1. I used to traveled to Japan quarterly on business.
. . . most of my business meetings were in Kyoto
. . . we also did some national travel to "explore"
. . . we saw many folks with crutches-walkers-wheelchairs-scooters
. . . only a few locations were not handicap accessible
2. Access
. . . most touristy locations are handicap-friendly ("ish")
. . . handicap access laws outside of USA are sparse
. . . Japan is making good progress in order to get tourist dollars
. . . some locations still have some inaccessible areas
. . . most elevators have a special button for handicap assistance
. . . this also applies to many transportation (rail-bus-etc) hubs
. . . some larger buildings even have a dedicated handicap elevator
. . . we saw very little abuse of these handicap elevators
. . . most MAJOR tourist attractions have reasonable access.
. . . always check if your handicap need is available
. . . Tokyo Disney is pretty accessible, except for a few rides.
. . . there is no
DAS program at Tokyo Disney
3. "Certificate of Disability"
. . . Japan has a unique disability program and system
. . . special access, assistance
. . . at many locations and stores, large discounts are offered
. . . the certificate program is not available to tourists.
. . . these are meant for Japanese residents
. . . residents who are non-Japanese may apply
4. The "Certificate of Disability" program requires
. . . written application made in-person at the Healthcare System
. . . if a severe mobility handicap, in-person exceptions are possible
. . . requires a doctor's Healthcare System form and signature
. . . usually takes 4-6 weeks to process
5. Discounts
. . . Japan has a
"shogaisha techo" passbook for residents
. . . it is about the size of a passport with a hard cover
. . . the person's photo and disability is on the inside of passbook
. . . agencies and businesses use these for benefits and discounts
. . . discounts include transportation, museums, many stores, etc
. . . transportation discounts are NOT gien by train companies
. . . the passbook holder can skip most ticketing lines
. . . passbook can used and a ID, just like a driver license
6. Foreign Disability or Certificate Programs
. . . some locations (not Disney) acknowledge foreign certificates
. . . they will offer discounts and/or special access
. . . this is up to the person at the Customer Service counter
. . . there is no requirement or law to honor foreign programs
. . . but, it never hurts to ask if you have a foreign govt certificate
. . . a Blue Handicap Parking Placard is not acceptable
NOTE:
. . . due to the Olympics, handicap access has increased
. . . however, do not assume your destination has improved
. . . get a good guidebook and inquire ahead of travel
. . . your travel agent should be able to help and advise