The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Tokyo, Japan Travel Guide

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to visit Tokyo, Japan. It’s a destination that has piqued my interest for years for numerous reasons. First, it seemed incredibly unique due to its many cafes and other attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. And secondly, I’ve only heard good things about accessibility in Japan. I have talked with many other wheelchair users about their experiences in Japan, and everyone raves about how inclusive and wheelchair accessible Tokyo is for people with disabilities. So, I was determined to find out for myself if Tokyo could actually live up to the hype. 

In October 2024, my mom, our friend Kayla, and I boarded a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). It was a loooong journey (over 14 hours), but I’m happy to say that it was well worth it. We spent about one week in Tokyo and we spent some days in Kyoto and Nara as well (read my wheelchair accessible Kyoto travel guide here), but in this article, I want to tell you all about our experiences in Tokyo. From visiting the DisneySea theme park to exploring iconic areas like Harajuku and Akihabara and checking out various cafes, our time in Tokyo was action-packed and we really tried to see as much as possible. 

When we started planning our Japan trip, we knew that we wanted to do a guided accessible tour instead of organizing everything ourselves. I contacted a few companies to inquire about wheelchair accessible tours and Inside Japan Tours seemed the most helpful, so we ultimately chose them to plan our trip. The team at Inside Japan Tours arranged our wheelchair-friendly hotels, accessible transportation, tickets to popular attractions, and they arranged knowledgeable private guides for our many day trips and excursions. They did a phenomenal job and made our time in Japan mostly stress-free. I would definitely recommend Inside Japan Tours if you’d like for someone else to handle the logistics. 

Now, let’s dive into what made our trip in Japan so spectacular! I’ll start by telling you about some of the best wheelchair accessible Tokyo attractions and things to do, then I’ll talk about accessible transportation options in Tokyo, and finally I’ll end by telling you all about the wonderful hotel we stayed at while in Tokyo. By the time you finish reading this wheelchair accessible Tokyo travel guide, you should be fully prepared to plan your own trip to this incredible city! 

Wheelchair Accessible Tokyo Japan Attractions & Things to Do

Tokyo has thousands of things to do and attractions to enjoy, and many of them are wheelchair accessible. While I didn’t have enough time to do everything the city has to offer (it would take years!!), I was able to discover some pretty awesome places. Twelve of my favorite wheelchair accessible Tokyo attractions and experiences are listed for you below –

Visit some of Tokyo’s accessible shrines and temples

Some reports say that there are more than 150,000 shrines and temples across Japan and just within Tokyo, there are thousands. In case you aren’t familiar, shrines are for the Shinto religion and temples are for the Buddhist religion. I couldn’t visit the thousands of shrines and temples in Tokyo, but I did visit one of the most accessible shrines and one of the most accessible temples, so I’d love to tell you about them. 

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Upon entering the grounds of this shrine, you will immediately escape the hustle-and-bustle surrounding the Meiji Jingu Shrine. I was so impressed with how scenic it was and I felt like I was in the middle of a beautiful forest. 

The shrine was completed in 1920, but today, Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as a symbol of the Meiji era and a reminder of Emperor Meiji’s legacy. It’s a place where people can come to pay their respects, learn about Japanese history, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. 

Accessibility at Meiji Jingu Shrine is excellent. There are smooth paths throughout and I was happy to see various ramps to easily access the shrine. Due to the great accessibility, I was able to fully enjoy my visit and I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Despite being over 100 years old, this shrine is wheelchair accessible, making it a must-visit in Tokyo. 

If you get hungry while you’re at Meiji Jingu Shrine, consider dining at Restaurant Yoyogi, which is on-site. I really enjoyed some shrimp tempura here and the restaurant had an accessible restroom as well. It was a really nice accessible restroom and quite spacious, so it was perfect for my needs. 

