notes for the visually impaired

Japan's commitment to accessibility for the visually impaired is evident in its widespread use of tactile paving, its unique braille system, and auditory cues in public spaces.

Yellow tactile paving, or “tenji blocks” (literally, “braille blocks”), is ubiquitous in Japan, providing guidance and safety for people with visual impairments. There are two main types of these blocks: elongated lines that indicate the path's direction and small circles that signal caution near hazards like train tracks. 

Additionally, braille information is commonly found in public facilities, on trains, and even on some product packaging. However, it's important to note that this information is in Japanese Braille, which is based on the Japanese syllabary and differs significantly from English braille.

Japanese Braille, known as “tenji,” is a unique transcription of the language. It uses a 6-dot cell to represent kana characters, with each kana corresponding to a syllabic sound. In addition to standard Japanese Braille, the Kantenji Braille system was developed to encode kanji characters directly.

Japan also utilizes sound to assist visually impaired individuals. Various repeating sounds and announcements are played in stations and other public facilities near exits, toilets, and braille maps. Audible signals at some traffic lights indicate when it is safe to cross an intersection, enhancing orientation and safety in conjunction with tactile blocks.

Your ticket to barrier-free travel

Traveling through Japan in a wheelchair can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, thanks to the numerous advancements in accessibility over the years. From the convenience of non-step city buses and the adaptability of train stations to the thoughtful design of multipurpose toilets, Japan is continually evolving to accommodate the needs of wheelchair users. 

TokudAw Accessible Private Car Services

One more way to ensure maximum accessibility during your trip to Japan is booking private car services with TokudAw. Specializing in trip planning and elite charter transportation, TokudAw will make sure you get there and back again so you can see as much of this amazing country as possible. TokudAw curates accessible private tours in Japan. Some features include a portable step is provided to facilitate easy entry and exit from the vehicle; arranging for a professsional caregiver to take care of your loved ones; custom-designed accessible itineraries include choices for accessible restaurants, hotels, hot springs, and sightseeing destinations. Our driver-guides are flexible and patient, ready to assist with your individual requirements. They can drop you off and pick you up at locations most convenient for you.

Request for a wheelchair compatible van during booking your private tour (Image Credit: Shutterstock)