[Yess]

Hi! Sorry to jump in..
May I know if the bus going to Shirakawa go/ Takayama/ Kanazawa able to carry foldable electric wheelchair? Size is 60 x 75 x 40 cm.

I can do mini steps into the bus.

Thanks so much!
Yess

[Josh Grisdale]

Never taken it but, from calling the bus company before, I’m pretty sure that as long as you can get up the steps and your wheelchair can fold to suitcase size, it should be ok.

It is like this I believe. (But @joanp can confirm)

[Joan Pahisa]

Yes, it should be alright. At least, that’s what I did. I’d recommend getting off the wheelchair and folding it as soon as you can, so that the driver doesn’t have time to get flustered or stressed out. I didn’t have any trouble with that particular trip, but I’ve had other experiences were I had to negotiate with drivers thinking that I couldn’t climb the steps, etc.

By the way, Shirakawago is totally worth it even if you can’t enter most buildings. It’s really different from other places in Japan and, if you take an early bus, it doesn’t feel that crowded.

[Yess]

Thanks so much @joshgrisdale @joanp

[Moya Gray]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I would like to go to Shirakawa go, but as he’s in a large power wheelchair looks like the transportation choices are nonexistent.

Do you know whether it’s possible for United States driver to rent a wheelchair accessible van in Tokyo? we don’t need hand controls just the ability to carry a person in a large power wheelchair.

Thank you so much for whatever information you can provide!

[Josh Grisdale]

There are accessible rental options, but not at every rental location. A common lift-equipped van is the Toyota Hi-Ace, but there are mini-van options with ramps in the back – just be sure to measure and be sure your husband can fit in. I use an Invacare power wheelchair and can get in some if I recline my backrest. If we are going to do details, a separate discussion might be a good idea.

If you are interest in a ride/tour with an accessible vehicle I think @ohayotravel or @wanping (https://www.accessible-japan.com/custom_tour/custom/tokudaw/) or @tak can help arrange a tour.