
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: mobility scooter use in Japan
Unknown Member
MemberApril 27, 2025 at 3:45 pmYour scooter should be fine parked where the bikes are parked. Just take your valuables.
I have a foldable 4-wheel mobility scooter I just purchased. I see that Japan’s requirements for a mobility scooter is 27.5” wide and 47.24” long (70cm wide and 120cm long). Is there an official form required prior to arriving in Japan that I need to complete for travel in Japan? It is understood that I can ride the scooter in the train stations but have to manually push it on the platforms. If I fold it up like a stroller, am I able to embark and disembark with scooter without having to go to a special train car? Just returned from Japan visit March 2025. After walking with my family and not being able to spend the full day with them because I was not able to keep up with them (8-10 mi./day, I cut my days short and returned to our hotel/airbnb/rental unit by taxi daily. So to avoid thase scenarios, I decided to buy a mobility scooter for travel. I saw that if you’re shopping, stores are not designed for mobility scooters/wheelchairs. Aisles are narrow. Accessibility ok on most streets, although crowded. Many accessible restrooms in most tourist spots. When embarking/disembarking trains, you will need to proceed to doors rapidlly. Thank goodness for elevators at train stations. Hopefully accessibility will grow.