Tokyo, a city that has captivated imaginations for decades, stands as a unique blend of ultramodern innovation and deeply rooted tradition. For travelers with disabilities, and especially wheelchair users, Tokyo has garnered a reputation for being surprisingly accessible. This Japan Tourism Guide delves into the reality of exploring Tokyo in a wheelchair, drawing on firsthand experiences to provide you with the essential information needed to plan an unforgettable and accessible trip.
Having dreamt of visiting Tokyo for years, fueled by stories of its distinctive attractions and exceptional accessibility, I embarked on a journey in October 2024 to see if the city truly lived up to the hype. Accompanied by my mother and a friend, we flew directly from Atlanta to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The 14-hour flight was a testament to our anticipation, and upon arrival, Tokyo immediately began to reveal its accessible wonders. While our journey also included Kyoto and Nara (explore more in my wheelchair accessible Kyoto travel guide), this guide focuses specifically on Tokyo, sharing our action-packed week exploring iconic areas like Harajuku and Akihabara, indulging in unique cafes, and even experiencing the magic of DisneySea.
To streamline our trip planning, we opted for a guided accessible tour through Inside Japan Tours. Their expertise proved invaluable, as they meticulously arranged wheelchair-friendly hotels, accessible transportation, attraction tickets, and knowledgeable private guides for our daily excursions. This stress-free approach allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the Tokyo experience. If you are seeking a seamless and accessible travel experience in Japan, I highly recommend considering Inside Japan Tours.
Let’s explore what made our Tokyo adventure so extraordinary! This Japan tourism guide will highlight some of the best wheelchair accessible attractions and activities in Tokyo, detail accessible transportation options, and introduce a fantastic hotel choice for your stay. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your own wheelchair accessible journey to this incredible metropolis.
Must-See Wheelchair Accessible Tokyo Attractions & Activities
Tokyo is a city brimming with experiences, boasting a vast array of attractions, many of which are thoughtfully designed to be wheelchair accessible. While a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore everything, I discovered some truly remarkable places during my visit. Here are twelve of my top recommendations for wheelchair accessible Tokyo attractions:
Discover Accessible Shrines and Temples in Tokyo
Japan is home to over 150,000 shrines and temples, with thousands nestled within Tokyo itself. Shrines are dedicated to the Shinto religion, while temples belong to Buddhism. To experience these integral parts of Japanese culture, I visited Meiji Jingu Shrine, known for its accessibility, and Sensoji Temple, another accessible gem.
Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a tranquil escape in the bustling heart of Tokyo. Stepping onto the shrine grounds is like entering a serene forest, a world away from the city’s fast pace. The scenic beauty of Meiji Jingu Shrine is truly captivating.
Completed in 1920, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a significant symbol of the Meiji era and Emperor Meiji’s legacy. It serves as a place for reflection, historical learning, and enjoying peaceful natural surroundings.
Accessibility at Meiji Jingu Shrine is exceptional. Smooth, paved paths wind throughout the grounds, and ramps provide easy access to the shrine itself. This excellent accessibility allowed me to fully enjoy my visit without feeling restricted. Despite its historical significance, Meiji Jingu Shrine embraces wheelchair accessibility, making it a must-visit location in Tokyo.
For dining within the shrine grounds, Restaurant Yoyogi offers an accessible option. I enjoyed delicious shrimp tempura here, and the restaurant features a spacious and accessible restroom, perfectly suited to wheelchair users’ needs.
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, is another essential visit, located in the vibrant Asakusa area. Asakusa is also known for its numerous souvenir shops, offering a great opportunity to find unique gifts.
Sensoji Temple has prioritized accessibility in recent years, installing an elevator for wheelchair access to the temple. Although I admired Sensoji from the outside due to time constraints, the presence of an elevator is a significant step towards inclusivity.
Both Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple offer invaluable cultural experiences and are surprisingly wheelchair accessible. They are highly recommended additions to your Tokyo itinerary.
Ascend to Panoramic Views at Tokyo Skytree
To appreciate the sprawling beauty of Tokyo, a visit to an observation point is essential. Tokyo Skytree, conveniently located near Sensoji Temple, offers breathtaking panoramic cityscapes, allowing you to experience both historical and modern Tokyo in one day.
Towering at 2,080 feet, Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest freestanding tower and the third tallest structure globally. The observation deck provides truly stunning views of the entire city. We spent an hour simply soaking in the vista, but you could easily spend longer.
