Most travelers with disabilities take their equipment with them, but sometimes wheelchairs and hoists need to be rented after you arrive at your destination. While medical equipment rentals in Japan don’t have tourists in mind per se, they are willing to lend a hand and deliver equipment like wheelchairs or hoists to hotels for short term rentals.
Wheelchairs are typically basic, folding manual wheelchairs but lightweight power wheelchairs can be rented as well. Hoists can also be rented, however, you will need to bring your own sling as they are not rented for hygienic reasons. Unfortunately, due to hygienic reasons, commodes typically cannot be rented in Japan.
As extra logistics are required to arrange for rentals, it is recommended that you book your equipment well in advance. The companies will meet you at the hotel and you will need to pay in advance as well as sign some forms. The delivery cost depends on location, so prices may vary with your hotel. It should also be noted that delivery hours are generally from 9:00am-8:00pm. If your arrival is after 8:00pm, special arrangements will need to be made.
Rentals can take up to two weeks to arrange, so please book your rental well in advance.
Please feel free to contact us if you need help arranging a rental. We can help arrange hoist and wheelchair rentals in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – or even other areas of Japan.