To be honest, I didn’t know much (and by “much”, I mean ANYTHING) about Kyoto until I started planning my recent trip to Japan. Growing up, I dreamed of visiting Tokyo, which I was able to spend some time in before and after my few days in Kyoto (read my wheelchair accessible Tokyo travel guide here), but Kyoto was just never really on my wish list. However, as I researched cities in Japan in the months leading up to my trip, I was intrigued by Kyoto’s offerings.
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is known as “the land of 10,000 temples” even though it actually has a bit less than 2,000, but the city offers much more than temples and religious sites. There are a plethora of wheelchair accessible Kyoto attractions and things to do, and during my few days in the city, I tried to experience as much as possible. From attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to rolling through a bamboo forest and even taking a day trip to Nara and hand-feeding hundreds of deer, Kyoto absolutely blew me away and I’m not sure if I enjoyed Tokyo or Kyoto more, as they were both equally amazing.

My mom, our friend Kayla, and I spent three nights in Kyoto and we took the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The train ride only took about two hours and it was very wheelchair-friendly. We were in an accessible private room on the train, which was a bit small, but it worked perfectly for us. A wheelchair accessible restroom was just across from our room as well, which was great. The company Inside Japan Tours arranged our entire trip in Japan, including booking the Shinkansen bullet train for us, and they did a fantastic job. I’d certainly recommend checking out Inside Japan Tours for your own wheelchair accessible Japan getaway!


Below, I’ll start by telling you about some of my favorite accessible things to do in Kyoto, then I’ll tell you all about my wheelchair accessible day trip to Nara, and I’ll let you know about the hotel we stayed at toward the end of this article. By the time you finish reading this, you should be well prepared for your own trip to Kyoto as a wheelchair user. Without further ado, here is my wheelchair accessible guide to Kyoto, Japan!
Wheelchair Accessible Kyoto Attractions & Things to Do
There are a variety of wheelchair accessible things to do in Kyoto, so it’s important to do thorough research ahead of your trip. Figure out what you’d like to see and plan on it, but be sure to leave some free time in your itinerary for exploration. Here are some ideas of accessible things to do to get you started!
Attend a traditional tea ceremony
Any time I travel, I love participating in local cultural experiences. In Japan, tea is a huge part of the culture and way of life, so when I learned that it was possible to attend a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, I really wanted to do it. Immediately, I told Inside Japan Tours and they checked on the accessibility of the activity. Luckily, attending a tea ceremony is completely possible as a wheelchair user!

In Kyoto, you can attend a tea ceremony at WAK JAPAN. We booked a private tea ceremony, which lasted one hour. Over the course of that hour, we learned why tea is such an important part of Japanese culture, the benefits of drinking tea, and our instructor taught us how to properly make a cup of tea.
There is an art to making tea in Japan, but thanks to the instructor’s assistance, we finally mastered it and were able to enjoy some matcha. Usually, I’m not a fan of matcha, but it was really good here and I tremendously enjoyed drinking it. I even bought some matcha at the end of the tea ceremony.

In terms of accessibility, a wooden ramp was set up for me at WAK JAPAN and while it was quite steep, I was able to use it to get inside. Once inside, they had a table for me and I was able to partake in the full tea ceremony experience.

The traditional tea ceremony was so much fun to attend and I would highly encourage you to do it if you’ll be in Kyoto. Whether you are a big tea drinker or not, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it because it was a fascinating experience and one of my favorite wheelchair accessible Kyoto activities.
See the towering bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Rolling through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in my wheelchair was like entering another world. The paved path wound through towering stalks of bamboo and I was in awe. The bamboo grove is located only about 20 minutes from downtown Kyoto, so it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the area!

Before visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, I was a little concerned about navigating the path in my wheelchair, but it was extremely accessible. The smooth, paved surface made for easy rolling, and there were only a few gentle slopes to contend with. It was wonderful to be able to experience this beautiful place without worrying about accessibility barriers. Of course, there were moments where the path narrowed and I had to be mindful of other visitors, but everyone was considerate and made space for me to pass.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is tremendously popular, so it gets packed with people. If you can, go as early as possible to avoid the large crowds. We got there at about 10am and it was already packed, but we still had a nice visit and managed to get some good photos.

We left the peaceful bamboo grove after about 40 minutes and rejoined the vibrant streets of Arashiyama. In Arashiyama, there are a variety of charming shops and cafes where you can enjoy local crafts and delicious treats. I loved shopping around for a while and was happy to find some wheelchair accessible shops. Unfortunately, not all shops are accessible in this area, but there were multiple shops that I could visit, so I was able to snag some souvenirs.

If you are planning to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, plan to be in the area for a couple hours. You can get through the bamboo grove in 30-45 minutes, but you’ll want plenty of time to explore Arashiyama’s shops and eateries as well. This is a vibrant area with a lot to offer and it’s one of the best places near Kyoto.
Explore two of Kyoto’s accessible temples
The city of Kyoto has a little less than 2,000 temples and while it’d be impossible to visit them all in one trip, I did have a chance to visit two of Kyoto’s most wheelchair accessible temples. If you will be in the city as a wheelchair user, be sure to check these out:
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple – This Buddhist temple is home to the world’s largest wooden roof and the sheer scale of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto took my breath away. Even before entering, the massive wooden Goei-do Hall was impressive with its intricate carvings hinting at the grandeur within.

