Touch the sky from Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree was completed in 2012 as a radio tower. At 634 meters, it’s the world’s tallest radio tower and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The observation decks open at 9:00 a.m., making it the perfect place to start the day. You can access it from Oshiage or Tokyo Skytree Station.

Pick up a combined ticket that gives you access to the 350-meter high observation deck and the 450-meter high glass corridor. Same day weekday tickets are 2,100 yen, while advanced tickets are a little cheaper at 1800 yen.

Advance tickets can be purchased online or from the facility’s ticket counters. Visitors with a valid disability ID card along with one companion are eligible for a 50% discount on the ticket. These can also be purchased online.

While you’re in the area, you can also pay a visit to the Solamachi complex below, which houses stores, restaurants, the Sumida Aquarium, and a planetarium.

Riverside walks in historic neighborhoods

Asakusa, The next spot on the itinerary, is across the Sumida River and just one stop away on the Tobu Line. Right under the train tracks and overlooking the river is Tokyo Mizumachi, a brand new facility that just opened in June 2020.

The Tokyo Mizumachi shopping district offers great riverside views and is packed with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling knick knacks—you’ll find plenty of locally-crafted products.

From there you can head to the Sumida River Walk, a pedestrian bridge with barrier-free facilities that spans over the Sumida River. Wheelchair users can cross the bridge to access the Asakusa area on the opposite side.

Smooth rides with UD taxis

The fastest way to get to Asakusa is by taxi. The ride will cost you less than 1,000 yen.

Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, taxis in Tokyo have been given a universal design (UD) revamp. They have higher ceilings and more room compared to conventional sedans.

They are equipped with ramps and handrails, and the doors slide open, making them wheelchair-accessible. Fares are the same as ordinary taxis.

*UD taxis can accommodate two passengers (excluding the driver).
*Set aside an additional 10-15 minutes for installing the ramp, affixing the wheelchair, fastening the seat belt and other preparations.
*UD taxis may not be able to accommodate some wheelchairs, depending on their share and rotational mobility.

Barrier-free rickshaws

Once you arrive in Asakusa, trade your wheelchair for a rickshaw to explore the area. Rickshaws were a major mode of transportation in Japan before the advent of automobiles; now they make for a fun way to explore historic areas like Asakusa.

There are several companies that run rickshaw tours. All of them will be able to assist you in getting on and off your wheelchair using platforms.

Jidaiya has special ramps to make your rickshaw ride more accessible.

Jidaiya’s innovative wheelchair ramp. (Photo provided by Jidaiya)

Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the sights of Asakusa from a unique vantage point.

Stunning water bus views

Water buses offer great access from Asakusa to Odaiba, where a number of games are going to be held. The ride is about 70 minutes long and costs about 1,380 yen.

The structure varies between vessels, but all of them can be boarded via slopes. The barrier-free spaces within the water buses offer stunning views of the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay.

Wheelchair seating on Emeraldas

Boarding starts 10 minutes before departures, and priority boarding is offered for wheelchair users.

Urban seaside fun at Odaiba

Odaiba is a seaside area home to TV stations, The Tokyo International Exhibition Center, a number of shopping malls, and even a Ferris wheel. The area’s pathways and facilities are quite spacious, and many of them are barrier-free, making it a great place to explore on a wheelchair.

Madame Tussauds, located in DECKS Tokyo Beach has a stunning collection of wax statues. You can take pictures with celebrities and legends like Audrey Hepburn and Lady Gaga. Visually-impaired visitors can touch and explore the figures. If you have a valid disability card, you and a companion can get a 50% discount on entry.

MEGA WEB is an interactive theme park located in Palette Town. You can get hands-on with Toyota cars—their displays include historic vehicles and racecars. There’s even a mini racecourse designed for children. Among the displays are cars adopting universal design, which you can take test rides on. Admission is free.

In addition to these spots, Odaiba also has plenty of shopping complexes and amusement parks to spend an activity-packed day.

Catch a game at the Tokyo Bay Zone

After exploring Odaiba, finish your day by watching a game. Odaiba will be hosting the Olympic volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, beach volleyball, and sports climbing games, as well as the Paralympic wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and triathlon games.

