The genkan is a traditional entrance way into Japanese homes (and some businesses) and serves as an area to remove one’s shoes before entering. Even though it originates in the age of elevated-floor structures dating back over a thousand years, the custom has continued into the present even after the Read more…
By Cristina Hartmann My two-and-half weeks in Japan as someone with both vision and hearing impairments left me amazed—in a good way. My time in Tokyo, the megalopolis to end all megalopolises, and Sapporo, the largest city of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, showed me how different countries deal Read more…
While many people prefer to buy a good guidebook (like our Tokyo guide!) and create an itinerary to meet their own pace and interests, hiring a guide can add incredible value to your vacation. Unfortunately, there are not many guides that understand the unique needs of people with disabilities. Until now! As Read more…
Like many other countries around the world, most mass transit in Japan has a set of seats that are considered priority seats, or 優先席 (“yuusenseki”). Priority seats first appeared as “Silver Seats” on Respect for the Elderly Day in 1973 on trains running between Tokyo and Osaka and were intended Read more…
Though it was formerly rejected by foreigners for being “too Western,” the high-end shopping center of Ginza is now a popular place to visit. with its expensive department buildings and flagship stores. The shopping experience is mostly accessible to those with disabilities. Background Information Originally a swamp, the Ginza area was Read more…
Suzanne Kamata is the author of the YA novels Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible and Screaming Divas recently gave us an advance copy of her nonfiction book A Girls’ Guide to the Islands, about traveling in Japan with her daughter who has multiple disabilities. The book was reviewed Read more…