Is Tokyo Metro accessible to people with movement disabilities?
A friend of mine will be travelling to Tokyo for a week or two, and since she has a certain movement disability, she was concerned whether the Tokyo Metro has appropriate accessibility facilities (lifts, escalators, step-free access, accessible ticket machines, gap-less train access). I already found out from the website that priority seats are available.
I wasn't able to find anything about this on the Tokyo Metro website, and Wikipedia isn't much help either.
So, my question consists of three parts:
- Is the Tokyo Metro accessible to disabled persons?
- Are accessibility facilities available at each station?
- What facilities, specifically, are available?
As a bonus, additional information about accessibility in Tokyo will be highly appreciated.
Best Answer
Can only answer question no 1 & 2 :
Tokyo Metro is accessible for the disabled.
Maps of World claims that "In the Tokyo Subway, there are special wheel chair access arrangements and ticket counters for the disabled passengers"
Seems that not all stations support accessibility for disabled persons, even for major stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
There is also a website dedicated for giving information about travelling in japan for disabled people.
Pictures about "Is Tokyo Metro accessible to people with movement disabilities?"
Is Japan disability friendly?
The state of accessibility in Japan has improved dramatically in recent decades with a push towards "barrier-free" facilities that can be navigated by wheelchairs, non-step buses, multipurpose toilets and wide elevators with lowered buttons.Is Tokyo wheelchair accessible?
Most of buildings and department stores have good wheelchair accessibility. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a famous large park with beautiful gardens, is wheelchair accessible. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is also wheelchair accessible. Visitors enjoy the landscape from the 45th floor without charge.What happens to disabled people in Japan?
Every person with disability shall have a right to be respected for his or her individual dignity and lead a decent life. Every person with disability, as a member of the society, shall be entitled opportunities to participate in social, economic, cultural and all other activities in the society.How are disabilities viewed in Japan?
\u201cIn Japan, disabled people are discriminated against so the families wanted to hide them,\u201d Ono told Reuters in an interview, adding he and Chikiko had always been open about their son, who has autism and cognitive disabilities. Japan has made progress in its treatment of the disabled.Travelling With a Physical Disability in Japan
More answers regarding is Tokyo Metro accessible to people with movement disabilities?
Answer 2
In Tokyo and all arround Japan you don't need to worry to travel as a handicaped person. Even if the station has no facilities for disabled all staff persons will help you to access where you need inside the metro or inside train stations. Yes, there are limited places where you can manage alone all, but don't worry, in Japan in the metro or train you are not alone.
Answer 3
Passengers using wheelchairs are requested to approach a station staff member. One or more ticketing gate will be wider than the normal ones for wheel chair access and for large baggage. The staff member will escort you to the platform and help you get on the train and call ahead to the station so that someone would be waiting with another ramp to help you get off. Check here for more details and Information line
If you use a wheelchair, you may not be able to board the train depending on the type of wheelchair you use, the train you wish to ride and the station. So be sure to check with us before you buy your ticket. Wheelchairs that can be brought on board must be no more than 120 centimeters in length/height and no more than 70 centimeters in width.
It may take some time to escort you to the platform, so please be sure to reach the station a little early.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Kaique Rocha, MART PRODUCTION, MART PRODUCTION, MART PRODUCTION