Quadriplegic Travel Osaka
Quadriplegic Travel Osaka
I’m a quadriplegic who is trying to travel to Japan for a month this year. I’m not able to walk or physically support by self in any way and need to be transferred everywhere I go. I also need a caregiver with me. Is Osaka feasible? I’ve looked around for rentals/places to stay and it doesn’t seem like anywhere is very accessible; whether that’s Airbnb, Vrbo or hotels. I have an electric sip and puff wheelchair which I can’t live without. It’s pretty big. I haven’t seen much in the way of being able to fit places, either. It may be too big for elevators and definitely too big for most shops and restaurants.
If you look up most accessible countries in the world, Japan is consistently in the top 5 or top 10. But every anecdotal post that I’ve seen says it’s just not feasible to come now with what accommodations they have, as well as just the public opinion. I’m on the verge of giving up. I’m more than willing to accept the fact that it may not be possible. I would just like a final confirmation for from those who have been there or experienced what I’m going through.
Thank you
- 4 Replies
Look for the term “universal room”. Not all hotels have universal rooms, but there are quite a few and some chains that have them. Accessible Japan has a full list of hotels that have universal rooms on their website so you can find the range within your budget as well.
Another site that is good for figuring out accessibility for specific attractions or locations to visit Japan is this site: https://www.japan-accessible.com/
It has a list of all the locations around the Japan and you can select where you want to go. Then it includes all the popular tourist locations.
Trains should be OK as long as you make sure to map out which stations definitely have an elevator (not all do). Prepare at least an additional 10-20 minutes prior to the train arriving and ask the train station staff for help and where you will be getting off at. They will help you with a ramp both on and off the train (this will definitely happen, it’s not usual for them to ignore or forget you that’s rare).
The biggest difficulty will be taxis if you ever choose one. I would suggest that any hotel you stay at to ask them for help if you already have it preplanned for the day. If you decide to go back, perhaps the Go Taxi app might be useful but know that taxis equipped to help you are near to none and you may need to give up on this unless renting a car that can handle it and your caregiver driving for you. That said I don’t really recommend a car in Osaka unless you want day trips where public transit gets more sparse.
Dear Noland
Hello.
You are feeling very sad, aren’t you? “I have to give up my trip to Japan now”. I may be able to help you. But before that, can I ask you some more details? My acquaintance runs a lodging facility that may be able to make your wish come true. If you want, you can use a hoist to get from the bed to the bath. If you want, please send me a direct message.
I hope your trip comes true.
Regards.
Tak
Hello Noland,
We are very pleased that you are interested in traveling to Japan!
Our team has a dedicated staff member in Osaka, so we can guide you around in a wheelchair lift car (with a driver).
Of course, we can also help you find a hotel or restaurant.
The only thing we worry about is whether you will be able to board the plane. If that is not a problem, Japan is waiting for you!
If you are interested, please send us a direct message.
P.S. My family is completely bedridden and on a respirator, but we are enjoying our trip in Japan!
Hi Noland,
I have just returned from Tokyo and Kyoto last week, so my experience wasn’t base on Osaka, but I heard Osaka is somewhat like Tokyo but a little less crowded so I hope my experience is relevant. Please don’t give up even it may seem impossible because Japan is much accessible friendly than what most people said on the internet. I ordered a new manual wheelchair in Japan, and its design is quite narrow so it is easier to navigate in Asia.
These are few of my observations:
1) all 3 hotels have small units, narrow hallway,, low beds, tight washroom (bearly fit 2 ppl), grab bar in bathtub but no grab bar to help getting inside bathtub). So please make sure you get the largest size room if you find an accessible hotel from the Accessible Japn web page.
2) All train stations that I went to have elevators. Inside all these elevators have buttons are lowered for wheelchair users and they are found at all sides of elevator.
3) Google Map is very reliable in pointing me to accessible routes. Very accurate info on which # of car is for wheelchair and the most convenient to exit.
4) Most Japanese are helpful, they would move aside as soon as they see a wheelchair to give me room. They may not interfere to help unless you ask for help. They are good in giving boundaries. But most visitors in suitcases are not as sensitive to wheelchair users and the surroundings, they may cut in front of you, hit your face with backpacks so please be careful on that. And don’t let them ruin your mood. 😜
5) Most alleyway shops and restaurants are not wheelchair friendly.
6) There are large accessible dressing room in most big stores like Uniqlo.
7) All stations I went to have station attendants. So you can ask for a ramp .
That’s all I can think of now, hope you get a bigger picture of your trip.
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