As a wheelchair user, I was pleased to find that Higashi Hongan-ji is remarkably accessible. Smooth, wide pathways made it easy to navigate the temple grounds, and ramps were thoughtfully placed wherever needed. I was able to explore the main halls and corridors with ease, appreciating the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. It was truly empowering to experience such a significant historical and religious site without encountering any barriers.

While the temple’s size might seem intimidating at first, the accessible design allowed me to fully immerse myself in its beauty and spirituality. Every aspect of Higashi Hongan-ji seemed designed to inspire contemplation and reflection. It’s a place I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto, regardless of their mobility.

Chionin Temple – Approaching Chionin Temple in Kyoto, I was immediately struck by the scale of its massive Sanmon gate, the largest wooden gate in the world. As I navigated the temple grounds in my wheelchair, I was thankful for the wide, paved paths that made it easy to maneuver. The overall accessibility was impressive, allowing me to fully appreciate the grandeur of this important Buddhist site.

One of the highlights was the expansive courtyard leading to the main hall. The smooth, flat surface allowed me to effortlessly roll through the space, taking in the atmosphere and the architecture. I was particularly fascinated by the intricate details of the Mieido Hall, dedicated to Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.

My visit to Chionin Temple was a memorable experience. The temple’s commitment to accessibility allowed me to explore much of this historical and spiritual site. From the grand Sanmon gate to the peaceful courtyards, Chionin offered a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, proving that ancient traditions and modern accessibility can coexist beautifully.
Shop till you drop at the Teramachi Shopping Arcade
If you are looking for the ultimate place to do some shopping in Kyoto, look no further than the Teramachi Shopping Arcade. We visited this shopping paradise for about two hours and found some great items and souvenirs.

The Teramachi Shopping Arcade is along a paved pedestrian street and there are hundreds of shops and eateries to choose from. Honestly, I never thought the street would end because there were so many shops! The entire street is covered as well, so this could even be a nice activity on a rainy day.
Many of the shops had a single step to get inside, but I also found a variety of wheelchair accessible shops. This was a lively area and I had a lot of fun meandering around the Teramachi Shopping Arcade for a while. If you’re a fan of shopping or just want to grab some souvenirs for friends and family back home, this is certainly the place to visit in Kyoto!
Roll through the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
If you look up Kyoto online, I can almost guarantee that the first images you’ll see will be of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is undoubtedly the most popular place to visit in Kyoto and for good reason! It is very unique and absolutely beautiful, and luckily, it’s partly wheelchair accessible.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that wind up the mountain. Wheelchair users will not be able to roll through all of the torii gates, but the beginning of the route is accessible and I was able to visit the first two shrines. It’s fully paved as well, so it was a smooth ride.

There are some fairly steep ramps at the start of the path, but I was able to navigate them easily in my powered wheelchair. If you use a manual wheelchair, you may need a little bit of assistance. There is an elevator that you’ll need to use as well, but please note that the elevator is only available from 9am-3pm, so you do need to visit during those hours if you use a wheelchair.

This Shinto shrine is a special place and after visiting, I could totally see why it’s so popular. It was founded in the early 700s, making it one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines. If you’re visiting Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine should be at the top of your list of places to visit!
See the city from above at Kyoto Tower
To truly appreciate the beauty of Kyoto, you need to see it from above. And you can do just that at Kyoto Tower! From the top of this iconic landmark, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the entire city and it is an amazing sight!

When you are on the observation deck of Kyoto Tower, you will be 328 feet high. To actually get to the observation deck, there are elevators and a stair climber lift. I’m usually a bit nervous about using stair climber lifts, but this one was great. It easily held my powered wheelchair and I (about 550 lbs in total).

Once I reached the observation deck, I was able to take in the stunning views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The observation deck was completely indoors and offered 360-degree views all the way around. I could see all of Kyoto and definitely gained a greater appreciation for the city.

Admission to Kyoto Tower only costs about $5 per adult. If you visit, be sure to check out the food hall at the bottom of the tower as well. We found some really delicious foods here, including desserts and some of the best tempura shrimp I’ve ever eaten.
A Wheelchair Accessible Nara, Japan Day Trip
The city of Nara, Japan is located just one hour from Kyoto, so it is a perfect day trip destination. In fact, our day trip to Nara might have been my favorite day of our entire two weeks in Japan. Inside Japan Tours arranged our entire day trip, including accessible transportation, so it was an stress-free adventure. We had so much fun and discovered that Nara has a lot to offer in terms of accessible things to do!
Visit the incredible Horyuji Temple
The Buddhist temple of Horyuji is located in Nara and it was one of the most beautiful temples that I visited while in Japan. One thing that makes this temple really unique is that it houses the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures, so there is a lot of history to experience and appreciate here.

Horyuji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan (we’re talking 7th century!) and I was blown away by the intricate details and craftsmanship. Most impressive to me was the five-story pagoda, but there are so many remarkable things to see at Horyuji. It’s so remarkable that it was actually the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan! How cool is that?!

