Tokyo is the heart of modern Japan and is the first stop for most visitors to Japan. In Tokyo you can walk from a traditional temple to a bustling city-center in minutes, take in the sights and sounds of the electronics and anime haven in Akihabara, get lost in a maze of trains and subways, or see the latest youth fashion trends in Harajuku.
Check out our accessibility reviews of tourist spots in Tokyo (listed alphabetically).
- Akihabara, or Akiba, has gained worldwide recognition as the heart of Japan’s high-tech and otaku (ie nerd/geek) culture. Almost everyone who comes to Japan wants to visit it to shop, Read more...
- If you are in Tokyo and looking for a lively market to shop and eat, then Ameyoko is one of the best places to visit. With many outdoor stores and Read more...
- Daikanyama is often referred to as Tokyo’s Brooklyn and features high-end fashion boutiques and trendy cafes. Unfortunately, a large majority of the smaller shops are not wheelchair accessible. Background Information Read more...
- Though settlements have existed in the Tokyo area since 3000 BCE, things really started in the 12th century CE when Edo Shigenaga, the military governor of a large Kanto province, Read more...
- Though it was formerly rejected by foreigners for being “too Western,” the high-end shopping center of Ginza is now a popular place to visit. Luckily, if you are browsing the Read more...
- The Hama Rikyu Gardens is a public park located at the mouth of the Sumida River on Tokyo Bay. Though nestled amongst the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, Hama Rikyu Read more...
- Literally surrounded by the tall buildings that make up Shinjuku, Hanazono Shrine is a great example of the ancient and modern mixing in Japan. While the main hall is not Read more...
- Harajuku Girls Sandwiched between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuku is a great place to see youth culture up close. Named after the area around Harakuju Station, and brought to many people’s Read more...
- Hie Shrine is home to the guardian deity of Tokyo and the Sanno Matsuri. Its steep hill makes it very difficult for those with wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Background Read more...
- 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 Read more...
- The Kabukiza Theater is a tourist friendly way to delve into some traditional Japanese culture that is also very accessible to visitors with special needs. Background Information The Kabukiza Theater is Read more...
- Known for its traditional atmosphere and haute cuisine, Kagurazaka offers a side of Tokyo often missed by tourists. Visitors with mobility challenges should be ready to deal with a large Read more...
- Kameido Tenjin Shrine is hidden gem in Tokyo with a beautiful wisteria festival and is mostly accessible. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Komeido Tenjin Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. A political Read more...
- Kappabashi Street is the largest street devoted to restaurant supplies in Japan and a good place to buy food samples, knives and lacquer ware. While not every store is accessible, Read more...
- Kasai Rinkai Park is the second largest park in Tokyo and will be one of the venues for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. It is a great, accessible option Read more...
- Kiyosumi Garden (or Kiyosumi Teien) is a traditional Japanese garden located in Tokyo. While beautiful, less than half of the garden is wheelchair accessible. Background Information Kiyosumi Garden is a Read more...
- Located a stone’s throw from both the Sumo Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Musum, the Kyu-Yasuda Teien Gardens can help you continue your history kick in Tokyo. Unfortunately, if you are Read more...
- The Meiji Shrine, or Meiji Jingu, is an essential stop for anyone visiting Japan. It is a great way to see some Japanese culture, enjoy a walk through the Read more...
- 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 otaku culture. While being Read more...
- The National Noh Theater is the principle theater in Tokyo for viewing Noh and Kyogen, two traditional forms of Japanese theater. It is a must visit for anyone with an Read more...
- Nezu Jinja is known as one of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines. However, it has many challenges for those in wheelchairs or other disabilities. Background Information Nezu Jinja was established in Read more...
- The Nezu Museum is a stylish and wheelchair accessible museum where visitors can enjoy a peaceful break from the city. Background Information The Nezu Museum houses a collection of pre-modern Read more...
- 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 Read more...
- Odaiba is a shopping and leisure area built atop artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. It has great wheelchair accessibility including many accessible toilets and a wheelchair-friendly train. Getting from area Read more...
- Rikugien Garden is ranked as one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Tokyo. It represents the best of Edo Period gardens with a large pond, man-made hills, and tea houses Read more...
- Roppongi’s mixture of art galleries, nightlife and corporate offices make it an interesting place to visit, and while Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are accessible, much of the nightlife is Read more...
- Opened in 1985, the Ryogoku Kokugikan has a capacity of 11,098 people. The arena houses sumo wrestling tournaments (honbasho), hosting the hatsu (new year) basho in January, the natsu (summer) Read more...
- The Samurai Museum is a small but popular museum located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area. The museum offers a glimpse into the armor and weaponry used by the samurai through tours Read more...
- Sengakuji Temple is famous as the final resting place of the 47 Ronin who gave their lives to protect their lord’s honor. The grave site and museum are wheelchair accessible. Read more...
- 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 Read more...
- Known as a center for youth fashion and culture, Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area that is full of lights, shopping, and crowds. As Shibuya is a large Read more...