Tokyo Skytree is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring elevators to the observation deck and readily available accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are also available for loan. The only minor challenge was the sheer volume of visitors on the observation deck, making it crowded. However, with some maneuvering, I was able to find prime viewing spots.
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended for Tokyo Skytree. Tickets can be booked online up to 30 days in advance, and given its popularity, it often sells out. Early booking ensures you won’t miss this incredible wheelchair accessible Tokyo attraction.
The base of Tokyo Skytree also houses the Sola Machi shopping mall, offering a wide selection of shops and restaurants, from Japanese brands to international names like Disney, Calvin Klein, and Zara.
Experience the Energy of Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, a globally recognized symbol of Tokyo, is a must-experience location. Often featured in movies and television, nothing compares to witnessing the organized chaos of this pedestrian scramble in person.
Crossing the world’s busiest intersection for the first time is an exhilarating experience, akin to being swept up in a human wave. With an average of 3,000 people crossing at any given time, Shibuya Crossing is a vibrant spectacle.
Towering video screens and neon advertisements surround the crossing, creating a dazzling sensory experience. We spent a delightful 30 minutes simply observing the human flow and absorbing the atmosphere.
Shibuya is a vibrant and accessible district with countless shops and restaurants, ensuring entertainment for all visitors. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Shibuya Crossing during your Tokyo visit.
Robot Service at DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe
The DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe was a highlight on my Tokyo itinerary, and it exceeded all expectations. This unique cafe features robots as servers, but with an even more remarkable twist: these robots are remotely operated by individuals with disabilities from their homes.
DAWN provides meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, many of whom are homebound, through these innovative robots. This inspiring concept showcases the potential for inclusivity through creativity.
Reservations are not needed for drinks at the bar or the tele-barista service at DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe. However, for a full meal at the “Orihime Diner“, reservations are required and can be made approximately 60 days in advance.
During our dinner, a small robot at our table, controlled by an operator in Belgium (originally from Japan), took our orders and conversed with us throughout the meal. This remote interaction was a fascinating and heartwarming experience.
Larger robots delivered our food, also controlled by remote operators. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp and avocado sandwich, while my companions had pizza.
DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe is exceptionally wheelchair accessible, including a companion care restroom with an adult-sized changing table. The cafe exemplifies true inclusivity and offers a welcoming and unique experience.
A visit to DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe is a must in Tokyo. It’s the most unique and welcoming cafe I’ve ever experienced, and I highly recommend it.
Explore the Trendsetting Harajuku District
Harajuku, a dynamic Tokyo district, is a hub for fashion, food, and unique cultural experiences. While often crowded, especially on weekends, Harajuku is a captivating area to explore.
Takeshita Street is Harajuku’s most famous street, pedestrianized during the day, stretching for about a quarter mile. It’s lined with quirky boutiques selling trendy clothing and accessories. While some shops have accessibility challenges, I found several wheelchair accessible stores in Harajuku.
Harajuku is also a food lover’s paradise. Beyond cafes and restaurants, street food vendors offer unique treats like crepes and takoyaki. Iconic Harajuku snacks include colorful candy-coated fruits and rainbow cotton candy.
Harajuku’s youthful energy and fashion-forward atmosphere make it a unique destination for all visitors. With some planning, wheelchair users can easily navigate and enjoy the vibrant culture and delicious food of this district.
Dine with Ninjas at Ninja Tokyo Restaurant
For an unforgettable dining experience, Ninja Tokyo is a must-visit. This restaurant combines delicious food with ninja-themed entertainment, including magic tricks and ninja lessons.
Upon arrival at Ninja Tokyo, I was directed to an accessible entrance, as the main entrance has steps and a trap door. While my companions braved the adventurous main entrance, a ninja guide led me to the accessible route, and I rejoined them at our table shortly after.
The restaurant’s design creates an immersive ninja cave atmosphere. Waiters and waitresses dressed as ninjas enhance the unique ambiance. The food, including steak, potatoes, and dessert, was excellent, and I enjoyed sake with my meal.
Each course was presented by a ninja who performed magic tricks and illusions. These performances were truly impressive, and while sworn to secrecy about the specifics, I highly recommend experiencing them firsthand at Ninja Tokyo.
The entire dining experience at Ninja Tokyo lasts about 2.5 hours and is thoroughly entertaining. Reservations are essential and can be made in advance on the Ninja Tokyo website.
Immerse Yourself in Magic at Tokyo DisneySea
As a Disney enthusiast, visiting Tokyo DisneySea was a must. While Tokyo boasts two Disney parks, DisneySea is unique to Tokyo, offering attractions and experiences not found in US Disney parks.
