Tokyo is the ultimate city of contrasts, where ancient and ultra-modern coexist in perfect balance. From neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers to serene temples and lush gardens, Tokyo never fails to mesmerize visitors with its energy, diversity, and attention to detail.
One of the things that impressed me most during our visits to Tokyo was accessibility. The city’s public transportation system is extensive and, for the most part, very wheelchair friendly. Most train and subway stations include elevators, ramps, tactile paving, accessible bathrooms, and staff assistance when needed. Public buildings, shopping centers, and many tourist attractions are also designed with accessibility in mind.
This guide combines experiences from several trips to Tokyo as a wheelchair user and covers both iconic attractions and neighborhoods that are worth exploring beyond the typical tourist checklist.
For detailed information about accessible transportation in Tokyo and Japan, including trains, subways, buses, and the Shinkansen, check out my separate transportation guide
Shinagawa and Shinagawa station
Shinagawa Station, located in the Shinagawa district of Tokyo, is one of the city’s major transportation hubs. If you travel via bullet train, Tokyo, Ueno, and Shinagawa stations are the three main Shinkansen stations in central Tokyo.
I chose to mention Shinagawa because it’s an excellent option for a short layover after arriving in Japan if Tokyo isn’t your final destination. With direct access to Narita and Haneda airports, major train lines, and the Shinkansen, it’s one of the most convenient areas to stay before continuing to other parts of Japan.
The area around the station has many hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping options, making it practical for a short stay while recovering from a long flight or adjusting to the time difference.
One hotel option we stayed at during one of our visits was the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, a huge hotel complex located right next to the station. The property includes multiple towers, restaurants, cafes, bars, a fitness center, a bowling alley, and even a movie theater.
We stayed in a universal room on the 22nd floor of the main tower. The room was comfortable and very convenient after a long flight, though it did not have a roll-in shower. Instead, like many universal hotel rooms in Japan, it featured a shower chair and drains outside the bathtub. Here’s the link to the room on the Japanese website.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional atmosphere, and vibrant street life. Despite Tokyo’s modern image, Asakusa offers a glimpse into old Tokyo and remains one of the city’s most popular areas to explore.
At the heart of Asakusa stands the iconic Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most respected Buddhist temples. The temple is wheelchair accessible via ramps and an elevator. Leading to the temple is Nakamise-dori, a lively shopping street lined with traditional shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts.
The 8th-floor observation terrace of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center offers a nice view of Asakusa and Tokyo Sky Tree. It is free and open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Asakusa is also one of the best areas in Tokyo for trying traditional street food. Some of the things we tried:
• Kibidango at Kibidango Aduma on Nakamise-dori. Kibidango is a sweet dumpling made of mochi rice and soybean flour that has been popular in Asakusa since the Edo period.
• Ice cream in melon bread at Asakusa Kagetsudo was delicious!
• Sweet potato crème brûlée at Imo pippi
Asakusa also sits along the Sumida River, where visitors can enjoy scenic cruises with The Tokyo Sea Cruise. The boats are wheelchair accessible and offer a different perspective of the city and Tokyo Bay.
One route connects Asakusa to Odaiba and passes landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree along the way. Other seasonal options are also available, including cherry blossom cruises in spring, dinner cruises, and fireworks cruises during summer festivals.
Odaiba
Odaiba is a futuristic artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, known for its modern architecture, shopping and entertainment complexes, waterfront views, and relaxed atmosphere compared to central Tokyo. The island is connected to the mainland by the iconic Rainbow Bridge and can be reached by train, boat, or car.
One of Odaiba’s most famous landmarks is the replica of the Statue of Liberty. The original statue was temporarily displayed in Odaiba in 1998 as a symbol of friendship between Japan and France and became so popular that a permanent replica was later installed.
Other popular attractions in the area include DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue outside the mall, which lights up and transforms several times throughout the day.
Harajuku and Shibuya
Harajuku is a diverse neighborhood in Tokyo, famous for its fashion, street art, and unique atmosphere. The focal point of Harajuku is Takeshita Street, a narrow pedestrian street lined with trendy boutiques, cafes, and street food stalls. The area is hilly, and manual wheelchair users may need help. Cat Street is another street in the area known for its fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and trendy cafes.
If you are looking for luxury brand flagship stores, head to a nearby Omotesando, a stylish avenue often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Not far from Takeshta and Omotesando streets is the serene Meiji Shrine. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is surrounded by a lush forest of over 100,000 trees, creating a peaceful sanctuary away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors to the Meiji Shrine pass through massive wooden torii gates, marking the transition from the urban landscape into the sacred realm of the Shrine. The main path, known as the Meiji Jingu Gyoen, offers a leisurely stroll through towering trees, serene gardens, and open spaces – peace. The Shrine is wheelchair accessible with paved paths and ramps. The entrance is free.
