Group Description
Looking to travel to Japan and need accessibility information? Join our group discussion on accessible travel in Japan and discover the best tips and tricks.
The Japan group is a community of travelers who are passionate about exploring Japan and sharing their experiences with others. This group is dedicated to discussing all aspects of accessible travel in Japan, including accommodations, transportation, tourist attractions, and cultural experiences, as well as links to accessible travel companies and organizations.
Whether you have been here a million times or planning your first visit, the Japan group is a welcoming community that offers support and encouragement for travelers of all abilities. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, members of the group are helping to make travel in Japan more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Reply To: Car rental or public transportation?
Hello.
First, I’ll write some unfortunate news.
There are no rental cars in Japan that can accommodate eight people including a wheelchair. I don’t know your brother’s physical condition, so I can’t say for sure… but there is one car model that can accommodate eight people including a wheelchair if you transfer from the wheelchair to the car and store the car in the luggage space. It’s the Toyota Grand Cabin.
There are many taxi companies for people with disabilities like me, but I don’t think it would be possible for all eight people including the wheelchair to ride together.
Next, I’ll write about public transportation.
Public transportation in Japan is generally friendly.
In particular, Tokyo and Osaka have trains that go close to the main tourist spots.
However, there are big problems in Izu and Kyoto.
I don’t know where the temple in Izu you want to visit is, but in such places the main means of transportation is often by taxi.
As I mentioned before, I don’t know your brother’s physical condition.
If he is able to get out of the wheelchair for a short time, you may be able to take three taxis from the station to the temple.
But if that’s not possible…
I recommend that some of you, including your brother, use a taxi company like mine from Tokyo, and the rest of your family take the train and taxi.
As for Kyoto…
Kyoto has a well-developed bus route.
However, because many tourists visit from around the world and Japan,
most buses are 100% full.
The famous Kinkakuji Temple is about 60 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station, and about a 25-minute walk from the station if you take the subway.
There are so many famous places, so this can happen depending on where you want to go.
And hotels in Kyoto are extremely expensive.
If you’re going to Osaka and Kyoto, I think it’s better to stay in Osaka.
If you have any interests, please let me know. I can introduce you to such taxi companies in Tokyo, so please consider them as an approach to Izu.
I hope you have a good trip.
Tak