Now that you’ve visited a shrine, you need to visit a temple, and Sensoji Temple is definitely the one to check out if you’re a wheelchair user. It is an ancient Buddhist temple and it’s located in one of the city’s most popular areas, Asakusa. In this area, there are a lot of souvenir shops, so this could be a good place to find that perfect souvenir for your friends and family back home. 

Sensoji is actually the oldest temple in Tokyo, but they have made accessibility a priority in recent years. An elevator is available, so wheelchair users can go in the temple. I didn’t have enough time to go inside (I had a reservation right after this and was running late), so I just admired Sensoji from the outside. But I was very happy to see that an elevator was there. 

While you’re in Tokyo, both the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple are must-visits. They are both surprisingly wheelchair accessible, despite being older, and they’re just beautiful places to learn about and experience the culture of Japan. I would highly recommend visiting while you’re in the city. 

See the city from above at the Tokyo Skytree 

Tokyo is a beautiful city and one of the best ways to see its beauty is from above. There are several places where you can take in the views, but I chose to visit the Tokyo Skytree and I’m so glad I did. It’s fairly close to Sensoji Temple, so you could easily do them back-to-back to experience both ancient and modern Tokyo. 

At 2,080 feet tall, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest freestanding tower in the entire world and it’s the third tallest structure in the world. From the observation deck here, you can see the whole city and it really is a stunning sight. We stayed for about one hour admiring the views, but you could certainly stay longer. 

Tokyo Skytree is completely wheelchair accessible, as there are elevators to reach the observation deck and accessible restrooms are widely available. You can also borrow a wheelchair for your visit if you need one. Honestly, the only accessibility issue that I encountered was the massive number of people on the observation deck. It was so packed that it was challenging to find a viewpoint, but after fighting for a spot and squeezing in with my wheelchair, I was able to take in the views. 

If you would like to visit Tokyo Skytree, definitely get your tickets in advance. Tickets can be booked online 30 days before arrival and since this is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo, it frequently sells out. If you book your tickets as far in advance as possible though, you’re sure to enjoy this wheelchair accessible Tokyo attraction! 

It’s also worth noting that there is a large shopping mall at the base of Tokyo Skytree, so if you feel like shopping or want to grab some food, this is a great place to spend some time. The mall is called Sola Machi and you’ll find a mix of Japanese stores and more well-known stores like Disney, Calvin Klein, and Zara. 

Scramble across Shibuya Crossing

You have probably seen Shibuya Crossing in movies and TV shows, as it’s one of the most well-known places in Tokyo. However, nothing can prepare you for the sheer energy of being here in-person. It’s like a scene out of a movie, with thousands of people crossing the street in every direction. 

As I crossed the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world for the first time, I felt like I was in the middle of a human wave, and I couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement. An average of 3,000 people cross Shibuya at any time, so it is an incredibly busy place.

The crossing is surrounded by towering video screens and neon advertisements, creating a dazzling display of light and color. It’s a feast for the senses, and it’s easy to get lost in the moment. We spent about 30 minutes just watching the people and taking it all in.

I had a great time in Shibuya, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Tokyo. There are tons of shops and restaurants in this area, so you are sure to be entertained for as long as you wish. Shibuya is a vibrant and exciting place with something for everyone. 

Be served by robots at DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe

Visiting the DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe was one of the top things on my Tokyo bucket list, and after visiting, I can say that it absolutely surpassed my expectations. At this cafe, you will be served by robots. Cool, right? But what’s even cooler is that the robots in this cafe are controlled remotely by people with disabilities from their own homes. 

DAWN gives people with disabilities, many of whom are bedbound, a chance to work through these remarkable robots. It’s such a brilliant concept and it really showed me just how inclusive society can be with some creativity. 

For your visit to the DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe, you do not need a reservation to enjoy a drink at the bar or via the tele-barista (a robotic barista that will serve your favorite coffee drinks). However, if you’d like to enjoy a full meal, you do need reservations for the “Orihime Diner”. Reservations can be made starting about 60 days in advance of your visit. 

