Barrier-Free Tours In Tokyo Produced By Trip Designer Inc.

Due to the increase of visitors from abroad, various Japanese signage and services are being translated into multiple languages. But the barrier-free system in regards to traveling is still under development, and there are some sightseeing spots in Japan without slopes, elevators, or barrier-free restrooms.

This article is about the barrier-free tour planned by Trip Designer Inc.. If you are a wheelchair user planning a trip to Japan, please take a look.

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Insert the coupon code "matcha" when making your tour reservation and benefit from a 5% discount!
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Make your tour reservation on OMAKASE, the official website.

The Tour Starts from Asakusa

From left to right: Ms. Tada, Mr. Grisdale, Ms. Nakayama and Ms. Genei

This tour starts from the Observation Terrace of the Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center in Asakusa, one of the prominent sightseeing spots of Tokyo. The center is furnished with elevators and barrier-free restrooms, so visitors can easily enjoy the view from the terrace.

The participants are the supervisor of this tour, Mr. Barry Joshua Grisdale, who also writes about Japanese barrier-free environment, and Ms. Nakayama Kazumi, who was on the Japanese Track Team in the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics.

The guides are Ms. Tada Shizuko and Ms. Genei Yoko, both of whom are certified as interpreter-guides and also as home caregivers.

To the Main Hall of Sensoji

The street from the Kaminarimon Gate to Nakamise Dori, leading to the main hall of Sensoji is paved with stone, which makes it easy for the wheelchairs. The main hall is furnished with an elevator, so there is no need to use the stairs.

The elevator is on the left hand side of the main hall. Some people may miss it, so be careful. Get off the elevator, and just move on down the slope.

Wheelchair users can enjoy the temple the same as everyone else.

Viewing Tokyo Skytree from Sumida Park

Sumida Park offers a great view of Tokyo Skytree, so it is always bustling with visitors taking photographs.

There are multiple slopes in Sumida Park, and wheelchair users can choose the best spots for photographs. Tour participants will be guided to the slopes, so they won't even have to look for them.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

After having lunch, the tour heads to the Scramble Crossing in Shibuya, using the subway.

Most Japanese subway stations are equipped with elevators that reach the ticket gate floors, but it may be difficult for the first time visitors to find them. The tour guides will be a big help in that regard.

Up to 3000 pedestrians use the Scramble Crossing when the light turns green, so it is popular to visitors from abroad.

It tends to get very crowded, so it is easier with the tour guides' help.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

After the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the tour heads for Meiji Jingu Shrine, via Cat Street.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a truly "Japanese" spot. Although the main approach is mostly paved with gravel, which makes it a little difficult for wheelchairs, both sidelines are paved with stone.

It may not be easy to check the wheelchair accessibility of various spots in Japan. By joining a guided tour, the participants will be able to gain a wide knowledge of the surroundings.

The Barrier-Free Restrooms at Meiji Jingu

There is a barrier-free restroom in Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the stalls are all spacious and equipped with backrests.

In Conclusion

Ms. Nakayama, a member of the Japanese Paralympic Track Team, said that she was "surprised to find out that Asakusa and Meiji Jingu Shrine were actually barrier-free."

Even the Japanese aren't familiar with the actual barrier-free situation of the various sightseeing spots. Those who want their wheelchair using family and friends to enjoy Tokyo should look for a guided barrier-free tour.

Trip Designer Inc., the conductor of the barrier-free tour mentioned above, also offers a wide variety of tours answering the various needs of visitors from abroad. Their tours are open to the Japanese as well, so please take a look at the OMAKASE site for further information.

Exclusive Coupon for MATCHA Readers!
Insert the coupon code "matcha" when making your tour reservation and benefit from a 5% discount!
Get 5% off the tour fee by inserting the coupon code "matcha"!
Make your tour reservation on OMAKASE, the official website.