So I’m here in Japan with my rented JOY cart and I can truly say that Japan is fully accessible and this is a great little runaround to explore it in. I’ve ridden it all over Tokyo, including on the metro to Shibuya and it’s so small it doesn’t even need to be folded, you can leave it on the pavement outside shops etc and it’s perfectly safe and people couldn’t be more helpful. It’s built for Asian proportions and the design has favoured quick folding and size over cushioning and suspension so it’s a bit of a bumpy ride but can handle slopes and uneven paving. Kyoto a challenge but taxis plentiful. The charge lasts at least 11 hours (with stops during the day obviously) especially if you take the key out of the ignition at stop lights. It folds flat in 1 minute with no need to separate any parts. (Apart from the optional basket which I recommend getting because you can put your bag in, wedge your phone in the front and view Google Maps as you travel.) There’s a telescopic carry handle so you can wheel it like a suitcase but it’s very heavy and I’m unable to lift it into cabs though the drivers have managed ok. It was delivered to my hotel on the evening I arrived. I’m taking it with me around Japan.

• Note about the Tokyo metro: there are elevators at every station I’ve been to (Yamanote line) and just a small gap between the train and the platform so I have to get off the cart and slightly lift it as I guide it in but once inside you can remain in it even in rush hour and there’s a priority area at the end of the carriage where you can park up and people still have room to get in and out of their seats either side of you. Ramps are available, you only have to ask at the ticket office.

• I’ve been to Matsumoto (vid of me in the rain!), very accessible arty pretty town in the “Japanese Alps”; Kanazawa, known as little Kyoto but with spacious wide streets, easy to ride all day by the river, around the castle grounds, parks etc with delightful views. Kyoto was more of a challenge because it’s a big city, quite crowded with tourists and paving is very uneven in some parts, and not every road has dropped kerbs, but taxis are plentiful and with a bit of planning it would be absolutely manageable. I managed several sights and 2 museums in 2 days. Lovely stroll through the narrow streets of the old town last night. Now on a train to Naoshima. The train staff are so helpful everywhere I’ve been, on the Shinkansen, JR and local trains, even escorting us all the way to the platform and carriage in Okiyama earlier. Stations can be confusing and elevators elusive so allow plenty of time and ask. There are staffed glass booths next to dedicated access lanes on the left side of most stations’ automated gates. Tip: buy seats at the end of a carriage and you can put your folded scooter and luggage directly behind it.

I spotted a local using a WHILL power chair and it looked very solid and comfortable.

I think the Accessible Japan site should have links to the companies offering mobility vehicles IMHO. It seems more daunting when researching online than it actually is when you’re here. Don’t be put off, like Josh says it’s a fully accessible country, come, enjoy!

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