At our dinner table, there was a small robot and it was controlled by a person with a disability in Belgium (she was originally from Japan though). Via the robot, she took our orders and talked to us throughout the meal. She could see us, but we could only see a photo of her. It was wonderful learning about her and talking with her about our travels in Japan. 

Once our food was ready, a larger robot brought it to our table and we were able to chat with the person controlling it as well. I enjoyed a shrimp & avocado sandwich with soup, and my mom and Kayla had pizza. Everything was delicious! 

In terms of accessibility, DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe has thought of everything. It’s very wheelchair accessible and the accessible companion care restroom is one of the best I’ve seen. It even had an adult-sized changing table. I was so impressed with the accessibility in this cafe and it is a shining example of what inclusion can look like. 

If you will be in Tokyo, visiting the DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe should be at the top of your to-do list. By far, it’s the most unique cafe I’ve ever visited and I have never felt more welcomed. This cafe truly is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been… and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. 

Explore the iconic Harajuku area 

Harajuku is one of the most vibrant districts in Tokyo. It is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience. The area can certainly be crowded, especially on weekends, but it is a fascinating destination that’s worth exploring.

One of the most famous streets in Harajuku is Takeshita Street. It stretches for about a quarter of a mile and is closed off to vehicles during the day, making it perfect for pedestrians. The street is lined with quirky shops, selling everything from trendy clothing to colorful accessories. While many of the shops are difficult to access with a wheelchair due to narrow aisles and steps to enter, I was able to find several great accessible shops during my time in Harajuku. 

In addition to the many shops, food is a major draw in Harajuku as well. Along with the numerous cafes and restaurants, you’ll find unique street food vendors offering everything from crepes to takoyaki. One of the most iconic treats in Harajuku is the colorful candy-coated fruits, like strawberries and grapes. Rainbow cotton candy is another popular treat! 

Harajuku is known for its youth culture and fashion, and it offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all abilities. While some areas may be more challenging to navigate, with a little planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy the vibrant culture and delicious food that this district has to offer. 

Become a ninja (and enjoy dinner) at Ninja Tokyo

If you’re looking for the ultimate dining experience in Tokyo, look no further than Ninja Tokyo! Here, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and be served by ninjas, which will perform magic tricks and teach you how to become a ninja throughout the process. 

Upon arrival to Ninja Tokyo, I was told that the main entrance wasn’t wheelchair accessible. By going through the main entrance, you need to walk up and down a few steps, and walk over a trap door. However, an alternate entrance is accessible, so while my mom and Kayla risked life and limb by going over trap doors, a friendly ninja guided me to the accessible entrance. I was able to meet back up with my mom and Kayla at our dining table just a few minutes later. 

The entire restaurant is perfectly designed to make you feel like you are in a ninja’s cave or a secret hiding spot. It was really cool to see everything and all of the waiters and waitresses are dressed as ninjas, so it really felt like we were in an incredibly unique place. In terms of the food, most of it was really good. We had steak, potatoes, dessert, and more. I also had some sake with my meal. 

A ninja brought out each course and performed some kind of illusion or magic trick with each course. Some of them were mind blowing, to be honest, but the ninjas made us promise to not tell any specifics about the magic tricks, so you’ll just have to dine at Ninja Tokyo for yourself to experience what it’s like. 

In total, this dinner experience took about 2.5 hours, but it was thoroughly entertaining and I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. If you would like to dine at Ninja Tokyo, just be sure to get reservations ahead of time on their website. 

Spend the day at Tokyo DisneySea 

If you’ve followed my adventures for any amount of time, then you probably know that I’m a Disney addict. I visit Walt Disney World in Florida a couple times per year and I love Disneyland in California as well, so I knew that I had to visit Japan’s version while in Tokyo! 

