Blog - Accessible Japan

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – Accessibility Report

The Shinkansen (literally “new trunk line”), more famously known as the Bullet Train is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies. (Note: The name Superexpress (cho-tokkyu) was retired in 1972 but is still used in English-language announcements and signage.) The network currently links most major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, but the construction of a link to the northern island of Hokkaido underway. The Read more…

By accessible-japan, 7 yearsMarch 16, 2015 ago

Asakusa and Sensoji Temple – Accessibility Report

Sensoji (Sensō-ji) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Tokyo’s cultural capital, Asakusa. Not only is Sensoji Tokyo’s oldest temple, it is one of the most significant. The area is very wheelchair accessible and definitely a must-visit! The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon (Goddess of mercy and compassion). Legend has it that a statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River in 628 CE by two fishermen and then housed in Read more…

By accessible-japan, 7 yearsMarch 10, 2015 ago

Imperial Palace – Accessibility Report

After the end of the shogunate and the Meiji Restoration, the shogun and inhabitants of Edo castle were required to leave. The emperor arrived from Kyoto at the Edo Castle to make it to his new residence and renamed it to Tokei Castle (at this time Tokyo had also been called Tokei). He went back to Kyoto, and after coming back on 9 May 1869 the castle was renamed as the Imperial Castle. On the Read more…

By accessible-japan, 7 yearsFebruary 26, 2015 ago

Nippon Budokan

Live at the Budokan! While the Budokan is famous abroad for hosting acts like the Beatles, Cheap Trick, and Bob Dylan, it was originaly built to house the judo events for the 1964 Summer Olympics and is officially called the Nippon Budokan (“Japan Martial Arts Hall”). Though many opposed the Beatles defiling a martial arts arena with western pop music, the site is now frequently used for musical events and pro wrestling. Though there are Read more…

By accessible-japan, 7 yearsFebruary 10, 2015 ago

Welcome to Accessible Japan!

ようこそ！(Yôkoso, welcome!) Welcome to Accessible Japan! If you are looking at this website, then we likely have something in common – disability. Accessible Japan came into being from a combination of both good and bad experiences of traveling in a wheelchair. The creator has extensive travel experience with an electric wheelchair. An adventurer at heart, he hates to hear “impossible” and relentlessly ventures forth… but he is a worrywart at heart and likes to gather Read more…

By accessible-japan, 7 years ago