Another iconic landmark in the area is Shibuya Crossing – a famous pedestrian scramble intersection in Tokyo; definitely a must-visit spot if you’re ever in the city!
There are several viewpoints from which to observe Shibuya Crossing, such as the Starbucks in the Shibuya Tsutaya building, the Shibuya Station glass concourse bridge (in one of the photos) that offers a free-of-charge view of the crossing, or the Magnet by Shibuya 109 shopping mall rooftop that, unfortunately, had stairs but my companion paid the 600¥ admission fee (including one drink) and took some great photos while I waited by the elevator. The rooftop is open from 11 am to 11 pm.
And the most popular of all – the Shibuya Sky observation deck in the Shibuya Scramble Square building (must be booked way in advance). Shibuya Sky is wheelchair accessible (except for the glass escalator) and offers incredible panoramic views of Tokyo, especially around sunset. However, in my personal opinion, it’s also one of the most overcrowded attractions in the city. During peak hours, it can get so crowded that visitors line up just to take photos at the popular photo spots.
There is a disability discount available. After purchasing regular tickets online, go to the ticket office at the entrance on the 46th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, and with proof of disability, part of the ticket price will be refunded.
If you’re visiting Shibuya Scramble Square, I’d also highly recommend Sushi Tokyo Ten, a wheelchair-accessible sushi omakase restaurant located inside the building. Compared to many omakase experiences in Tokyo, it’s relatively affordable (especially the lunch) and offers excellent sushi in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere.
Shimokitazawa
Another neighborhood worth exploring is Shimokitazawa, often considered one of Tokyo’s coolest and trendiest areas. Compared to the fast pace of Shibuya and Harajuku, Shimokitazawa feels calmer and more local, with countless second-hand and vintage shops, trendy cafes, live music venues, small craft stalls, and narrow streets full of character.
It’s a great place to simply wander around and soak in the atmosphere.
However, Shimokitazawa was one of the less wheelchair-friendly neighborhoods I visited in Tokyo. There were very few lowered curbs, and many stores, cafes, and restaurants had steps at the entrance. While it was still fun to roll around the area, enjoy the vibe, and browse the outdoor stalls and shops, I definitely felt like I couldn’t fully experience everything the neighborhood had to offer as a wheelchair user.
Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping and entertainment district, known for its luxury boutiques, department stores, elegant atmosphere, and excellent food scene. On weekends, the main street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only area.
Ginza is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with art galleries, theaters, and performance venues showcasing traditional and contemporary works. The district’s historic Kabuki-za theater hosts traditional Kabuki performances, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich theatrical heritage.
The Tsukiji Outer Market, near Ginza, is still one of Tokyo’s most famous food markets and a popular place to try fresh seafood and street food. However, over the years, it has become much more tourist-oriented and noticeably more expensive than it used to be.
During one of our visits to Tokyo, we stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo-Kyobashi PREMIER located near Ginza and Tokyo Station. The location was very convenient for exploring the area and for easy access to the Shinkansen and other train lines.
Ueno
Ueno Park is one of Japan’s most popular public parks. The park is also home to many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum. All three museums are accessible and free for disabled visitors and one companion.
Ueno Park is also famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract visitors during the hanami (flower-viewing) season, and for several ponds, with Shinobazu Pond being the largest and most prominent. The pond is divided into three sections: the Lotus Pond, Boat Pond, and Cormorant Pond, each with its unique charm and activities.
The Ueno Zoo has over 3,000 animals from around the world, including Giant Pandas, Gorillas, and more. It is free for disabled visitors and one companion.
Not far from the park is Ameya-Yokocho, often abbreviated as Ameyoko. It’s a bustling street market famous for its atmosphere, diverse shops, and izakayas and food stalls.
Ameyoko is flat and easy to explore in a wheelchair. It has many restaurants with outside accessible seating areas and a fun atmosphere.
Akihabara
Akihabara, often called “Electric Town,” is Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture.
Even though we only spent about an hour there, the atmosphere was impossible to miss. The area was packed with young people, anime and comic book stores, arcades, and massive electronics stores that seemed to sell just about everything imaginable. Along the main street, many girls dressed as maids stood outside inviting customers into the famous maid cafes that Akihabara is known for.
On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the district’s main street, closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only zone, making it even easier to explore the area.
Shinjuku
We stayed in Shinjuku twise during our visits to Tokyo, and we absolutely loved it.
With its towering skyscrapers, endless shopping and entertainment options, and Shinjuku Station, which allows easy access anywhere in and outside of metropolitan Tokyo, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city.
Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest railway stations in the world, can be challenging to navigate at first, but with staff assistance, it’s seamless and fast. The station is wheelchair accessible, but not all exits are equipped with elevators. I’d suggest asking for assistance at the gate every time.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has a free observation deck that provides breathtaking views of Tokyo and beyond. In the evenings, the building also hosts a free projection mapping light show on the exterior of the building, featuring lights, music, and animated visuals.
Kabukicho is an entertainment district in East Shinjuku known for its nightlife, bars, clubs, restaurants, adult entertainment, and the famous red-light district.
There are also areas in Shinjuku where visitors can experience the charm of old Tokyo. One such area is the Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane. Located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alley with rustic wooden buildings, traditional lanterns, tiny eateries, and izakayas but it’s not easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Another area worth exploring is the Golden Gai, a maze of narrow alleys filled with small bars and pubs. Located near Kabukicho in Shinjuku, the Golden Gai retains its old-world charm with its dimly lit streets, eclectic decor, and intimate atmosphere.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a beautiful park located in the heart of the Shinjuku district. It features traditional Japanese gardens, a traditional Japanese tea house, a French-style chateau, and a diverse collection of plants and flowers, including cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and colorful foliage in autumn. It’s a nice place to take a break from the non-stop pace of the city.
During both of our visits to Tokyo, we stayed at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, a good 3-star hotel located only 5 minutes from Shinjuku Station South Gate. The hotel offers accessible universal rooms with adjustable beds, grab bars, a floating sink, and a shower chair with drains outside the bathtub instead of a roll-in shower.
Korea Town (Shin-Okubo)
Located near Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo is Tokyo’s vibrant Korea Town, known for its Korean restaurants, street food, cafes, skincare shops, K-pop stores, and lively atmosphere.
It’s a fun area to wander around and mostly flat and relatively easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Most K-beauty and skincare shops are step-free, but many restaurants have steps at the entrance.
One cute and accessible cafe we stumbled upon was the 2D Cafe, known for its unique black-and-white comic-style design and surprisingly good matcha.
TeamLAB Borderless and azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills is one of Tokyo’s newest developments, with shops, restaurants, cafes, and green spaces. It’s also home to TeamLab Borderless, one of the most unique attractions in the city.
TeamLab Borderless is an immersive digital art museum filled with moving projections, lights, mirrors, and interactive installations. Unlike TeamLab Planets, which has several exhibits that require visitors to walk through water, TeamLab Borderless is very wheelchair friendly. The entire route is step-free, and upon arrival, we were given a tablet with an accessibility map showing accessible routes and exhibits. I only remember one exhibit being marked as inaccessible, but I was still able to enter it. Discounted disability tickets are available online for both the disabled visitor and one companion, and proof of disability is checked at the entrance. Try to book the earliest time slot possible, as it gets crowded later in the day.
Another advantage is the location. TeamLab Borderless is directly connected to Kamiyacho Metro Station, so you don’t even need to step outside, making it a perfect activity for a rainy day.
If you’re a coffee lover, don’t skip Arabica. There are two locations within Azabudai Hills.
The complex also has plenty of dining options and is within walking distance of Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple, making it easy to combine several attractions in one day.
disney Tokyo
I visited Tokyo Disneyland during my first trip to Japan. Getting there and navigating the park was very easy as a wheelchair user. The trains, stores, pathways, restaurants, and restrooms were all accessible, and I had no issues getting around the park.
Discounted disability tickets for disabled guests and one companion are available through the official Disney website. However, I was unable to purchase them because my foreign credit card was not accepted, and Disney customer service was unable to help. I ended up purchasing regular full-price tickets through a third-party website instead.
To watch the parade, there was a designated wheelchair viewing area. However, the space was relatively small and packed with a lot of wheelchair users, which made moving around or leaving in the middle of the parade impossible. As soon as I realized that, I chose to leave and watch the parade from a different location.
My biggest disappointment was the ride accessibility policy. In order to ride most attractions, guests must be able to self-evacuate using a ladder (they ask you at every ride if you can). As a non-ambulatory wheelchair user, this meant I was unable to access most of the rides. Disney provides detailed accessibility information for every attraction on its website, so I suspected this, but it was still disappointing and very different from my experiences at Disney parks in Europe and the United States.
Overall, Tokyo Disneyland was one of the most physically accessible theme parks I’ve visited, but not very ride-accessible for non-ambulatory wheelchair users.
In addition to exploring Tokyo, you can take many day trips to various places, such as Hakone, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, and more.
Dear Tali,
I just want to say I do appreciate your posts sharing the valuable and useful information. I am planning to travel Japan with my mum, a wheelchair user and had hard time coordinating logistics and making an itinerary. After going through your Japan posts, I think I have a clear idea what to expect in Japan, which is reassuring.
Thank you so much!