Wheelchair accessibility at Horyuji Temple was pretty good for the most part. Ramps were available at the entrance, but they were quite steep. My powered wheelchair handled them fine, but they were certainly steep, so just be sure to have someone with you to assist if needed. Once inside the Horyuji complex, smooth paved paths were throughout and I rolled around very easily.

Every building at Horyuji wasn’t fully wheelchair accessible, but I was able to experience enough that I felt like it was a worthwhile visit. We stayed at Horyuji for a couple hours, but you could certainly stay longer, as there is a lot to see here. We visited multiple temples while in Japan, and we all agreed that this might’ve been the most impressive one.
Hand-feed the deer in Nara Park
Without a doubt, visiting Nara Park is why I wanted to visit Nara, and for one particular reason… so that I could hand-feed deer! That’s right, you can hand-feed deer in Nara and it is one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.

Historically, the deer in Nara were considered divine messengers and they are still sacred today. There are approximately 1,200 deer in Nara and they’re completely free to roam throughout the city as they wish. You’ll definitely see them all over Nara Park, but if you’re up for it, you can feed them.

Special crackers are for sale (they’re very cheap!) and I bought quite a lot of them to feed the deer. It’s fascinating, but when you go up to a deer with a cracker in your hand, the deer will actually bow for it to signal that they want a cracker. It’s wild, but over time, the deer have learned to do this.

I enjoyed feeding the deer so much and I was only bitten twice (it didn’t hurt), so I consider myself pretty lucky. Honestly though, watch your back as you’re feeding them because some of the deer can be sort of aggressive. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings though, you should have a memorable experience with the deer of Nara.
Watch the short video below to see my experience feeding the deer in Nara!
Be in awe of the giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple
Within walking/rolling distance of where we fed the deer in Nara Park was Todai-ji Temple. Immediately upon arriving to the temple, I was awestruck by the size of the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall). It’s huge, and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world!

Even before entering the building, I could tell this place was special. The massive bronze Buddha statue inside is famous (it’s the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha!), and I was excited to see it up-close. Thankfully, the temple is quite accessible, with ramps leading up to the hall and plenty of space to move around inside.

Once inside, I was speechless. The sheer scale of the Buddha statue is incredible, and the hall itself is filled with an air of peace and reverence. I wheeled around the statue, taking in every detail of its design. The accessible pathways allowed me to get up close and appreciate the statue from different angles, something I really appreciated.


Todai-ji is more than just a big Buddha, though. The temple grounds are beautiful and peaceful, with other historic buildings and lovely gardens to explore. It’s definitely a must-see for any visitor to Nara, and I’m glad I was able to experience its grandeur and spirituality firsthand.
View Nara from the top of Mount Wakakusa
To end our time in Nara, we wanted to take in the scenic views from the top of Mount Wakakusa. The drive to the top was relatively easy with paved and smooth roads, but it was certainly curvy. Once we reached the top though, it was well worth the journey.
From the parking area to the overlook, it was about a fifteen minute walk/roll. There was a bit of an incline, but I was happy that it was paved and smooth for the most part. As we got closer to the overlook, the path got a little bumpier, but it wasn’t too rough and luckily, the bumpier parts didn’t last very long.

When we reached the overlook, the views were incredible! We could see all of Nara and there were even many deer wandering around at the overlook as well. It was a beautiful experience and the perfect ending to our day trip in Nara, Japan.

Where to Stay: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
During our three nights in wheelchair accessible Kyoto, we stayed at Hotel Granvia. This hotel is located in Kyoto Station, the main train station in the city, so it was an extremely convenient location for us. Within Kyoto Station, there are hundreds of shops and restaurants, so we had a plethora of options right at our doorstep.
We stayed in a universally accessible room and it had three single beds. The room was spacious enough for us, but upon arrival, I noticed that the beds were too low for me to transfer into. We told the receptionist about this issue and within an hour, they raised the bed to make it the perfect height for me.

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a bathtub. I cannot transfer into a bathtub and usually need a roll-in shower, but in this bathroom, the floor is completely waterproof, so I was able to get in my shower chair beside the tub and take a shower (I was not in the tub at all for my shower). The handheld shower wand was very long and reached all the way to the middle of the bathroom. Surprisingly, all of the water went down the drains and it worked perfectly for me. I was incredibly impressed with this waterproof floor concept.

Hotel Granvia has multiple restaurants on-site as well, and we loved the breakfast buffet every morning. They had so many breakfast items to choose from.
If I am ever back in Kyoto, this will absolutely be the hotel that I stay in again. We loved our stay in this wheelchair accessible Kyoto hotel! If you’d like to learn more about Hotel Granvia or want to check rates for a stay of your own, just click here.

We only had a few days to enjoy Kyoto’s many offerings, but that was plenty of time for us to fall in love with this amazing city. It is truly a destination unlike anywhere else that I’ve been and if you’ll be in Japan, I would urge you to check it out. Plan at least a few days to experience all of the wheelchair accessible Kyoto attractions and the charm of Japan’s former capital city!
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