Access

Accessibility

Big-city Japan is mostly step-free. The best help comes from staff, so tell them where you're going.

What to know

Major stations, airports, hotels and newer shopping centers are generally easy to get around in a wheelchair. Elevators and ramps are still being added to public facilities.
Ask station staff to help you on and off the train. Tell them where you're getting off, and they'll make sure someone helps you there.
Bus drivers help wheelchair users on and off and make sure the ride is safe.
Most standard taxis can't take an electric wheelchair. Plan ahead or ask for advice.
On the Tokaido Shinkansen, wheelchair seats are booked by calling the station where you'll board. The automated phone menu is in Japanese only.
Some hotels offer accessible bathing facilities and assisted bathing. Some tourist sites rent wheelchairs.
Raised yellow tiles on sidewalks and platforms mark safe walking routes for visually impaired travelers.
A written-communication service is available for people who can't hear or speak.
For route planning, ecomo-rakuraku.jp maps barrier-free routes. Accessible Japan, a specialist resource, answers questions.

psst, show the station staff your destination written down. That's all they need to call ahead, and someone will meet you at the other end.