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Accessible travel in Japan
"As a disabled traveller with very special needs, travelling can be stressful. InsideJapan's attention to detail and research was incredibly reassuring, and everything worked like clockwork." - David, UK
It's always been our dream to make Japan accessible to all, and this of course extends to travellers with disabilities or mobility issues. Getting it right for you really matters to us, so let us know your requirements and we'll do all the planning to make your Japan travel dreams come true.
But don't just take our word for it! Visit our blog here to read all about the travels of Peter & Suzy who took a tailormade wheelchair accessible trip with InsideJapan Tours.
Recommended Accessible Travel Experiences
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Kyoto craft centre
Try your hand at origami, ikebana flower arranging or calligraphy at this wheelchair accessible craft centre.
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Insider Experience: Izakaya night
Get the inside track on the Japanese gastropub on a fun-filled night out with one of our "Insiders".
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Tokyo Skytree
The magnificent, fully accessible 634 metre tower in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.
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Gion walking tour at dusk
Gion comes alive as night falls and the geisha go out to entertain at tea house parties.
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Taiko drumming lesson
Take a break from Tokyo sightseeing and beat a drum to your heart's content
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Half day private guide service in Tokyo (wheelchair accessible)
There is no better way to get to get that extra insight into Tokyo than to have the company of an expert local guide.
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Accessible Travel itineraries
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Wheelchair Accessible Golden Route (Classic)
Welcome to one of the most wheelchair-friendly countries in the world. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more on this exciting 10-night adventure.
Accessible Travel accommodation across Japan
Azumi Setoda (Onomichi)
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape
Intergate Hiroshima (Accessible Room) (Hiroshima)
This modern, stylish mid-range hotel is a great choice for your stay in Hiroshima.
Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Tokyo)
One of our favourite choices for family trips, the Mimaru offers self-catered apartment style accommodation in many of the major cities of Japan.
Shiba Park (Accesssible Room) (Tokyo)
The Shiba Park Hotel is a mid-range hotel in Tokyo's downtown area. What sets it apart is the hospitality and service of the staff who speak great English.
JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku (Accessible Room) (Tokyo)
Blossom Shinjuku is a lovely mid-range hotel in a great location just a short distance from JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
Daiwa Roynet Hachijo-Guchi (Accessible Room) (Kyoto)
The Daiwa Roynet is a modern Western-style hotel located just 5 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station's south exit.
Azumi Setoda (Onomichi)
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape. In awe of the building's strong condition despite its age, expert carpenters from Kyoto and architect Shiro Miura worked to breathe new life into the property, mixing traditional carpentry traits with contemporary amenities. Each of the guest rooms feature comfortable traditional bedding, a large deep-soaking cypress bath, their own small outdoor area, and highlight the use of traditional materials such as cedar, cypress, washi (Japanese paper screens), and granite.
Intergate Hiroshima (Accessible Room) (Hiroshima)
This modern, stylish mid-range hotel is a great choice for your stay in Hiroshima.
There is one 24sqm universal Hollywood twin room (two single beds joined together in the middle). As is often the case in Japan, there's no roll-in shower, but the entire bathroom is a wet room with a drain in the middle so you can take a shower outside of the bathtub. A shower chair with a back rest can be provided.
The breakfast buffet has a wide range of healthy Japanese and Western dishes including a regional seasonal menu. There isn't an on-site restaurant open for lunch or dinner, but handily there is a lounge with free snacks and drinks available all day, not to mention a daily Happy hour from 5 to 7pm with complimentary wine and cocktails - what's not to like?
The Intergate Hiroshima is a short walk from the nearest tram stop, Hatchobori, which provides direct access to Hiroshima Station and the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park.Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Tokyo)
One of our favourite choices for family trips, the Mimaru offers self-catered apartment style accommodation in many of the major cities of Japan.
Mimaru apartments are modern and stylish, and many have elements of traditional Japanese architecture such as sliding doors and tatami flooring. The apartments are furnished with multiple beds, a dining area, and fully equipped kitchenettes.
When staying at a Mimaru you'll feel like a local in no time!Shiba Park (Accesssible Room) (Tokyo)
The Shiba Park Hotel is a mid-range hotel in Tokyo's downtown area. What sets it apart is the hospitality and service of the staff who speak great English.
At the hotel's "Experience Salon" staff offer daily hands-on lessons in Japanese arts such as calligraphy and origami, for no extra charge. Location wise, the hotel is a short walk from Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple as well as numerous restaurants.
The barrier-free room is in the hotel's newer building, and is a 30sqm room with twin beds. There's ample space to move a wheelchair around, and a sliding door to the large bathroom with no step up. It's possible to take a shower outside the bathtub in the centre of the bathroom which has a drain in the floor.JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku (Accessible Room) (Tokyo)
Blossom Shinjuku is a lovely mid-range hotel in a great location just a short distance from JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
The hotel's "universal" room is a 25sqm twin with a large roll-in bathroom. There is no roll-in shower, but a shower chair can be placed next to the bathtub as there is a drain in the floor and the entire bathroom is waterproof. We've found the staff here to be very flexible and accommodating to disabled guests and they speak reasonable English.
Free wifi internet available throughout the hotel. There are a myriad dining options on your doorstep in Shinjuku, but should you prefer to eat in – the hotel's restaurant is a branch of the well-regarded Akasaka Umaya chain, and serves a range of Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as a good buffet breakfast.
In terms of location, you really couldn't be better placed to make the most of Japan's enthralling capital. The Shinjuku district is Tokyo's business and entertainment hub, with more bars, restaurants, shops and karaoke joints per square metre than pretty much anywhere else. What's more, you'll be staying right next to Shinjuku Station – which is not just the biggest and best-connected station in Japan, but the entire world. Tokyo is your oyster!Daiwa Roynet Hachijo-Guchi (Accessible Room) (Kyoto)
The Daiwa Roynet is a modern Western-style hotel located just 5 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station's south exit.
The hotel's accessible room is 28sqm and has twin beds that are 122x203 cm. The widened bathroom has a shower over the bathtub, so please note this hotel room might not be suitable for everyone. The hotel can provide a shower chair.
WiFi is free throughout the hotel and there are handy coin-operated washing machines. Breakfast is served in the on site Roynet Cafe.
Accessible Travel destinations across Japan
Kanazawa
A well-preserved historical city on the Japan Sea Coast, known for its famous Kenrokuen Garden.
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is an alpine castle town with a great academic, artistic and musical history.
Kyoto
Japan's capital of history & culture, with 17 World Heritage Sites and endless chances to explore.
Miyajima
Perhaps Japan's number one highlight view; sunset behind the 'floating' torii gate of Itsukushima
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