Accessible Japan Trips
- acrosbie57
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Recently, at our travel club we were discussing Japan. One of my work colleagues visited Japan a few years back so I caught up with him to do a Q&A about his trip.
Where in Japan did you visit
Visited Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Kyoto, in 2018
2. How did you get there from the UK
Latest trip was from Manchester to Haneda airport (Tokyo) via Helsinki.
Any attractions particularly accessible and worth visiting and places to avoid?
What to visit is very much what you want to see or do Osaka is Street food, and also a great castle, Kyoto which was the Japanese capital before Tokyo has 2,000+ temples, visit top sites like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera before 8:00 a.m. to avoid massive crowds, or explore lesser-known, quieter temples.
Tokyo is a real mix of Modern and ancient, Shinjuku has places like Piss Alley, AKA Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) which is street food Do not be put off by the name the food is good and cheap, golden gai which is around 100 tiny bars in a city block, a great Samurai Museum (£20 for around two hours guided in English). Shrines like Hanazono Shrine, and Naruko Tenjin Shrine. if you go to places like Meiji Jingu shrine where you can see the Treasure Museum. Toyko central has the imperial palace
What was the accommodation like for those with access needs
Japanese hotel room are normally on the small size and in places like the centre Tokyo the first bed room are on upper floors My last room was on the 10th floor and the restaurant was on floor -2, but generally are of a hight level than standard than most, tradition hotels will have a step into rooms
5. How easy is it to travel around the country
Urban Accessibility
Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama are generally very wheelchair-friendly. Most train stations, airports, and hotels are equipped with elevators, ramps, and accessible toilets, and about 95% of train stations are fully accessible. Sidewalks are smooth, and tactile paving helps visually impaired travelers navigate safely. Public transportation, including buses and trains, often has designated wheelchair spaces, and staff are usually available to assist. Modern shopping centers, theaters, and attractions are also designed with accessibility in mind.
Challenges in Older and Rural Areas
Accessibility can be limited in older neighborhoods, temples, shrines, and rural towns. Narrow doorways, gravel paths, stairs, and sloped approaches are common, making navigation difficult for larger wheelchairs. Some older train stations may have only partial accessibility, requiring detours or assistance. Small cafés, shops, and historic attractions may not have ramps or wide entrances, so planning ahead is essential.
Good website is Traveling With a Disability | Travel Japan | JNTO
You can also find out more about accessibility onboard Japan's famous bullet trains on the train operator websites
6. What was the food like?
I have a friend who is vegetarian, and he finds it hard to get food. He often has to look for Buddhist restaurants, but even then he may end up with dishes that include seafood seasoning. This is getting better in Bigger cities but plan ahead.
Japanese food and Meals
Breakfast
A traditional Japanese breakfast typically includes steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish (like salmon or mackerel), pickles, and sometimes natto (fermented soybeans) or tamagoyaki (rolled omelette). It's a more substantial meal than what many Westerners might consider standard breakfast fare, focusing on Savory flavours and providing sustained energy.
Lunch
In Japan, lunch options are diverse, ranging from convenient bentos to hearty set meals called "teishoku". Popular choices include ramen, sushi, and tempura. Many people also enjoy packed lunches (bentos) or grab quick meals from convenience stores.
1. Bento Boxes: A classic Japanese lunch, bentos are packed meals usually containing rice, protein, and various side dishes, often in a segmented box. They are readily available at convenience stores, train stations, and department store food halls.
2. Teishoku (Set Meals): These are complete meals served at restaurants, featuring a main dish (like tonkatsu or tempura), rice, miso soup, pickles, and a small salad.
3. Other popular lunch options:
Ramen:
A noodle soup dish, ramen is a quick and satisfying option, especially popular with office workers.
Sushi:
A light but filling choice, sushi is enjoyed for lunch due to its convenience and variety.
Tempura:
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, often served as part of a set meal.
Onigiri:
Rice balls, often filled with savory ingredients, are a convenient and popular lunch option.
Yakitori:
Grilled chicken skewers, often enjoyed with drinks, but also a good lunch option.
4. Convenience and Cost:
· Lunch is generally cheaper than dinner in Japan.
· Many people opt for bentos from convenience stores or supermarkets to save money.
· Supermarkets often offer discounted bentos at the end of the day.
Dinner in Japan
A typical Japanese dinner often includes rice, soup (like miso soup), pickles, salad, and a variety of protein and vegetable dishes served in separate small dishes. It's common to have one soup and three dishes alongside rice, a style known as "Ichijyu Sansai". Popular dinner options include sushi, ramen, tempura, and donburi (rice bowls).
Other useful areas
Hakone National Park
The Hakone National Park is located a short journey from Tokyo and is home to many traditional Japanese mountain scenes including views of Mt Fuji. Legend has it with the volcanic eggs you can add 7 years to your life by eating them
More info on Hakone is found on these websites
Hakuba
Hakuba is situated a short journey from Tokyo and is Japan's outdoor activities mecca. It has played host to the winter Olympics in 1998. This website contains more information
Comments