travel
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Traveling in Japan over New Years
Traveling in Japan over New Years can be exciting… and horrible. The New Years holiday in Japan is similar to Christmas in the West – a..
Tips on Traveling to Japan with a Hearing Impairment
By Frank Mondelli
Garbled voices over loudspeakers, screens that don’t show last-minute schedule changes, crowded environments where it’s..
Shinjuku Gyoen’s Upcoming Smartphone Guide Includes Accessibility Features
Shinjuku Gyoen is currently running a trial of its new smartphone guide this week and Accessible Japan was invited to try it out to..
Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 from the Wheelchair Seats
By Amy McKnight
One of the world’s most loved sports is taking its biggest stage in Japan this fall for the Rugby World Cup. The event,..
Making the skies of Yamagata accessible to all
By Josh Grisdale
Recently I received an offer from the Yamagata Barrier Free Tour Center to come and visit the city of Nanyo. There are..
Nara, Deer, and the Path to a Great Buddha
By Justin Schroth
If you find yourself wandering just east of Osaka, you may find yourself in Nara, one of many cities surrounded by..
What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Japan with a Visual Impairment
By Alexa Fukuoka
When you decide to move abroad, it will obviously require you to make some adjustments. Dealing with a new culture, new..
The eternal hunt for a hidden bathroom
(And other complex situations I’ve found while being visually impaired in Japan)
By Alexa Fukuoka
When I was in my early 20’s, I learned..
A Pilgrim’s Tale: Religion, Ritual, and Physical Disability in Japan
By Mark Bookman
Accessibility affects the way that we interact with religious sites and ideas. A single step up at a church, temple, or..
Disabled at Disneyland: Best Practices for Barrier-Removal – Part 5
By Mark Bookman
This is part 5 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 here, part 2 here, part 3 here and part 4 here.
Concluding..
Disabled at Disneyland: Best Practices for Barrier-Removal – Part 3
By Mark Bookman
This is part 3 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 here, part 2 here, part 4 here and part 5 here.
Entering the..
Disabled at Disneyland: Best Practices for Barrier-Removal – Part 2
By Mark Bookman
This is part 2 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 here, part 3 here, part 4 here and part 5 here.
Planning the..
Disabled at Disneyland: Best Practices for Barrier-Removal – Part 1
By Mark Bookman
This is part 1 of a 5 part series. You can read part 2 here, part 3 here, part 4 here and part 5 here.
The Barrier-Free..
Easy Accessible Transportation in Japan
The boom in information brought about by the advent of the internet has been enabling for people with disabilities and other special..
Accessible Tour Guide Map of Kawasaki Daishi Area
As Japan prepares for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, accessibility has been on the minds of many. One city to put thoughts..
Universal Tourism Promotion Committee
Accessible Japan is proud to announce that we were selected to provide a committee member to sit on the Universal Tourism Promotion..
Exploring Tokyo with Paralympian Daniel Romanchuk
This past Monday, Accessible Japan was invited to attend a media trip arranged by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) with..
New App to Help People with Disabilities Navigate Tokyo
Navigating the streets of Tokyo is no easy task, regardless of ability. However, having a disability adds an extra layer of difficulty..
Bringing a Guide Dog or Service Dog to Japan
At a recent event on accessibility in the service industry, we were excited to meet members of the Japanese Service Dog Resource Center..
Exploring Accessible Touring in Kyoto
By Terin Jackson
from Kyo Tours Japan
Part of an ongoing partnership to improve wheelchair accessibility for tourists in Kyoto. Firsthand..
Wilgo, an Accessible Taxi in Tokyo
I’m Jun Sumii, a self-employed wheelchair lift taxi driver in Tokyo. In September, 2017, I left the company I had worked at for 35 years,..
Preparing for our Trip to Japan!
By Nicky Durston
I‘m Nicky and I’m married to David, we live in the beautiful Cotswolds in the heart of the UK. The main purpose for our..
Increasing Number of Accessible Hotel Rooms in Japan
With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics just two years away, Tokyo is scrambling to have enough hotel rooms for all the visitors..
5 Months in Japan: What I’ve Learned So Far
By Joan Pahisa
Hi everyone!
I’m Joan and a few months ago I decided to move to Osaka to study Japanese. I had been working really hard on..
Accessible Airport Bus in Japan
By Toshiko Kudo
For the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Paralympic Games, the accessibility of public transport in Japan is improving. An airport bus..
Understanding Accessibility in Japan
By Terin Jackson
from Kyo Tours Japan
All about my day in Tokyo with Accessible Japan and how it got me thinking about disability issues..
Tokyo on Wheels – Part Three
By Andy Barrow
The time has come to draw a few conclusions from my time in Tokyo (Read part one here, and part two here!). In this post,..
Tokyo on Wheels – Part Two
By Andy Barrow
I have a confession to make. My two-part blog may have grown somewhat… Sorry! (Read part one here!)
Basically, I felt..
Tokyo on Wheels – Part One
By Andy Barrow
My name is Andy Barrow and I’m an international speaker who also happens to be a full-time wheelchair user. I’ve spent..