We chose to spend a full day at DisneySea, opting to skip Tokyo Disneyland this time. DisneySea’s unique themed ports, rides, shows, and dining options promised a distinct Disney experience.
We traveled to DisneySea via the accessible Tokyo Metro and Disney monorail. The monorail was wheelchair accessible, with ramps available upon request to bridge the platform gap.
DisneySea’s themed ports, from Mediterranean Harbor to Arabian Coast, are meticulously detailed and immersive. Pathways throughout the park are wide and smooth, facilitating wheelchair navigation, and rest areas are plentiful.
Ride accessibility at DisneySea was restrictive. Guests who cannot independently exit a ride in an emergency, without assistance from their travel companions, are not permitted to ride. This policy, while disappointing, meant I could not experience any rides, despite some being labeled “wheelchair accessible.”
Despite ride limitations, I enjoyed the “Big Band Beat” show from an accessible seating area. Show reservations are recommended, as a lottery system is in place for non-reserved seating. We initially lost the lottery but were eventually granted access to “Big Band Beat”.
My DisneySea day evolved into a culinary adventure, sampling unique park foods like Toy Story mochi, Donald Duck ukiwa buns, and various popcorn flavors, including curry, black pepper, and soy sauce.
Character meet-and-greets and people-watching, especially admiring the elaborate costumes worn by Japanese visitors, became favorite activities. The park felt like a fashion show at times.
While ride accessibility was limited, I still enjoyed DisneySea’s unique atmosphere and culinary delights. For wheelchair-using Disney fans aware of the ride limitations, DisneySea can still be an enjoyable Tokyo experience.
Step into Digital Art at teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo, transcends traditional museum experiences. Artworks flow freely between rooms and interact with visitors, creating a mesmerizing and boundaryless experience.
teamLab Borderless completely immerses you in art through sight, sound, and even touch. Swirling colors, patterns, and music create a captivating atmosphere. Rolling through digital flower fields and chasing digital waterfalls down walls was like stepping into a digital playground.
teamLab Borderless is remarkably wheelchair accessible, with wide ramps, elevators, and thoughtfully designed pathways ensuring smooth navigation. An excellent companion care restroom is also available.
teamLab Borderless is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in Tokyo. Allow ample time, as it’s easy to lose track of time in this digital wonderland. We spent two hours but could have easily stayed longer.
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended for teamLab Borderless due to its popularity and frequent sell-outs.
Dive into Anime Culture in Akihabara
Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town, is a sensory-rich district overflowing with anime, manga, and electronics. Anime fans will find this area a must-visit, but even those unfamiliar with anime culture will find Akihabara captivating.
I was pleasantly surprised by Akihabara’s accessibility. Main streets are generally accessible with smooth curb cuts and wide sidewalks, and many shops have ramps or elevators. While some shops are not wheelchair accessible, there are plenty of accessible and enjoyable activities.
Game Panic Akihabara is a gamer’s paradise with walls of classic games, consoles, and accessories. While aisles are sometimes narrow, wheelchair maneuvering is generally manageable, and an elevator accesses all nine floors.
Don Quijote (“Donki”), a giant discount store, offers a maze of goods from groceries to electronics and anime merchandise. It is wheelchair accessible with an elevator accessed via staff assistance. While aisles can be narrow, it’s a fun shopping experience.
A visit to a maid cafe is a quintessential Akihabara experience. Maidreamin, a popular maid cafe, is wheelchair accessible via a portable ramp upon request.
Maids at Maidreamin are welcoming and ensure comfortable seating for wheelchair users. The performance aspect is unique and entertaining.
Akihabara offers a unique and immersive Tokyo experience. Plan for ample time to explore this fascinating district. We spent four hours but could have easily spent longer.
Embark on a Tokyo Ramen Tasting Tour
Tokyo, with over 8,000 ramen shops, is a ramen lover’s dream. A ramen tasting tour is the ultimate way to experience this iconic Japanese dish. I booked a tour with Tokyo Ramen Tours to sample various ramen styles.
Our private, wheelchair accessible tour lasted 3.5 hours, visiting three top ramen shops across Tokyo. Advance notice of wheelchair use ensures route and shop accessibility planning.
The tour included learning about ramen making, regional variations, and its cultural significance in Japan. This insight deepened my appreciation for ramen.
The highlight was, of course, the ramen tasting. At each shop, we chose two ramen types from a menu of four, trying six mini bowls in total. Each bowl was flavorful and unique, with standouts including spicy miso, Italian fusion pesto, and chili oil ramen.