There are two parks in Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Disneyland has many of the same rides and attractions as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland (in the U.S.), and the DisneySea theme park is more unique with rides, shows, eateries, and more that can only be found in Tokyo. So, we chose to spend a full day at the DisneySea theme park during our trip and we opted to skip Tokyo Disneyland.

We rode the metro from our hotel in Tokyo to Disney, and then we rode Disney’s monorail from the metro station to DisneySea. The monorail was wheelchair accessible, but I did request a ramp to bridge the gap between the platform and the monorail. You can request the ramp by speaking with any of the monorail employees. 

Once at DisneySea, I was excited to experience all of the Disney magic! One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the different themed ports of call. From the Mediterranean Harbor to the Arabian Coast, each area is meticulously designed and offers a unique immersive experience. The pathways throughout the park are wide and smooth, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair, and there are plenty of benches and rest areas along the way. 

I tried to enjoy some of the rides, but was disappointed to learn that unless you can independently get off the ride in the event of an emergency (without the assistance of anyone you’re traveling with), you cannot get on any ride. So basically what that means is that if you can’t walk off the ride, you can’t ride. It was definitely disappointing because some of the rides, like Toy Story Mania, said they’re wheelchair accessible, but they still wouldn’t let me actually get on the ride. 

While I couldn’t ride anything at DisneySea, I was able to enjoy a show called “Big Band Beat”. I had a great view of the stage from the wheelchair accessible seating area and the show was thoroughly entertaining. For the shows, it is best to reserve your seat at them in advance of your visit to the park. Otherwise, you have to enter a “lottery” and you may not get to see the show. We didn’t know that shows had a reservation process, so we had to go through the lottery system and we actually lost. Eventually though, I talked one of the workers into letting us see Big Band Beat, but they absolutely would not allow us to see any other shows on the day that we were at DisneySea. 

Many aspects of DisneySea were a letdown as a wheelchair user, but overall, I still enjoyed my visit. I loved trying all of the unique foods in the park, including Toy Story mochi, the Donald Duck ukiwa bun (filled with shrimp), and all of the different kinds of popcorn throughout the park. You’ll find incredibly unique flavors of popcorn, such as curry popcorn, black pepper popcorn, and soy sauce popcorn, to name a few. Since I couldn’t ride any of the rides, my day at DisneySea turned into a foodie adventure for me and I actually really enjoyed it. 

I also met a lot of characters at DisneySea, including Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, and Goofy, and people-watching was one of my favorite activities of the day. Japanese visitors go ALL OUT with the costumes that they wear to DisneySea, so it was fun to see many of the outfits. Honestly, it felt like I was at a fashion show as I rolled throughout the park. 

While I probably wouldn’t return to DisneySea on a future trip to Tokyo, due to the lack of accessibility for rides, I am glad that I visited. It was a fun day and I was still able to find the Disney magic, even though DisneySea wasn’t as wheelchair accessible as the U.S. parks. If you’re in Tokyo as a wheelchair user and you’re a Disney addict like me, I think you can have an enjoyable experience in the park as long as you know what to expect. 

Be immersed in art at teamLab Borderless

teamLab Borderless in Tokyo is an immersive digital art museum that truly lives up to its name. Forget traditional white walls and roped-off exhibits because here, the art spills out beyond frames, flows freely between rooms, and interacts with visitors in mesmerizing ways. I was in awe throughout my entire visit and just couldn’t believe what I was experiencing. 

What blew me away about teamLab Borderless was how it totally immersed you in the experience. It’s not just about what you see, but what you hear and even feel. Everywhere you look, there are colors and patterns swirling around, and the music adds to the whole vibe. I was literally rolling through fields of digital flowers, chasing waterfalls down the walls, and even becoming part of the art itself! It’s like a giant playground for adults, and because there are no ropes or barriers, you really feel free to explore and just let your imagination run wild.

As a wheelchair user, I was delighted to find the entirety of teamLab Borderless incredibly accessible. Wide ramps, spacious elevators, and thoughtfully designed pathways ensured I could smoothly navigate from room-to-room and fully immerse myself in the experience. I was also happy to find a great companion care restroom on-site! 

