GUIDE Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism means travel designed for everyone. That includes the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children, and anyone else who may need assistance. Japan strives to enable anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, to explore and travel throughout the country worry and carefree.

There are many guides readily available online and in various tourist-friendly locations to help you make the most of your trip to Japan. You'll never feel limited as there are endless things to do and places to see. Here are a few resources you can use on your visit both in and out of Tokyo.

Find the information you need about accessible tourism in Tokyo here . This will help you learn about how and when to use public transportation like trains, buses, or taxis to get around town. You can also see where to find lodging and restrooms, as well as how to access and best enjoy popular tourist attractions.

Do you like exploring outdoors? There are lots of barrier-free courses you can take at sightseeing destinations across Tokyo. With 30 listed here , you can explore exciting neighborhoods like Shinjuku, the food haven of Tsukiji, or historical Ueno, to name a few.

You will be able to plan out any excursions you want to by accessing barrier-free information so you avoid any unwanted surprises on your journey. You can even find ready-made itineraries that have all accessibility bases covered. This way you will spend less time planning and more time enjoying everything that Tokyo has to offer.

There is a lot to do right outside of Tokyo as well. Just south of Tokyo in Kanagawa, you will find the beautiful city of Yokohama , which is full of stunning attractions. You can overlook sights like Minato Mirai 21 , and shop in the Minatomirai area. You can even check out the Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama or catch a baseball game at Nissan Stadium. In addition, you can find all the information you need about accessible tourism in Yokohama here .

If you are hoping to spend some time in Japan's glorious nature, you can get to Nagano's beautiful Lake Suwa easily from Tokyo. You can enjoy hot springs, art, culture, and more! Fans of the anime “Your Name” may even recognize Lake Suwa as it resembles the scenery in the film!

Sports facilities are becoming more accessible and readily available in Japan, making it easier for everyone to enjoy them. People of all ages and abilities can challenge themselves to try new sports and attractions while making new friends! Whether you want to play on land, in the sea, or through the sky, everyone can have fun in any season. Find out more here .

You can also find information on the expansion of Japanese parasports and the availability of athletic prosthetics . Both offer exciting opportunities, propelling Japan to new heights and speeds.

Traveling by car is a way to ensure an accessible and convenient trip and help you get to places that are off the beaten path. Read all about renting a car in Japan here . Also, there are driver's signs for people with disabilities, and it may be required to put a sticker on their vehicle depending on their conditions. See the details here .

Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it. From the railway personnel to hotel staff, people will be happy to help you in Japan. For example, if you use a wheelchair, you can ask the station staff for assistance getting on and off the train. Let them know where you want to get off, and staff will be there ready to help you get off the train once you arrive at your destination.

Bus drivers in Japan help people who use wheelchairs by ensuring their ride is safe and secure, and they will even help you get on and off the bus. There's also a service that allows you to communicate by means of writing for people who are not able to hear or speak.

You can find more information to assist you with barrier-free travel in Japan here .

It's a necessity finding delicious and accessible places to eat. Have a look at this guide that highlights some of the best places to eat and drink for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Getting to these places and doing these activities should be as simple as possible for everyone. You can find up-to-date information on going from point A to point B barrier-free with this helpful website that will allow you to map a route to your destination.

Thanks to so many accessibility measures, travel within Japan is an inclusive and wonderful experience for all.