Kyoto is a magnificent city that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. It was the former imperial capital of Japan and is known for its well-preserved historical sites, such as temples, shrines, and ancient wooden houses. It is a cultural gem, famous for its traditional tea houses, kaiseki dining, matcha and tofu, and stunning seasonal scenery, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage.
General Accessibility and transportation
Kyoto is mostly smooth and easy to explore in a wheelchair. The Higashiyama ward, located partially along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is hilly and can be challenging for manual wheelchair users. Some of the alleys in Gion and Hagashiyama are very narrow and can be overwhelming when crowded.
Inside the city, accessible transportation options are limited for wheelchair users.
The city bus is the most useful for visiting most major tourist sites, and most buses are wheelchair accessible. The problem with buses is that they are crowded and the drivers will only let you board if there’s enough space, which may prolong your travel time. A bus ride costs 220¥ (approx. 1.5$) and isn’t covered by a JR pass. Day passes are available for 500¥ (approx. 3.5$).
The subway is another option to get around Kyoto, but it only reaches a few tourist sites and is less convenient. It is, however, wheelchair-accessible, and you can request assistance from the staff.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are common as well but require booking in advance. As with everything in Japan, they are small and can be tight for those using the bigger wheelchairs.
Local trains are the best option for visiting distant places such as Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari, and the JR lines are included in the JR pass.
For detailed information about accessibility on Japan’s public transportation, click here.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a scenic district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Best known for its bamboo grove, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The district boasts traditional teahouses, shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, and many delicious dining options.
To get there, take the wheelchair-accessible JR Sagano line to Saga-Arashiyama station.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s natural wonders. These towering bamboo trees create a serene atmosphere as sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting mesmerizing patterns of light and shadow on the ground. If you want to truly enjoy that beauty, arrive before 8 am; it’s a popular tourist spot that gets very crowded!
The grove is a 15-minute walk/roll from Saga-Arashiyama station. The entire way is smooth, without accessibility obstacles. The entrance is free.
After a visit to the grove, grab a coffee at Arabica (the only coffee shop that opens before 10 am, but also the best cup of coffee we had on the entire trip), enjoy the views of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River and observe the town coming alive – the shops and restaurants opening their doors, the rikshaw drivers and street food vendors take their positions, and the tour buses bring more and more visitors.
Stroll along the main street, where many craft and souvenir shops are step-free and spacious enough to accommodate shoppers in wheelchairs.
Try a tofu meal, one of the specialty foods of the Kyoto region. There are many tofu restaurants in Arashiyama, but many are located in traditional houses that are inaccessible, with only tatami seating. One wheelchair-accessible option is Saga Tofu Ine, with a few regular-height tables on the ground floor.
Other wheelchair-accessible Arashiyama attractions include the Tenryu-ji Temple (partially wheelchair-accessible ) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful garden, and the Sagano Romantic train.
Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its stunning architecture, particularly the top two floors covered in gold leaf. It’s one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best way to get there is by city bus 205 to Kinkakuji Michi stop or by taxi. The path from the entrance through the view area of the Golden Pavilion from across the pond and up to the Pavilion itself is packed gravel and is wheelchair-accessible. However, the adjacent garden is not; there are steps. Wheelchair users must turn around and go back to the entrance to exit the grounds. Rental wheelchairs and accessible restrooms are available.
The entrance fee is discounted for disability certificate holders.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kiyomizu-Dera is a beautiful temple in eastern Kyoto is known for its large wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside and offers panoramic views of the city. In the past, some have taken the leap of faith off the terrace of Kiyomizu, hoping their wishes will come true (if they survived).
Kiyomizu-Dera, translated as “Pure Water Temple,” is named after the Otowa Waterfall within its grounds, which is believed to have purifying powers that offer a lot of promises to its visitors. Pregnant women come here for easy delivery, people seeking a love match try to walk between two love stones with their eyes shut, and those who wish to live a long life or succeed in their studies line up to drink from a wish-granting waterfall.
