Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s temples, cruising through Osaka’s food scene, or taking a cruise ship stopover in Yokohama or Kobe, having the right mobility equipment can make or break your trip. Many travelers with disabilities bring their own wheelchairs, but that’s not always practical – especially for elderly travelers, those recovering from injuries, or visitors arriving by cruise ship with limited storage.
Japan’s major cities have become increasingly accessible over the past decade. About 90% of Tokyo Metro stations now have elevators, and tourist areas in Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond have made real progress with ramps and accessible facilities. Wheelchair and mobility equipment rentals are available in Japan, though they require some advance planning.
WHILL Power Wheelchair & Scooter Rentals
WHILL offers two types of personal mobility devices for rent in Japan. Both can be delivered directly to your hotel and picked up at the end of your trip—and you can have different pickup and drop-off locations if needed. The rental process is straightforward: book online, provide your hotel details (get permission from the hotel first), and the device arrives ready to use.
WHILL Model F (Light Blue)
WHILL Model F
Power WheelchairA compact, foldable power wheelchair designed for travel. The chair-style seating is familiar to wheelchair users and works well in tight spaces like elevators, trains, and narrow restaurant aisles. Controlled via armrest joystick.
Best for: Users who prefer a wheelchair-style seat, those who need to navigate very tight spaces, or travelers visiting multiple regions of Japan.
WHILL Model R (Iconic White)
WHILL Model R
Mobility ScooterA handlebar-controlled mobility scooter with a higher weight capacity. The scooter-style design is intuitive for those who prefer handlebars over a joystick, and it can handle small curbs and uneven surfaces more easily.
Best for: Users comfortable with handlebar controls, those with higher weight needs, or travelers who want a scooter-style ride.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Model F | Model R |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Power Wheelchair | Mobility Scooter |
| Controls | Joystick | Handlebars |
| Pickup / Drop-off | Anywhere in Japan | Kanto Region Only* |
| Weight Limit | 115 kg (253 lbs) | 147 kg (324 lbs) |
| Color | Light Blue | Iconic White |
* Model R can be used anywhere in Japan—only pickup and drop-off are limited to Kanto.
How It Works
Book online
Reserve at least 10 days before your arrival. Choose your rental period (4–30 days) and delivery date.
Provide hotel details
Enter your hotel name and address. You can specify different locations for pickup and drop-off. Make sure to get permission from the hotel(s) first. Note: delivery cannot be made to airports, stations, or ports—arrange hotel delivery and use wheelchair assistance on arrival.
Receive delivery
WHILL contacts you the day before to confirm timing. The device arrives assembled and ready to use.
Return
On your last rental day, WHILL staff picks it up from your specified location. No packing required.
Ready to book a WHILL power wheelchair or scooter for your trip to Japan?
Manual Wheelchairs, Hoists & Other Equipment
If you need a manual wheelchair, patient hoist, or other mobility equipment, rentals are available through medical equipment providers in Japan. These services are designed primarily for domestic use, but providers will work with tourists—it just takes more coordination.
What's Available
- Manual wheelchairs — Typically basic folding models; lightweight power wheelchairs may also be available
- Patient hoists — Portable hoists can be rented, but you'll need to bring your own sling for hygiene reasons
What's NOT Available
- Commodes — Unfortunately not available for short-term rental due to hygiene regulations
- Specialized medical equipment — Complex medical devices typically require working with your healthcare provider
If you need help arranging a rental, please contact us. We can introduce you to companies that may be able to help coordinate hoist and wheelchair rentals in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other areas of Japan. Please note that Accessible Japan does not handle rentals directly, and we cannot guarantee availability or service.
As extra logistics are required to arrange for rentals, it is recommended that you book your equipment well in advance. Rentals can possibly take up to two weeks to arrange. Companies will likely meet you at your hotel, and you may need to pay in advance and sign some forms. Delivery costs can depend on location, so prices may vary. It should also be noted that delivery hours are generally from 9:00am–8:00pm—if your arrival is after 8:00pm, special arrangements may need to be made.