A Tokyo Ramen Tour is a fun and delicious way to experience the city, even for those not yet ramen enthusiasts. It’s a culinary adventure that could convert anyone into a ramen fan.
Indulge Your Inner Wizard at the Harry Potter Cafe
As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, visiting the Harry Potter Cafe in Tokyo was essential.
A large, wheelchair accessible Harry Potter gift shop precedes the cafe, offering a wide array of merchandise. A slightly steep ramp within the shop provides access to another level.
Prior to our cafe reservation, we met Josh Grisdale of Accessible Japan and TabiFolk, whose website was invaluable in planning our accessible Japan trip.
The cafe’s exquisite Harry Potter theme creates an immersive experience. Themed food and drinks, like the Hedwig cake and Expecto Patronum drink I tried, were delightful.
Reservations for the Harry Potter Cafe are highly recommended due to its popularity. For Harry Potter fans, this cafe is a magical must-do in Tokyo.
Meet and Greet Owls at Oz Owl Cafe
Tokyo offers numerous animal cafes, but wheelchair accessibility can be a challenge. Oz Owl Cafe, however, is an accessible option where you can interact with various animals, including owls.
For 2,000 yen (approximately $13), you get a drink and 60 minutes of animal interaction at Oz Owl Cafe. 60 minutes is ample time to enjoy the experience.
My power wheelchair was too large for the owl room, but the staff kindly brought each owl to me individually for petting and learning about them.
In addition to owls, you can also meet and hold snakes, sugar gliders, iguanas, and hedgehogs. I held the hedgehog, iguana, and sugar glider, skipping the snake.
Oz Owl Cafe offers a fun and accessible animal encounter in Tokyo. Reservations can be made online in advance on the Oz Owl Cafe website.
Wheelchair Accessible Transportation in Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transportation has made significant strides in accessibility, transforming it into a more navigable city for wheelchair users. While continuous improvement is always needed, the metro and increasing numbers of accessible taxis demonstrate Tokyo’s commitment to inclusivity. While I didn’t use the bus system, I’ve heard positive feedback regarding its accessibility as well.
Inside Japan Tours arranged some accessible transportation, including airport transfers, but we primarily utilized public transportation, and were impressed by its ease of navigation.
Tokyo Metro Accessibility
The Tokyo Metro, Tokyo’s extensive subway system, has made considerable progress in wheelchair accessibility. Most stations now have elevators and ramps, facilitating platform and train access. However, older stations may have limitations.
Trip planning is crucial. The Tokyo Metro website and app provide accessibility details for each station, including elevator and restroom locations, and barrier-free route mapping. Google Maps’ “accessible route” option also proved accurate.
Station staff are trained to assist passengers with disabilities. Inform them of your needs for guidance with station navigation and train boarding. Many stations have designated waiting areas for wheelchair users.
While a small platform gap exists on most trains, station staff readily provided ramps upon request to bridge the gap for boarding.
Accessible Taxi Options in Tokyo
Beyond the metro, Tokyo offers a growing fleet of accessible taxis, providing comfortable and convenient wheelchair transportation. These taxis are equipped with ramps or lifts for easy wheelchair entry and exit.
“JapanTaxi,” modeled after London black cabs, is a popular accessible taxi option, accommodating one wheelchair user and a companion. They can be hailed on the street or booked via the JapanTaxi app.
Other taxi companies also offer accessible vehicles. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak hours. City Cab Tokyo is one company with a variety of wheelchair accessible taxis, detailed on their website.
With planning and available resources, wheelchair users can confidently navigate Tokyo and enjoy its many attractions.
Accessible Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
During our Tokyo stay, The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome served as an excellent and accessible base. Its convenient location near restaurants, metro stations, and on-site dining options was a major plus.
Our wheelchair accessible room featured three single beds, initially 20 inches tall. The accommodating hotel staff added an extra mattress to raise one bed to a more suitable height. The spacious room allowed for easy wheelchair maneuvering.
The bathroom included a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, a bathtub, and a roll-in shower with a shower seat and handheld shower wand. The bathroom perfectly met my accessibility needs.
I highly recommend The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome for its accessibility and convenience and would gladly stay there again on future Tokyo trips. To learn more or book your stay, click here.
This Japan tourism guide is just a starting point for your wheelchair accessible Tokyo adventure. I hope it inspires you to explore this incredible city with confidence, venture beyond the typical tourist paths, and embrace the welcoming spirit of Tokyo.
