Exploring Tokyo in a Wheelchair: Accessibility, Attractions, and Tips!

It’s been quite a few years since I last traveled to Tokyo, and I’ve wanted to return ever since. I thought I’d share a bit about my experiences there; what I did, what I enjoyed most, what I found accessible, and the challenges I faced along the way. I originally wrote about my trip on my old Geordie Travels blog, but my focus has since shifted almost entirely to my new venture, The World is Accessible. Now, my priority is spreading more information and awareness about accessibility rather than just listing where I went, what I ate, and where I shopped; though that kind of information still has its place. I’ll aim to strike a balance between being informative and keeping things light from time to time.So, let’s get to it, shall we? Tokyo, as you probably already know, is a city of contrasts. One minute, you’re admiring an ancient-looking shrine. The next, you’re craning your neck, trying to take in the sheer size of a futuristic skyscraper towering over the city. Your senses are on overdrive with the chaos of busy streets and a ridiculous number of neon lights. Then, just when it all starts to feel a bit much, you can retreat to one of the many tranquil gardens or city parks and pretend, for a moment, that the city isn’t buzzing around you.Truth be told (and I say this with great shame) Japan was never high on my “must-visit” list. I had other priorities. In hindsight, I was painfully wrong because it shot straight into my top three destinations, second only to New Zealand, with Vietnam holding strong in third place.First impressionsI’d heard many things about Tokyo before visiting, like its cleanliness, politeness, and the efficiency of its people. All these stereotypes turned out to be true, at least in my opinion. Despite being the most populous city in the world, I never felt overwhelmed, and although navigating the city as a wheelchair user was not completely free of challenges, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible a lot of Tokyo was. I loved that there was an abundance of things to do, a never-ending list of restaurants and different foods to try, and a massive variation in the types of entertainment you can enjoy. I also found the cultural quirks and differences to be extremely interesting – from outdoor smoking zones where businessmen huddle together for a quick break and a cigarette to tiny self-serving sushi bars where whatever you order via the tap on a screen comes whizzing to you on a conveyer belt in a matter of seconds.Accessible TransportationThere’s no denying the fact that Tokyo’s Metro system is terrifically complex and crazily vast – but what’s reassuring is that many stations have barrier-free access. While I was there, some older stations were still undergoing accessibility upgrades, but resources such as Accessible Japan and communities like the ones found in the Japan group on tabifolk can often see you right in terms of discovering which stations are accessible and which are not.I also noticed that buses were accessible, with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces, making them a great alternative for those wanting to enjoy the slightly slower pace of driving around town, and seeing the world go by from above ground. Finally, there are adapted taxis that can accommodate wheelchair users and are available for hire. However, it’s worth noting that regular taxis seemed to be on the smaller side and less willing to take wheelchair passengers (even if you can explain in Japanese that your chair can be folded down and stuck in the trunk).One challenge that I found quite difficult was long-distance travel when wanting to use a bus. When making my way to Mt. Fuji there were no accessible buses, meaning that my wheelchair had to be stowed in the luggage compartment underneath the bus and I had to shuffle up the steps and into my seat by using my hands and knees. It was not dignified and is not something that all disabled folks would be able to do, or willing to do. I would recommend either taking the train or traveling with a private accessible tour company.Accessible Accommodation:

During my ten nights in Tokyo, I tried a mix of accommodations—hotels, hostels, couchsurfing, and Airbnb. Staying in an Airbnb gave me a glimpse into local life, and I noticed that many listings were at least somewhat wheelchair-friendly, with open layouts and elevators in the buildings.

The hotels I stayed in around central Tokyo were quite accessible, with wheelchair-friendly rooms, automatic doors, ramps, and elevators, making it easy to get around. Japan is known for its focus on convenience, and that carries over into accessibility.

One thing that stood out was the cost. Compared to cities like London, New York, and Hong Kong, I found Tokyo’s hotels to be reasonably priced. At the time, it was possible to find a comfortable place to stay for around £30–£40 per night.

You can find much more information about accessible hotels here on the Accessible Japan website.Dining & Shopping:As I’m sure you know already, Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, and despite many restaurants being quite small and cramped, I had no trouble finding places that were accessible enough for me to enjoy ramen, katsu curry, and of course, sushi! Many of the restaurants and cafes that I visited had accessible seating options and disabled-friendly restrooms. I also found that given how hospitable Japanese folks can be, it meant that staff were always willing to assist when required.Regarding shops and malls, access varied greatly. Some shops were incredibly narrow and tight, meaning that I could not get my manual chair through the aisles. However, overall, I would say more shops that I visited were accessible than were not.Accessible Attractions in TokyoI never ran out of things to do in Tokyo. Here are some of my favorite accessible attractions:

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Offers free panoramic views of the city, all accessible by elevator.
• Imperial Palace Gardens – A serene, well-maintained space in the heart of Tokyo, though some paths are steep.
• Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple, with an accessible observation area at the nearby tourist office.
• Meiji Shrine – A peaceful retreat in the city, with wide, flat pathways for easy access.
• Tokyo Tower – Offering breathtaking city views with elevator access.

Final Thoughts on Accessibility in TokyoTokyo exceeded my expectations. While not every place was wheelchair-friendly, the city’s efficiency, polite culture, and growing accessibility efforts made my visit very, very enjoyable.Interestingly (and this is my personal experience) I found that one of the most refreshing aspects was the lack of people staring at me. Unlike in many other countries that I’ve visited, I never felt singled out for using a wheelchair or stared at intensely like I was part of some free-to-view rolling circus show — instead, I felt like I was treated like just another traveler exploring an incredible city.For anyone considering a trip to Japan, Tokyo is absolutely worth it. Plan thoroughly, use accessible transport options, and be ready for an adventure like no other!Looking for more details on accessible travel in Japan? Explore more content here on Accessible Japan for guides, reviews, and community support.