This year marks the 10th anniversary of Accessible Japan, a project that started as a simple blog and has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. When I first launched it, my goal was to share information and help others navigate accessibility in Japan. Thanks to the support, contributions, and feedback from so many users, Accessible Japan has become a trusted resource for travelers with disabilities. I am deeply grateful for this journey and for everyone who has been a part of it.
Reflecting on the journey, I recall how my interest in Japan was sparked during high school in Canada, where I had the unique opportunity to study Japanese. This fascination led me to visit Japan in 2000, and despite initial challenges in finding accessibility information, I was impressed by the country’s infrastructure and the improvements I witnessed with each subsequent visit. I fell in love with Japan.
My first trip to Japan in 2000, using an “accessible” escalator
My journey with Accessible Japan started from that simple but powerful love for Japan. After moving here in 2007, I quickly realized that while Japan had made impressive strides in accessibility, finding reliable information about accessible travel in English was a challenge. I wanted to change that. In early 2015, I launched Accessible Japan to bridge this gap and empower travelers with disabilities to explore Japan with confidence.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked to change perceptions and highlight Japan as a welcoming and accessible destination. Through Accessible Japan, I’ve provided detailed information on accessible hotels, in-depth reviews of popular attractions, and curated lists of service providers who cater to travelers with disabilities. Beyond just providing information, I’ve also worked closely with the Japanese tourism sector—conducting seminars, organizing site visits, and participating in accessibility committees to drive change.
There were times I considered shutting down the site, wondering if it was really making a difference. But then I would receive messages from readers telling me how Accessible Japan gave them the courage and resources to make their dream vacation a reality. Knowing that this work has helped people experience Japan in ways they once thought impossible reaffirmed my belief that this is my life’s work.
The impact of Accessible Japan has been recognized both in the media and within the travel industry. It’s been featured in outlets like BBC News, NHK World, and Asahi Shimbun. The media support Accessible Japan has received has allowed me to share its mission through speaking engagements at major companies like ANA, Airbnb, and Google, as well as at travel conferences across Tokyo, Okinawa, Kobe, and Shimane. This visibility has also led to invitations to serve on government and local tourism committees, where I’ve had the opportunity to help shape policies related to universal tourism. One of the greatest honors of my journey was being chosen as a torchbearer for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games by Edogawa City. All things I would have never expected when I bought the domain all those years ago.
The sportiest I will ever get.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to expanding Accessible Japan’s resources beyond major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, reaching lesser-known regions to ensure more inclusive travel experiences across the country. By collaborating with local tourism organizations, I hope to enhance accessibility and continue advocating for a more inclusive tourism industry.
As we celebrate this milestone, Accessible Japan’s mission remains the same: to make Japan a truly welcoming destination for all, so that everyone—regardless of disability—can experience the beauty, history, and culture of this incredible country. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported this project along the way—your encouragement, feedback, and shared experiences have helped shape Accessible Japan into what it is today.
As I look to the future, I remain dedicated to advocating for continuous improvements in accessibility in Japan. By sharing my experiences and collaborating with various stakeholders, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the rich experiences Japan has to offer. I look forward to the next 10 years of Accessible Japan and welcoming even more travelers to explore this beautiful country.
Thank you all for your continued support!
I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment or join the Japan group on tabifolk (another site I made so travelers with disabilities can support eachother as they explore their worlds) to share your experiences of visiting Japan. Your stories and insights help make Accessible Japan even better for future travelers. Hope we bump into each other.
With gratitude from Tokyo
Josh
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