Accessible Tokyo

- 8 mins read time

This is an archived post from April, 2016. It is no longer actively maintained.

General Things

Reading information on where lifts are located in Tokyo subway stations A station attendant waits with a passenger to help him get on the train in Tokyo.

Tokyo’s an incredible, and potentially overwhelming, city that should be experienced first hand. As officially the most populous city in the world, it is incredibly complex. It has over 225 stations in its 23 Wards and over a million people in transit every day. Still, the city is more accessible than it seems. Stations often have washrooms and lifts, and so do department stores and buildings. The information is a bit scattered, but out there!

This guide is designed to provide general information on accommodation, getting around, and some accessible sightseeing locations specifically in Tokyo. It also includes some basic phrases for you to ask for help. Any errors are my own, and please let me know if you have any tips!

Wheelchair Accessible Tokyo Metro*Met this French couple on the train to Asakusa!**

People in Japan are often polite and helpful. However, many also do not speak much English. If you can explain what you need, they often go out of their way to help you. If you have a smartphone, it’s best to bring a translation app such as Jsho for Android or Yomiwa for the iPhone.

All assistance counters and reception people are there to support guests. They’re your easiest go to for help. In addition, store staff are also there to help.

wheelchair accessible tokyoA bell to ask for assistance from Takashimaya Department Store to Nihonbashi Station

Accommodation

While most hotels are accessible at the entrance, the major problem for hotels in Tokyo is having accessible washrooms (i.e. with roll-in showers). Many hotels may not, but the bigger barrier is usually language. When contacting potential hotels

The other option now is to use AirBnB, and select ‘Wheelchair Accessible’ in the filters. I’d also suggest you choose a host that has good reviews for responsive service and lives in Tokyo.

As a tip, if you are travelling in Japan and e-mailing or phoning you can use the questions below:

Where is the accessible toilet? 多機能トイレはどこですか？ taiki-toire wa doko desu ka?

Does the room have a wheelchair-accessible shower?* 部屋は車椅子ようシャワールームがありますか？ *heiya wa kuruma-isu you shyawaa room ga arimasu ka?

Responses:

There is.* 有る/有ります/ある Aru / arimasu *

There isn’t. ありません／有りません Arimasen

Wheelchair accessible toilet japanToilet at Sendagi metro station

Toilets

Tokyo and Japan in general has a good number of spacious, accessible toilets. Most train and subway stations have them. Department stores and newer malls all have them.

If you need to find a toilet, here are some useful expressions:

Where is the toilet? トイレはどこですか？ *toireto wa doko desu ka? *

Where is the accessible toilet? 多機能トイレはどこですか？ taiki-toire wa doko desu ka?

Getting Around

Even though Tokyo is quite complex, even for locals, it has some useful design elements. For example, central areas often have:

The general challenges are

Useful phrases would be:

Excuse me. Where is the lift? すみません、リフトはどこですか？ *sumimasen, rifuto wa doko desu ka? *

Thank you! ありがとうございます / ありがとう arigatogozaimasu / arigato

Reading information on where lifts are located in Tokyo subway stations Checking exits on Accessible Tokyo Map.

Metro Stations and Trains

Note that Tokyo has several train and metro companies. In addition, the trains that come into the Tokyo metropolitan area double up as the metro trains as well. For example, if you are coming in from Haneda Airport, the Keikyu private train line becomes the metro when it reaches the beginning of the Tokyo metro map (click on link to see), but travellers do not necessarily need to get off if the train continues through the city. Don’t worry if you get the wrong ticket: a station attendant can always help you adjust the fare at no extra charge.

Staff at the train stations can assist people with to the train. The major challenge is language. They also normally provide a ramp to get on and off the train as there is a gap. You can ask an attendant at the station, but might save some time if you phone ahead. Below are the numbers for two major train companies with an English service:

Buses

Some public buses have low step and wheelchair accessibility. However, the bigger challenge with buses are the local routes and unintuitive stops. I would not recommend taking buses unless you have at least conversation-level Japanese and can read the Kanji station names.

Taxis

Regular taxis can be hailed as long as there is a pull-over spot. A wheelchair accessible taxi needs to be reserved in advance, even for hotels. If you are staying at a hotel, I would suggest you ask the front desk to help you make the reservations. The following companies can provide wheelchair accessible taxis:

Travel information

The following resources are helpful for planning journeys:

Access Parking

Marked parking spaces are required by law and can be found in most car parks.

Buildings, Restaurants, and Eating Out:

Many independent restaurants, bars and cafes have steps at the entrance. Many higher end restaurants may also have a genkan, an entryway where one takes off one’s shoes before stepping up into the building. Unfortunately, these are mostly inaccessible.

However, the good news is you can find many good restaurants in department stores and inside train stations. For example, the Tokyo Main Station has barrier-free access, and there are restaurants inside that you can choose from. In department stores there are lifts where you can access restaurants in the basement and upper floors. Examples of department stores are Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Takashimaya, Lumine, Daimaru, and Seibu, which are often right above metro and JR stations such as Tokyo Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya.

Some Sightseeing Areas

Many of the tourist attractions in Tokyo have designated accessibility features. Many of the attractions are also shopping areas, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Odaiba and Oshiage Skytree. These stations have accessible exits, which you can see in the Accessible Tokyo Map. The main challenge is navigating through the complex stations and all the people. Be sure to look at station maps and plan your route.

Happy travels!

For more information, you can also check out the Japan Accessible Association.

You can also check the Tokyo Metro website for barrier free station information, including washrooms.