Practical tips for accessible travel in Japan
Japan is, in many respects, a remarkably accessible country. The train system is punctual and well-signed, most major stations have lifts, and the culture of attentive service means that asking for help is rarely awkward. But there are also genuine challenges, particularly in older buildings and rural areas, that are worth knowing about before you travel.
Trains and stations
The shinkansen is one of the most accessible long-distance trains in the world. Wheelchair spaces are available in every car, the platforms are level with the train doors, and staff assistance at stations is available if requested in advance through the railway's support service.
Local trains and rural lines are more variable. Some older trains have a step between the platform and the carriage. Station lifts exist at most major stations but are not universal at smaller rural stops. When we plan an itinerary, we check the specific stations on the route and note where assistance will be needed.
- Book wheelchair spaces on shinkansen at least a week in advance
- Request station staff assistance (ekiin saabisu) when buying tickets
- Allow extra time at transfer stations. Some connections are tight
- Taxis in Japan are generally accessible and drivers are helpful
Ryokan and tatami rooms
The traditional tatami room with a futon on the floor is beautiful and also genuinely difficult for anyone with knee or hip problems. Most ryokan that we work with can provide a raised bed frame on request, which lifts the sleeping surface to a more manageable height. This needs to be requested at the time of booking, not on arrival.
Bathroom access in older ryokan is the other main consideration. The step into the bathroom, the depth of the soaking tub, and the presence or absence of grab rails vary significantly between properties. We note all of these details for every ryokan we recommend.
Onsen access
Most onsen require guests to walk from the changing room to the bath on a wet floor, which can be slippery. Rubber sandals are usually provided and should be worn. The entry into the bath itself. Stepping over a low wall and lowering into the water. Is the moment that requires the most care.
Several ryokan now offer private onsen rooms (kashikiri buro) that can be booked by the hour. These are ideal for travellers who want the onsen experience without the shared facility, and they give you more time and space to manage the entry and exit at your own pace.
Accessible travel in Japan is very much possible with the right preparation. The key is asking the right questions before you book rather than hoping things will work out on arrival. We are happy to go through the specifics of any itinerary with you.