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, teamLab Borderless is a must-visit in Tokyo. Just be sure to allow plenty of time, as it’s easy to get lost in the magic of this digital wonderland. We stayed for approximately two hours, but could’ve easily stayed longer. 

I would highly recommend getting your tickets for teamLab Borderless in advance of your visit on their website. As one of the best wheelchair accessible Tokyo attractions, it is extremely popular and can frequently sell out, so book your tickets as far in advance as possible.  

Enjoy anime, maid cafes, and more in Akihabara

The Akihabara district in Tokyo is sensory overload! It’s like stepping/rolling into another world, one that’s overflowing with anime, manga, and electronics. If you are a fan of anime, this area should be a must-visit! But honestly, I don’t know anything about anime or manga and I still highly enjoyed my time in Akihabara. 

As a wheelchair user, I was a little worried about how accessible this area would be, but I was pleasantly surprised for the most part. Most of the main streets were pretty accessible with smooth curb cuts and wide sidewalks, and many of the shops had ramps or elevators. Of course, there were plenty of shops that weren’t wheelchair accessible, but I found several fun things to do during my time in Akihabara. 

One of my first stops was Game Panic Akihabara. This place is a gamer’s paradise! They have walls upon walls of classic games, consoles, and accessories. I was like a kid in a candy store playing various games, and I especially liked trying my hand at some of the claw machines. The aisles were a little narrow in some spots, but I was able to maneuver my wheelchair without too much trouble. Game Panic has nine levels and an elevator is available, so I could reach every floor. 

After playing some games, we headed down the street further to Don Quijote, or “Donki” as the locals call it. This place is basically a giant discount store with everything under the sun, from groceries and electronics to cosplay outfits and quirky souvenirs. It’s a bit of a maze inside, but that’s part of the fun. I found some cool anime merch and even picked up a few snacks, including many wildly flavored KitKats. 

Don Quijote is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator to access the various floors, but the elevator is located in a “staff only” area. If you need to use the elevator, just let one of the workers know and they will escort you to it. Once inside, some of the aisles are quite narrow, but I still managed to get around and enjoy a bit of a shopping spree. 

No trip to Akihabara is complete without a visit to one of the area’s famous maid cafe. I decided to check out Maidreamin, and it was definitely an experience! To enter Maidreamin, they provided a portable ramp, so just request it upon arrival if you need the ramp. 

The maids were super friendly and welcoming, and they made sure I had a comfortable spot at a table with plenty of space for my wheelchair. The whole performance aspect was a bit over-the-top, but it was all in good fun. They even sang me a special song and we had some drinks. It was a unique cultural experience, and I’m glad I got to experience it in Akihabara. 

Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s most unique areas and offers so much to do and see. We spent about four hours wandering around Akihabara trying to see as much as we could, but I would honestly plan for more time on a future trip, as this is a fun area that you shouldn’t rush through. You’ll want to have plenty of time to enjoy all of the unique offerings in Akihabara. 

Taste your way around Tokyo on a ramen tour

The city of Tokyo has over 8,000 ramen shops, so you’ll have plenty of chances to try this delicious food during your trip. However, for the ultimate ramen experience, you can go on a ramen tasting tour. I love ramen and wanted to try as many different varieties of it as possible while in Tokyo, so we booked a tour with Tokyo Ramen Tours. 

My mom, Kayla, and I met our guide at a designated spot for our private tour. This tour lasted about 3.5 hours and took us all over the city, trying ramen at three of Tokyo’s best ramen shops. The tour was wheelchair accessible, but you do need to let the tour company know in advance if you use a wheelchair. They will plan the route and ramen shops accordingly. 

During our ramen tasting tour, we visited three different ramen shops and learned about how ramen is made, the different kinds of ramen, and how different regions of Japan make ramen in their own unique ways. It was fascinating to learn about ramen and hear from our guide why it’s such a special dish in Japan. I certainly gained a greater appreciation for ramen during this tour. 

