Josh Grisdale has been living in Japan for over a decade and is very passionate about accessible travel. He created Japan's first source of information for visitors with disabilities - Accessible Japan! It's a website filled with useful information about accessible transport, accommodation, and facilities available at tourist sites. We asked Josh about his favourite places to visit in Tokyo and what's next on his travel wishlist!
Hi Josh, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in a small town outside of Toronto in Canada. I had the opportunity to study Japanese in high school and the teacher’s love for Japan and culture inspired me to go to Japan for the first time in 2000. As a wheelchair user, I was excited to see how accessible Japan was then, and how it got better every time I visited afterwards. I moved here in 2007 and became a Japanese citizen in 2016.
What is Accessible Japan and how did it come about?
Accessible Japan is a website to help travelers with disabilities enjoy Japan. The first way is by showing that Japan is an accessible travel destination. Many people have the impression that Japan is not accessible, when in reality it is a very accessible destination and I work to let people know that. The second way is by providing visitors with the accessibility information they need. Most people with disabilities just need the right information to be able to plan the right trip for them.
What are some things visitors with disabilities should be aware of while planning their first trip to Japan? Any tips for transport and accommodation?
The most important thing is to do research. A lot of places are accessible, but don’t do a good job of letting people know! Visitors can use the tourist attraction reviews and hotel database on Accessible Japan to get started. We are also active on TabiFolk - a community website for accessible travel. You can ask us questions about specific locations and we can help find information.
Trains are very easy to use in Japan and in fact the rail system is one of the most accessible in the world. Staff help users on and off the train and over 96% of the stations in Tokyo are accessible.
The number of hotel rooms are lacking compared to other countries but are increasing. The Accessible Japan database is a great place to start looking for places to stay.
What are your favourite sights in Tokyo?
Sensoji in Asakusa and Meiji Jingu are two of my favorite places. Not only are the symbols of Tokyo, but they have put in a great effort to make their grounds accessible. Meiji Jingu added a paved walkway as an alternative to the main gravel path and added ramps at the shrine buildings. Sensoji removed steps along the main route and added an elevator to the main temple. Both really speak of the desire to make Japan’s past accessible to everyone.
Where do you most recommend outside of the traditional ‘Golden Route’ (Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima) and why?
I absolutely love Okinawa and Taketomi Island - they have an accessible water buffalo ride! I also had the opportunity to visit Tottori last year and was really impressed with how they have made some of their main attractions, like the Tottori Sand Dunes, accessible.
Where is next on your Japan wish list?
I am hoping to go back to Okinawa and try accessible diving. I have also not visited Shikoku yet, so that is on my list as well.
Don't forget to check out Josh's Twitter, and Accessible Japan's website, Twitter, and Facebook!
