There’s a lot to consider ahead of a trip to Tokyo, with one of those being just how densely populated and busy the city can be. It may not feel like that big of a concern for someone who does not have a disability, but the overcrowding can be a sincere source of anxiety for those of us with mobility issues.

While we inadvertently tend to focus on sharing wheelchair accessibility information on accessible-japan.com, we can, and do, provide essential information for individuals with other disabilities, including those who are ambulatory.

Using Train Stations Like Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Shibuya

The Metro system of Tokyo may be famous for its efficiency and vastness, but it can also be very intimidating, even for those who are able-bodied. Throw limited mobility into the mix, and now you’ve got yourself a real obstacle course to contend with whilst simultaneously feeling like you’re in the middle of a giant maze.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Tokyo’s fast-paced public transit network.

They Zoom, They Dodge

In the busiest transit hubs, such as Shibuya, Akihabara, and Shinjuku Station (the world’s busiest), commuters tend to be in a bit of a hurry. And though you may quickly notice that folks are walking rather briskly, it’s good to know that the majority of people are incredibly respectful. Locals will often safely move around those who are moving slower, and you’ll rarely feel pressure to pick up your pace. The same can be said when you’re above ground, pounding the pavement. The etiquette expressed by passersby on chaotic streets will leave you feeling impressed and grateful.

If you think you’ll need more time than others to get from A to B, fear not; it’s safe to take your time, especially outside of rush hours. And once on your platform, if you have some time to spare, utilize the benches that are usually available to rest up before continuing on your journey.

You’ll find benches and seating areas scattered at various stations, so if you’re tired, take a break and enjoy some people-watching.

For those feeling extra anxious about navigating a station during busy times, staff are on hand to help guide you when requested.

Wayfinding & Signage

When in major stations, you’ll quickly notice that many of the signs are in English, but locating elevators can still pose some difficulty. Keep an eye out for station maps, which will have elevators highlighted. You can also look for universal accessibility symbols (the outline of a wheelchair user) on signs, as this will direct you to the step-free route.

As mentioned already, if in doubt or if feeling anxious, ask a station attendant. A lot of staff members are trained to assist passengers with disabilities and will be more than happy to guide you.

Elevators vs. Escalators

Most stations in the Tokyo Metro system have elevators, including Shibuya and Akihabara. But they can often be far away from the station’s main exit, which means more of a walk for those wanting to use them. For those traveling with a cane, walker, or crutches, it’s a case of ‘lesser of two evils’ when making a personal decision on whether the extra walk will cause more or less discomfort than tackling either the stairs or escalators.

On that point, escalators are certainly much more common, but they can be a little on the steep side and suffer from the same issue of busyness as was mentioned earlier.

Hot Tip: Practice using the escalator when it is less busy. Familiarise yourself with the process of stepping off on your stronger leg so that you may feel less nervous during busier moments.

Stairs-Only Exits

Although it’s less common these days, some older station exits (especially at busy locations) still only have stairs. Where possible, to avoid unpleasant surprises, look at the map for the respective station you’re visiting to locate the wheelchair accessible routes. You can also find useful information about station access on ecomo-rekuraku.jp. To view accessibility details for Akihabara Station, for example, click here.

Hot Tip: Only use exits that are marked as “barrier-free” or that either have the elevator icon or the international symbol for disability icon.

Is Getting Lost a Real Concern?

Even though getting around the complex Tokyo stations can be quite confusing, they are manageable when you consider a few bits of advice.

The first is simply to follow the signage. Keep your head up and scout for signs as you go. By following the “barrier-free” signs, you’ll eventually make it to where you want to be. Whilst it may seem never-ending at times, and give the illusion of being lost, following the signs will see you right.

You can also ask staff members for help if you feel you need it, and that includes the accessibility assistance services (駅員サポート – ekiin sapōto). You’ll be well supported, and staff will often walk the entire route with you to ensure you find your platform or exit.

Bonus Tips and General Recap for a Smoother Train Journey

• Avoid rush hours: Typically 7:30 – 9:30 and 17:00 – 19:30.
• Use a folding cane: If you only need occasional support, it helps in tight spaces.
• Rent a wheelchair: Consider it for heavy walking days—motorized and manual options are available at airports and hotels.
• Plan rest breaks: Public benches are rare, so cafes or convenience stores become your best friends for resting.
• Get travel insurance that covers mobility aids in case of issues.

All Things (Not Often) Considered: Rainy Days & Cane Dilemmas

Once you’ve reached your destination and exited the Metro, what now? There’s still plenty to consider.

Dr. Michael Gillan Peckitt, author of the blog post One Cane, One Umbrella, One Hand, and long-time resident in Japan, eloquently described the frustrating “dance” he has to perform with his umbrella every time Japan has one of its frequent bouts of rain. Something which wheelchair users are often all too familiar with as well.

Rainy days in Japan can be long and intense, making umbrellas a must-have. You’ll find sturdy and wide umbrellas sold at almost every convenience store. But what if you need a more practical and accessible option?

• Use a rain poncho or waterproof coat with a hood, freeing up your hands entirely.
• Try a hands-free umbrella holder (like those worn on the back or clipped to a bag).
• Accept getting a bit wet—it’s just water, after all—and focus on keeping your footing secure.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing: How Much Time Do You Get?

Who’d have thought that a road crossing would be so world-famous that it became a tourist attraction? (Alright, alright, no need to remind us about the Abbey Road crossing from the Beatles album cover)

The Shibuya Crossing is known for being the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, which is why it’s not only an attraction, but something to be mindful of when visiting as a disabled tourist, ambulatory or not.

In terms of time to get across the road, generally there’s between 30 and 45 seconds to make your way through the scramble, with longer times often given during the busiest parts of the day. While it is a little intense, you won’t be rushed. Keep calm, keep moving, and you’ll make it over in plenty of time.

Even though you’re able to get across in your own time, and don’t need to worry, it may be a good idea to head there earlier in the day when it is less busy, although part of the attraction is to see the crossing at its craziest!

Rounding Things Up…

Exploring Tokyo as an ambulatory disabled visitor can be a bit tricky at times, but it’s far from being impossible. It’s important to acknowledge that the city gets pretty busy (it is the most populated city in the world, after all), and to know your limitations and understand when and where you may need to chill for a while and avoid the excess crowds. This post barely scratches the surface, and can be viewed as a starting point for a broader discussion and advice sharing. With that in mind, how about leaving your tips and advice for ambulatory visitors or wheelchair users in the comment sections below?