The temple complex includes several other halls, pagodas, and shrines, all set amidst lush forests and gardens. Kiyomizu-Dera is also an active place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists.
The temple is wheelchair-accessible, with smooth paths, ramps, and universal restrooms. The entrance is free for disabled guests and one companion upon presenting a disability certificate. Getting there involves rolling up a steep hill and through a slopping Kiyomizu-zaka street, which may be challenging for manual wheelchair users.
Higashiyama district
Higashiyama district is a charming area that preserves the traditional atmosphere of ancient Japan. Strolling along its cobblestoned streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, and artisan shops feels like stepping back in time. The historic pedestrian streets Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are busting with tourists but are worth a visit. If you encounter steps on the way, follow the rikshaws; there’s always an accessible detour, although it may take a bit longer.
Yasaka Pagoda in Higashiyama is an iconic five-story pagoda and is the last remaining structure of a 6th-century temple complex known as Hōkan-ji Temple. For a good picture, head to Yasaka Kamimachi Street, but be prepared for many others trying to do the same.
Yasaka Koshindo is a small, one-of-a-kind Temple. It is believed that if you write your wish on a colorful ball called “kukurizaru”, hang it at the site, and give up one of your greeds – your wish may come true.
Maruyama Park is a picturesque public park in the Higashiyama District. It’s one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing during spring and is home to the iconic weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura), illuminated at night. The park offers peaceful (and partially accessible) walking paths, ponds, and landscaped gardens, making it a nice retreat from the crowds. The park is adjacent to the Gion District.
Gion District, also known as Geisha District, is another area where you can get a taste of traditional Japan. Gion is located between the Kamo River and the Yasaka Shrine, on both sides of the famous Shijo Street.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, is a historic food market in the heart of Kyoto. It’s wheelchair accessible and close to many shopping areas and malls. The market is a colorful and fun culinary experience and a good opportunity to taste new local foods. But it’s pretty expensive and feels a bit of a tourist trap.
Not far from the market are two long pedestrian shopping streets Teramachi and Shinkyogoku, and a big and wheelchair-accessible branch of the famous Revolving Sushi Bar chain – Kura Sushi. If you can’t transfer into a booth, you can get a counter seat, and the sushi is delicious and unbelievably cheap. The name of the branch is “Kura Sushi Plus Kyoto,” but you can search for other wheelchair-accessible branches on their website.
Pontocho Alley, parallel to the west bank of the Kamo River, is considered the city’s most beautiful street. It’s lined with traditional shops and restaurants, but it’s now a great experience for wheelchair users during busy dinner time. Most restaurants aren’t accessible, the street is narrow and very crowded, and it’s practically impossible to see anything but people’s derrieres. There are many other beautiful and less crowded alleys to explore along the Kamo River.
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Stationis Kyoto’s central transportation hub, where you’ll arrive by bullet train. Its building is known for its impressive architectural design, including its grand staircase in the main hall that lights up at night. Kyoto Station offers many entertainment options, including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, a cinema complex, and an observation deck providing panoramic city views.
As for accessibility, the station is accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout the complex, and information desks and staff are available to assist.
As always, we chose a hotel next to the station for easy commutes and easily accessible dining and shopping options. Some accessible restaurants/stalls we loved were Tonkatsu KYK for Tonkatsu, San Marco for delicious Japanese Curry, and Nakamura Tokichi for everything match. Still, the possibilities are endless for any budget and preference.
Accessible accommodation option
HOTEL VISCHIO KYOTO by GRANVIA is an excellent, 4-star hotel with public baths, a gym, and a laundry room only 2 minutes from Kyoto Station. The Universal room is spacious, with all the needed adaptations except for a roll-in shower (like most Japanese hotels) but with a shower chair and drains outside the bathtub.
There are many more wheelchair-accessible things to do and see in Kyoto, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha (partially accessible) and Nijo Castle. Another option is a day trip to the beautiful Nara – check out our blog, “Nara in a wheelchair.”