Afterwards, you can return to your hotel via the Yurikamome or Rinkai Line, or the water bus. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro can all be accessed on the Rinkai Line without having to transfer.

Tokyo panorama

Start your day at 10:00 a.m with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The observation deck, standing at 202 meters above ground, has free entry and offers spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo.

You can observe the roof of the Olympic Stadium to the south, next to the verdant grounds of Yoyogi Park. Tokyo Bay is visible beyond a cluster of skyscrapers.

On cool, clear days, Mount Fuji is also visible in the west. You’ll be lucky to spot it in summer. Beyond the residential area that sits on the west side is your next destination—Jindaiji Temple.

Access Shinjuku Station via the wide, well-maintained pathways that connect to the Metropolitan Government Building. Hop on the Keio Line and make your way to Chofu Station.

Slip back in time at Jindaiji Temple

Jindaiji Temple is tucked inside a lush forest in the outskirts of Tokyo.

The bus which takes you to the temple from the north exit of Chofu Station has low floors, and is equipped with ramps and a special space for wheelchairs. Get off at the Jindaiji or Jindaiji Shogakko stop. Pick up a map at the tourist information center before you make your way to the temple.

The temple was built in the 8th century and, along with its surroundings, still continues to retain a tranquil atmosphere. After exploring the complex, sample some local fare. Anime fans can visit a teahouse featuring goods related to Shigeru Mizuki’s GeGeGe no Kitaro.

For lunch, treat yourself to Jindaiji soba—it’s made with pure stream water. Light and healthy, soba makes for the perfect summer dish.

Activities to try nearby include pottery workshops and natural hot springs.

Jindaiji walking course

Catch a game at Tokyo Stadium

After your visit to Jindaiji Temple, head to the nearby Tokyo Stadium to catch a game.

Tokyo Stadium will be hosting Olympic soccer, rugby, and modern pentathlon games. To access it from Jindaiji Temple, take the train from Chofu Station to Tobitakyu Station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi—it’s about a 15-minute ride and will cost around 2,000 yen.

Journey to Japan’s old capital

Make an outing to the beachside town of Kamakura, located just an hour away from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.

Kamakura houses many ancient temples and is known for its enormous Buddha statue.

Most public transportation systems around Tokyo are barrier-free, so you can make a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Admire Kamakura’s iconic statue

The iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura will be your first stop in the area. This enormous statue measures 11.3 meters in height and is a designated national treasure. It was built over 750 years ago, when Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan. The statue is placed outdoors and lends in beautifully with the scenery. Entry is free for visitors with a disability ID card.

To access the statue from Kamakura Station, take the retro-looking Enoshima Electric Railway or the local bus. The streets of Kamakura still retain an old-fashioned charm, but note that pathways are not very wide. The Buddha statue is about 2 kilometers from the station, so taking a taxi is also a viable option.

Seaside fun at a barrier-free beach

The next stop on the itinerary is Yuigahama Beach—the beach facilities are barrier-free and accessible by wheelchair.

The beach is about a kilometer from the Buddha statue. Although it’s 20 minutes away on foot, the sidewalks leading to it are not very spacious. Taking a taxi would be a more convenient option.

The beachside rest area is connected to the waterfront with wooden boardwalks, which means that wheelchair users can move around without getting caught in the sand.

You can even rent beach wheelchairs that come with floaters and take a dip in the water.

Lifeguards who are present on weekdays and public holidays can also offer assistance to get you to the water.

Yuigahama Beach is popular with locals and is a great place to experience Japan’s seaside culture.

Catch a game at the Enoshima Yacht Harbor

The Enoshima Yacht Harbor is located on the tiny island of Enoshima, just 7 kilometers from Yuigahama beach, and will be hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic sailing games. This harbor was originally constructed for the 1964 Olympic Games.

Take the Enoshima Electric Railway and enjoy the beautiful seaside views before you alight at Katase-Enoshima Station.

A long bridge that extends to the sandy beach on the opposite bank will take you to Enoshima. The walk is about 20 minutes.

After enjoying the game, head back to Tokyo. Shinjuku is 75 minutes from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line. To go to Shinagawa or Tokyo Station, transfer from the Odakyu Line to the JR Tokaido Line at Fujisawa Station. The journey is about an hour.