While we learned a lot, the best part of the tour was eating the ramen, of course. At each restaurant, we were given a menu with four different options. Each option was thoroughly explained and then we could choose two kinds of ramen to try. In total, each of us had six mini bowls of ramen (two at each restaurant). Each bowl was unique, full of flavor, and out-of-this-world delicious! Some of my favorite bowls included a spicy miso ramen, an Italian fusion ramen with pesto, and a chili oil ramen, which had just the right amount of spice. 

If you are looking for a fun food experience in Tokyo and you like ramen, a tour with Tokyo Ramen Tours is the perfect way to enjoy the city. And honestly, even if you aren’t currently a huge fan of ramen, I’m sure you’ll love it by the end of this tour. I’m thoroughly convinced that it could make a fan out of anyone! 

Nerd out at the Harry Potter Cafe

I have been a huge fan of Harry Potter since I was eight years old. I read all of the books, saw all of the movies on opening day, and I’ve visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort multiple times. So, as soon as I learned that there is a Harry Potter Cafe in Tokyo, I knew that I had to check it out during my trip. 

As soon as we arrived, we noticed a huge Harry Potter gift shop and decided to browse around before our reservation time at the cafe. The shop had every Harry Potter item that you can possibly imagine and it was fully wheelchair accessible. There was a ramp inside the shop to access another level and it was a bit steep, but my wheelchair handled it well. 

Now that I had bought as much as humanly possible in the gift shop, it was time for our reservation at the Harry Potter Cafe. We met up with Josh Grisdale, who runs Accessible Japan and TabiFolk, and his friend, and it was so nice to finally meet after following Josh online for years. I also used his website a lot in the planning process for our trip to Japan, so I was glad they could join us at the Harry Potter Cafe.

The cafe was exquisitely designed and I really felt like I was in the world of Harry Potter. The cafe had themed food and drinks to choose from, and I wanted to try it all, but I ended up choosing the Hedwig cake to eat (it really looked like Hedwig the owl!) and the Expecto Patronum drink. Both items were really good and if you’d like a larger meal, there are a variety of options. 

If you would like to dine at the Harry Potter Cafe while in Tokyo, be sure to get a reservation ahead of your visit. This cafe is quite popular, but for good reason. If you are a Harry Potter fan like me, I’m sure you’ll absolutely love your experience here. 

Meet owls (and other animals) at Oz Owl Cafe

From capybara cafes to pig cafes to cat cafes and more, there are many animal cafes in Tokyo. However, as I researched, I realized that not many of them are wheelchair accessible, unfortunately. But luckily, I finally discovered the Oz Owl Cafe online and realized that it is accessible, so we decided to visit while we were in Tokyo. 

At the Oz Owl Cafe, you can meet a variety of animals, including many owls. It costs 2,000 yen per person (about $13) and for that price, you get a drink and can interact with the animals for 60 minutes. If you’d like additional time, it costs extra, but in my opinion, 60 minutes is plenty. 

My power wheelchair actually couldn’t fit in the room where all of the owls are, so one of the kind staff members brought each owl to me one-by-one. I was able to pet them and learn about each one, which was so much fun. The owls were beautiful and a couple of them seemed to be fascinated by my wheelchair, intently watching my every move. 

In addition to the owls, you can also meet and hold a snake, a sugar glider, an iguana, and a hedgehog. I held the hedgehog, iguana, and sugar glider, but happily opted to skip the snake. Before visiting Oz Owl Cafe, I thought they only had owls, so I was really excited that some other animals were available as well. 

We had such a fun experience at Oz Owl Cafe and I was thrilled that we were able to find a wheelchair accessible animal cafe in Tokyo. If you’d like to meet and interact with some cute animals in the city, I would absolutely recommend this cafe. You can make a reservation online in advance of your visit. 