- Nearly as high as the Tokyo Tower’s top observation deck, and located on the highest building in Shibuya, Shibuya Sky provides two very accessible and wonderful viewing levels of the Read more...
- Popular among artists, students and fans of youth subculture, Shimokitazawa is a fun place to explore. Accessibility is as varied as the stores in the neighborhood. Background Information Shimokitazawa, also Read more...
- Shinjuku Shinjuku is an economic hub of Tokyo and sees more than 2 million passengers go through Shinjuku Station every day. This means that there are hundreds of restaurants, bars, Read more...
- Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s biggest parks and a great place to enjoy the yearly cherry blossoms. Though there are some accessibility issues to be aware of, the park Read more...
- Officially known as “Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless,” this attraction is far more that most typical art museum you would visit. Lights, sounds, and interactable features found within Read more...
- The Ghibli Museum is a must-see for fans of Japan’s most famous animation studio, Studio Ghibli. Exhibits on the animation process, famous productions, and a small theater are all contained Read more...
- The Japanese Sword Museum is fully accessible and located near a number of other museums that are sure to please history buffs. Background Information The Japanese Sword Museum is run Read more...
- National Art Center Tokyo Feel like taking in something highbrow in Tokyo? Why not some art! The National Art Center (Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan), Tokyo is an art museum located in the Read more...
- Tokyo Disneyland is located just outside of Tokyo and offers fun for the whole family. While much of the theme park is accessible, some rides are not. Background Information Opened Read more...
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Though it hasn’t gained the same degree of popularity as Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, also known as Tochō, is a Read more...
- The Tokyo National Museum is not only Japan’s largest museum, it is also incredibly wheelchair accessible. With over 110,000 items on display it is a great place to learn about Read more...
- Opening to the public in May 2012, Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest tower and second tallest building. With its excellent accessibility features for disabled guests, it is also home Read more...
- The distinct shape and bright colors of Tokyo Tower make it stand out in Tokyo’s cluttered skyline whether night or day. Originally a broadcasting tower, Tokyo Tower is also a Read more...
- Toyosu Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and is fully wheelchair accessible. However, walking distances may be challenging for those who tire easily. Background Read more...
- Main street of Tsukiji’s outer market Tsukiji Fish Market, was biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, is full of energy and delicious food. However, it can Read more...
- Located next to Tsukiji Fish Market, Tsukiji Honganji Temple is a completely wheelchair accessible temple that blends many different types of architectural styles. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The original Tsukiji Honganji Temple Read more...
- 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 being a very Read more...
- Slip back in time and enjoy a quieter version of Tokyo in Yanaka, where many stores are wheelchair accessible. Background Information Tokyo is an ever-evolving city and most districts have Read more...
- Yasukuni Shrine is home to Tokyo’s representative cherry tree and is mostly wheelchair accessible. Background Information Yasukuni Shrine was established in 1869 by Emperor Meiji to commemorate those who died Read more...
- Zenyoji Temple is a small temple in Tokyo that is home to Yogo no Matsu, Japan’s widest pine tree – and it is incredibly wheelchair accessible. Background Information Zenyoji is Read more...
- Zojoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most important temples. While it may not look wheelchair accessible, a large part of the temple grounds can be accessed by wheelchair users Read more...
Near Tokyo
- Located just off the coast near Kamakura, Enoshima is a small island that offers good seafood and views of Mount Fuji but very limited wheelchair accessibility. Background Information Believed to Read more...
- You don’t have to go far from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to discover a showcase of sea life from around Japan. The sea is so interesting and important Read more...
- The Hakone Round Course is a popular day trip from Tokyo that allows travelers to enjoy Lake Ashi, lush forest mountains, and a fantastic view of Mount Fuji on clear Read more...
- Hakone Glass no Mori Venetian Glass Museum takes a departure from most other museums in Japan by focusing its attention primarily on Venetian Glass works of art. The art exhibits Read more...
- Hakone Maruyama Bussan is a traditional craft facility specializing in yosegi-zaiku and karakuri (‘trick’ boxes), two woodcrafts popular in the area since the Edo Period. The facility includes a shop, Read more...
- Hakone Open-Air Museum offers a great combination of art and nature, and is mostly accessible to those with special needs. Background Information Opening in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum (or Read more...
- Visiting Kawagoe makes for a great day trip from Tokyo where you can enjoy a glimpse of the Edo Period. Many of the attractions in the area are wheelchair accessible. Read more...
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in is a highlight of the Kamakura area and is one of the most accessible temples in the city. Background Information The Kotoku-in is Read more...
- Located near Narita Airport, Naritasan Shinshoji is a large temple complex with a long history that is wheelchair accessible. Background Information Naritasan Shinshoji is a large temple complex in Narita Read more...
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place nearly every student in Japan visits on school trips. Unfortunately, its registration as a historical site means that Read more...
- Nestled deep and almost hidden away in the forested mountains of Hakone is the Pola Museum. It hosts a wide variety of artwork, collected over many decades, that includes local Read more...
- Tsuragaoka Hachimangu is one of Kamakura’s defining landmarks, and while it is mostly not wheelchair accessible, it is still worth seeing. Background Information Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto Read more...
