
Group Description
Connect with travelers with disabilities and welcoming locals, offering tips on accessible hotels, wheelchair-friendly attractions, and transportation in Japan. From Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Crossing and historic Asakusa to Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, and the hot springs of Hakone, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this is the place to ask about accommodations, getting around, or inclusive activities – someone here has likely experienced it before. You’ll find personal stories, travel tips, and recommendations for cultural, historical, and nature experiences. This group supports mobility aid users, along with travelers who have sensory sensitivities, low vision, and hearing loss, helping you enjoy a more accessible Japan adventure.
Reply To: Wheelchair rental/lending at tourist sites in Kyoto
Hello Laurie,
You may be able to find a place to rent a wheelchair for the duration of a stay in the area, but it sounds like you are not worried about going between locations with a wheelchair. Here’s what I found for availability of renting/borrowing a wheelchair at specific locations:- Kiyomizudera: According to their website, “Wheelchairs cannot be borrowed in the temple.”
- Sanjusangendo: From TabiFolk’s sister sight Accessible Japan, “For those who need to borrow a wheelchair, several are available at the entrance.”
- Toyokuni Shrine: I assume this is the Kyoto shrine (not Nagoya), I found very little information for this location, I’d say it’s pretty safe to say no wheelchairs would be available here.
- Imperial Palace Kyoto: I was able to find a buried note in their website that says, “Wheelchairs are available. Please ask our staff for assistance at the entrance.”
- Fushimi Inari: I didn’t find any on their website, however it looks possible, check out this Kyoto Universal Pamphlet.
- Kuramadera / Kibune Shrine: From what I find this place isn’t wheelchair accessible, I’d say it’s pretty safe to say no wheelchairs would be available here.
- Nonomiya / Tenryuji (Arashiyama): From TabiFolk’s sister sight Accessible Japan on Arashiyama, “Railwayman Bicycle Rental, located next to Saga Torokko Station, has 3 manual wheelchairs available to borrow for free.”
Also, if you haven’t already checked it out, I recommend looking at the Kyoto section of Accessible Japan for additional locations.
If anyone else has more information on these areas, please share. Nonetheless, I hope that helps.
-Justin