The Trip to Bunny Island
By Suzanne Kamata
I first learned of Okunoshima from a Canadian friend’s Facebook post. She’d shared photos of herself surrounded by..
5-Port Cruise Around Japan in a Wheelchair
By Kim Almas
In October 2017, our family took an 8-day/5 port Diamond Princess cruise around Japan. My husband is partially disabled, so..
Tokyo now has wheelchair accessible routes in Google Maps!
While Bmaps and WheeLog! offer great user curated accessibility information, Google Maps is by far the best way to find your way around..
One day in Kyoto in a Wheelchair
Looking for a few places to visit for a day in Kyoto? We look at the wheelchair accessibility of some famous sites in eastern Kyoto. ..
“Enjoy My Japan” Press Conference
Accessible Japan was recently invited to attend the press conference for the unavailing of the “Enjoy my Japan” global campaign put out..
Bmaps – an Award-winning Accessibility Information App
An award-winning accessibility info app for anyone, with or without disability!
Wheelchair users, persons with visual or hearing..
WheeLog! An accessibility app for Japan… and the world!
Yuriko Oda (織田友理子) has GNE Myopathy/HIBM/DMRV and is the president of the ‘Patients Association for Distal Myopathies’ (PADM) and a..
Planned Reconstruction of Nagoya Castle Lacks Elevator
Traditionally Japanese castles are made of wood, which made them vulnerable to fires and other natural disasters. As such, the many..
Increasing the Number of Accessible Taxis in Tokyo
Taxis are a common appearance throughout Japan and are incredibly easy to find. In addition to hailing them on the street, taxis also..
An Accessible Rickshaw in Asakusa, Japan
If you are visiting Tokyo, Asakusa and Sensoji Temple are likely on your itenerary. When you visit you will see many visitors enjoying..
Now I can say it – Japan is indeed Sugoi!
We love sharing stories of people who have come to Japan. M. G. – who also wrote a review of A Silent Voice for us – shares a reflection..
Shinjuku Gyoen – Accessibility Review
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s biggest parks and a great place to enjoy the yearly cherry blossoms. Though there are some accessibility..
British Asian Autistic YouTuber – Savan in Japan!
By Savan Gandecha
My name is Savan and I am a British Asian Autistic YouTuber who loves creating content, photography, blogging and video..
Paralympics and the Wheelchair Nod – Reflecting on Tokyo
By Kelly Frost
Adapting Japan
“Amazing, Japan was amazing.” I’ve said this over and over recently when asked by friends, neighbors, and..
Nakano Broadway – Accessibility Review
Nakano Broadway is a paradise for lovers of anime and manga that is less visited than the busy streets of Akihabara, but no less rich in..
Introducing the Accessible Japan Community Forum
A forum? …in 2017?!?
Yup.
We are starting a community forum for Accessible Japan for a few reasons:
First of all, Accessible Japan..
Finding Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in Japan
Experiencing authentic traditional Japanese cuisine is something everyone will want to do when visiting Japan. Every cramped street and..
Surviving without Chopsticks: Eating with a Disability in Japan
Experiencing authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine is reason enough to travel all the way to Japan. For those interested in..
Voltage in Japan and Wheelchair Battery Chargers
When you traveling with a power wheelchair, charging batteries properly can make or break a vacation. No one wants to travel halfway..
Hakone Round Course in a Wheelchair
The Hakone Round Course is a popular day trip from Tokyo that allows travelers to enjoy Lake Ashi, lush forest mountains, and a fantastic..
Mobility Scooters in Japan
While mobility scooters have been gaining popularity around the world as an alternative to traditional wheelchairs, Japan has been slow..
Fiona’s Travelog: Accessible Onsen and Wheelchair Exhibitions
By Fiona T
Konnichiwa!
This post is long overdue since I was in Japan last summer.
This is not my first time in Japan, but definitely my..
A Lifehack for Accessible Hotel Rooms in Japan
While Japan does have rough guidelines for accessible hotel rooms, they are nowhere near as strict as the United States or Europe...
Visiting Kanazawa in a Wheelchair
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Tokyo due to the abundant..
Win an Autographed Copy of “A Girls’ Guide to the Islands” by Suzanne Kamata
Regular readers of Accessible Japan’s blog are familiar with author Suzanne Kamata. Suzanne is a long-time resident of Japan and has a..
Traveling in Japan with a Visual Impairment
By Cristina Hartmann
My two-and-half weeks in Japan as someone with both vision and hearing impairments left me amazed—in a good way. My..
Wheelchair Accessible Day Tours in Tokyo
While many people prefer to buy a good guidebook (like our Tokyo guide!) and create an itinerary to meet their own pace and interests,..
Priority Seats in Japan
Like many other countries around the world, most mass transit in Japan has a set of seats that are considered priority seats, or 優先席..
A Girl’s Guide to the Islands – Book Review
Suzanne Kamata is the author of the YA novels Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible and Screaming Divas recently gave us an advance..
Tsukiji Fish Market – Accessibility Report
Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, is full of energy and delicious food. However, it can be..