Wheelchair Accessible Transportation in Tokyo

Tokyo, once considered a challenging city for wheelchair users, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Today, it boasts a public transportation system that is increasingly accessible, allowing everyone to experience the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Tokyo. While there’s still room for improvement, the city’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in the numerous accessible features available on the metro and in the growing number of wheelchair accessible Tokyo taxis. I have also heard good things about the bus system in Tokyo, but I didn’t get a chance to try it out. 

Inside Japan Tours did arrange some of our accessible transportation within the city, including our transfers from/to the airport, but otherwise we depended on public transportation. We were all highly impressed by how easy it was to navigate! 

Tokyo Metro

The Tokyo Metro, the city’s extensive subway network, has made significant strides in becoming wheelchair friendly. Most stations now feature elevators and ramps, making it possible for wheelchair users to navigate platforms and access trains with ease. However, it’s important to remember that not all stations are fully accessible, especially older ones built before accessibility standards were widely adopted.

To ensure a smooth journey, it’s crucial to plan your trip in advance. The Tokyo Metro website and app provide detailed accessibility information for each station, including the location of elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. These resources also allow you to map out barrier-free routes, ensuring a hassle-free commute. I also found the information on Google Maps to be accurate if you just choose the “accessible route” option. 

When traveling on the metro, don’t hesitate to inform station staff of your needs. They are trained to assist passengers with disabilities and can provide guidance on navigating the station, boarding the train, and finding your way to the correct exit. Many stations also have designated waiting areas for wheelchair users, offering a comfortable space to wait for your train.

Most of the metro trains have a small gap between the platform and the metro, but I always told the staff that I needed a ramp to board the trains and they were happy to provide it. You can request the ramp to bridge the gap as soon as you enter a metro station. 

Accessible Taxis in Tokyo 

Beyond the metro, Tokyo offers a growing number of accessible taxis, providing a convenient and comfortable way for wheelchair users to travel around the city. These taxis are specially designed with ramps or lifts, allowing for easy entry and exit for passengers in wheelchairs.

One popular model is the “JapanTaxi,” a spacious vehicle modeled after London’s iconic black cabs. These taxis can accommodate one wheelchair user and a companion, ensuring a comfortable and convenient ride. You can hail these taxis on the street or book them in advance through the JapanTaxi app.

In addition to JapanTaxi, other taxi companies in Tokyo offer accessible vehicles. It’s advisable to call ahead and book your ride to ensure availability, especially during peak hours. One company that has a variety of wheelchair accessible taxis in Tokyo is City Cab Tokyo and you can learn more on their website here.

With careful planning and the utilization of available resources, wheelchair users can navigate Tokyo with ease and enjoy all that this dynamic city has to offer. 

Where to Stay: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome

While in Tokyo, we stayed at The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome and it was a perfect base for our time in the city. One of my favorite things about this hotel was its location. It was near multiple restaurants, metro stations, and had a few different restaurants on-site as well. 

In our wheelchair accessible room, there were three single beds. They were about 20 inches tall, but housekeeping added an extra mattress to one bed to make it taller for me, which was great. The staff at this hotel were very friendly and wanted to accommodate my needs as much as possible. The room was also spacious, so I could easily maneuver throughout the room. 

In our bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, a bathtub, and a roll-in shower with smooth entry. A shower seat was provided in the roll-in shower and there was a handheld shower wand. The bathroom worked perfectly for my accessibility needs. 

When I’m back in Tokyo, I will likely stay at The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome again. I was really impressed with this hotel and couldn’t have asked for better accessibility. If you would like to learn more about this wheelchair accessible Tokyo hotel or book a stay of your own, just click here. 

As you embark on your own wheelchair accessible Tokyo adventure, remember that this travel guide is just the beginning. My hope is that it has sparked your excitement and empowered you to explore this incredible city with confidence. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and connect with the welcoming people of Tokyo. 

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