___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The banner on the left says “Tsukuba Express —– entrance”. It is a very short walk from here and it’s an express train that goes as far as Tsukuba. At Tsukuba, there’s the University of Tsukuba which specializes in and does a lot of work in rehabilitation science.

Short block and intersection lengths, along with nearly or completely level curb cutouts, allow for complete independence in mobility, even among wheelchair users. It is possible to cover miles of distance in many districts, something that is not possible in the car-oriented urban and suburban forms of American cities. New York City and many other Eastern U.S. cities are pedestrian-friendly but are case studies of how pedestrian-friendliness is not synonymous with wheelchair accessibility, or to be specific, wheelchair mobility, and much of this has to do with nuances in design.

__________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

*Wheelchair Accessibility

From most sources, online and offline, the general feeling is that Japan still has many physical barriers. Many highlight the physical barriers to dining and eating establishments, which, oftentimes have single steps, narrow entryways, and compact spaces. (Lack of barrier-free restrooms is often cited as an issue of concern.) On any given street, you will likely observe these barriers. Japan has an astounding number of dining and eating establishments that vary in size and operation (many seat under ten patrons) and a large share have barriers in place. However, it’s not difficult to find places without barriers. High concentrations of barrier-free establishments can be found in shopping streets and in train stations, where you can find a range of dining options. To get around the concern of restrooms, barrier-free restrooms can be found in department stores, train stations, and government facilities.

Here is a visual guide for the many barrier-free features you find on Toei subway line, one of my favorite lines: Guide to the subway’s Barrier Free Facilities ｜ TOEI TRANSPORTATION (Isn’t it so cool that bird calls are used to guide persons with visual impairments?)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are a wheelchair user and have wondered what would happen if you missed your stop and feared getting stranded, this is the protocol at the last stop on the train line (shuuten). You will not end up on an endless ride until closing time. There is an onboard emergency button but I think it might bring the train to an emergency stop. (The cat makes this footage gold)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

This restroom is from Tokyo Station. Restrooms are designed for barrier-free use and includes amenities for ostomates. I have heard of one or two news stories of individuals taking up residence in these barrier-free restrooms and it’s not hard to imagine why.

A now defunct website, Accessible Japan (Wakakoma Independent Living Center), used to provide detailed descriptions of everything from barrier-free bathrooms, slopes, elevators, and alternative routes. This is from the website:

There is another Accessible Japan but it’s less detailed about information on getting around. Google Maps is a helpful resource in filling in information gaps about steps, stairs, slopes, and other relevant barriers.

————————————————————————————-I

Google Street Maps is a useful tool in making determinations about an area’s wheelchair accessibility, however, use of this app this can be a time-consuming and tedious process of reviewing ramps, slopes, and other potential barriers. I found this guide of Kokyo’s Higashi Gyoen and it has very useful accessibility information and through photo documentation (of pedestrian routes and restrooms) and identification of slope degrees, you can make judgments on an area’s navigability.

Imperial Palace East Gardens – Japan Guide Agency, JGA Inc. – Japan Guide Agency

_____________________________________________________________________________________

For any travellers with physical challenges, Japan’s streets and public transportation system allows opportunities to access essential amenities and services, travel long distances and to go exploring. Wheelchair accessibility (as defined here), then, is about opportunities for barrier-free movement.