No Elevator, no problem…(?)
In the past 10 years, Japan has moved at a tremendous pace to install elevators at subway and train stations for the disabled and the..
Disability Identification Cards in Japan
Having an identification card for persons with disabilities can be a prickly topic. Is it discrimination? Is it security to protect..
My Trip to Tokyo with Multiple Sclerosis
We love helping people enjoy Japan. We also love it when people write back to share their experiences with others, so they too can..
A Question Concerning Priority Seats
Notes from the Obstacle Course
Dr. Michael Peckitt
In December of last year, on my way to visit Tokyo, I noticed something about..
A One-Day-Trip to Kamakura in a Wheelchair
By Melanie Bo
of Little Miss Turtle
Hello! I’m Melanie. I’m a wheelchair tourist who loves to travel around the globe. Tokyo is one of my..
Christmas Lights in Japan
When most people think of Japan, they most likely don’t think of Christmas. But Japan loves events, and Christmas has been added to the..
Ikuta Shrine – Accessibility Review
Review from the Obstacle Course
Dr. Michael Peckitt
Ikuta Shrine located in Sannomiya, Chuo-ward Kobe, Japan, and is possibly among the..
Rikugien Gardens – Accessibility Review
Rikugien Garden is ranked as one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Tokyo. It represents the best of Edo Period gardens with a..
Ueno Park – Accessibility Review
Ueno Park is a public park in the Ueno district of Tokyo. The park is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as for..
Ready, Steady, GO! Inside Japan Tours and Accessible Japan
A few months back, Accessible Japan was contacted by Inside Japan Tours to discuss accessible travel in Japan. Since then we have worked..
Passion for Independence
Maureen T. Corrigan holds a medical degree, a masters in administration and a college fellowship. She began her career as a medical..
Traveling to Japan with a Mobility Scooter
Maureen T. Corrigan holds a medical degree, a masters in administration and a college fellowship. She began her career as a medical..
An Outing to Ogijima
Suzanne Kamata is the author of the YA novels Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible and Screaming Divas, both of which feature..
Support Squeaky Wheels by Suzanne Kamata!
Expat author, advocate, and friend of Accessible Japan, Suzanne Kamata’s unpublished memoir Squeaky Wheels: Travels with my Daughter by..
Odaiba – Accessibility Review
Odaiba is a shopping and leisure area built atop artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. It has great wheelchair accessibility including many..
Travelling to Japan in My Silver Years
A place to rest your feet and contemplate life on the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto.
Jan Grisdale – friend and supporter of Accessible..
Kyoto in a Manual Wheelchair by Susie from Wheelchair World – Part 2
About Susie – I love travelling, seeing different places, different lifestyles, and different environments. Japan is the 78th country..
Kyoto in a Manual Wheelchair by Susie from Wheelchair World – Part 1
About Susie – I love travelling, seeing different places, different lifestyles, and different environments. Japan is the 78th country..
Priority Seats: To Sit or Not to Sit
Notes from the Obstacle Course
Dr. Michael Peckitt
I have mentioned ‘Priority Seats’ before in my blog posts for Notes from Obstacle..
Riding the Bus in a Wheelchair in Japan
While known for its complex and sophisticated train system, Japan also has many buses connecting commuters to the nearest train station...
A Short Trip to Kyoto in a Wheelchair
Though the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, may conjure up images of ageless buildings that are not wheelchair accessible. However,..
New App for Tokyo’s Busiest Stations
If you are traveling in Tokyo a lot, you may have to do a little bit of guesswork or ask a local guide. With the help of a new..
Minato Ward Improving Experience for Wheelchair Users
A new smartphone app as well as some changes to sightseeing routes in the Minato ward of Tokyo could improve the area for those in..
Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Online Resources
Starting to plan your next vacation? Hard of hearing or vision-impaired? A wheelchair user or slow walker? Fibromyalgia, MS or..
Traveling with Luggage in Japan
Hopping on a train can be one of the best ways to explore Japan. Thanks to the great infrastructure and the amazing railway network of..
The Japan Rail Pass and Wheelchair Users
If you’re visiting Japan as a tourist, it’ is a good idea to consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass – a very-cost effective solution for..
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Accessibility Review
Though it hasn’t gained the same degree of popularity as Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, also..
Deaf in Japan with Friends
This guest post, including pictures, comes to us from Ariana Fernandez. Ariana is deaf and uses hearing aides.
I had a car crash when I..
Deaf and Solo in Japan
This guest post, including picture and video, comes to us from Sophie Li. Sophie is deaf and uses cochlear implants. You can follow..
Wheelchair Accessible Toilets in Japan
When traveling in another country (or even your own!), what to do when the call of nature strikes is an issue whether you are disabled or..
Visiting Japan with a Service or Guide Dog
Traveling to another country with a guide dog can be a challenge. In addition to the quarantine guidelines, due to the laws regarding..
Riding the Train or Subway in Japan in a Wheelchair
If you are thinking of traveling to Japan, you may have run across a map of the subway and train lines in Tokyo and subsequently felt..
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..