Tokyo Private Tours
Japan's infrastructure has improved significantly, but navigating Tokyo with mobility concerns still requires insider knowledge, advance planning, and someone who knows which routes actually work.
November 10, 2025
11 mins read
Tokyo's reputation for efficiency doesn't always extend to accessibility. While newer buildings and train stations have elevators and accessible restrooms, older infrastructure—especially in historic neighborhoods—can be challenging to navigate with mobility concerns. The information online is often incomplete: station maps don't always indicate which exits have elevators, temple websites don't mention the steep stairs at the entrance, and restaurant accessibility varies wildly depending on the building's age. For travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or managing limited mobility, Tokyo requires more than a guidebook—it requires someone who knows which routes actually work.
Tokyo has made significant progress in recent years. The 2020 Olympics spurred infrastructure improvements, and major stations now have elevators, tactile paving for visually impaired travelers, and accessible restrooms. Many modern hotels, museums, and shopping centers are wheelchair-friendly.
But the city's accessibility is uneven. Older neighborhoods like Asakusa, Yanaka, and parts of Shibuya have narrow sidewalks, older train stations without elevators, and restaurants in basement or second-floor locations accessible only by stairs. Temples and shrines often have gravel paths, steep inclines, or steps that aren't immediately obvious from online descriptions.
The challenge isn't that Tokyo is inaccessible—it's that accessibility is unpredictable. Two restaurants on the same block might have completely different setups. One train station has an elevator; the next one doesn't. A temple might have a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but it's not the main entrance and isn't well-marked.
This is where advance planning and local knowledge become essential.
Most group tours and standard private tours are designed for able-bodied travelers. The itineraries assume you can navigate stairs, walk several miles per day, and use any train station without checking for elevator access.
When you book a tour through an aggregator platform, the assigned guide may not know you have mobility concerns until the day of the tour—or worse, they're aware but haven't planned accordingly. You show up expecting an accessible route and discover the first stop requires climbing two flights of stairs.
Freelance guides vary in their willingness and ability to accommodate accessibility needs. Some are excellent; others lack the experience to plan routes that work. And because there's no centralized support system, you're relying entirely on one person's knowledge and preparation.
What goes wrong:
Guides plan routes through stations without elevator access
Itineraries include locations with unavoidable stairs or steep inclines
Restaurants aren't vetted for wheelchair accessibility
Backup plans don't exist when a planned location turns out to be inaccessible
Communication about accessibility needs happens too late in the planning process
The result? You spend your day problem-solving instead of sightseeing.
Train Stations Are Hit or Miss
Tokyo's train system is one of the world's most efficient—but it wasn't designed with accessibility as a priority. Newer stations like Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station (after its recent renovation) have multiple elevators and clear signage. Older stations, especially on local lines, may have only one elevator—or none at all.
Even stations with elevators can be tricky. The elevator might be located far from the platform, requiring a long detour. Some exits have elevators while others don't. During rush hour, elevators can be crowded, making them difficult to access.
How a private guide helps: A guide pre-plans routes using only accessible stations and exits. They know which lines have the best elevator access, which stations to avoid, and how to navigate transfers without encountering stairs. They also know alternative routes if the primary plan doesn't work.
At Hinomaru One, we map out the entire day's transportation in advance, confirming elevator locations and accessible exits before the tour begins.
Sidewalks and Streets Aren't Always Smooth
Tokyo's sidewalks vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood. Modern business districts like Marunouchi have wide, smooth sidewalks with curb cuts. Older residential areas like Yanaka have narrow, uneven streets with minimal sidewalk space.
Crossing streets can also be challenging. Some intersections have long wait times, and not all crosswalks are at ground level—some require navigating slight inclines or uneven pavement.
How a private guide helps: A guide selects neighborhoods and routes based on sidewalk quality and street accessibility. They avoid areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, narrow sidewalks, or uneven terrain. They also time crossings to ensure you're not rushed.
Temples and Shrines Require Advance Scouting
Many of Tokyo's most famous temples and shrines were built centuries ago, long before accessibility was a consideration. Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa has a relatively flat approach, but the surrounding streets are crowded and uneven. Meiji Shrine has gravel paths that can be difficult for wheelchairs. Nezu Shrine—while beautiful—has steep stairs leading to its famous torii gate tunnel.
The information online rarely clarifies which areas of a temple or shrine are accessible. You might find that the main hall is reachable, but the most photogenic spots are not.
How a private guide helps: A guide knows which temples and shrines are wheelchair-accessible and which areas within them are navigable. They can also identify lesser-known alternatives that offer similar cultural experiences without the physical barriers.
For example, instead of Nezu Shrine's steep stairs, a guide might take you to Hie Shrine, which has both stairs and an accessible path to the top.
Restaurants Are Wildly Inconsistent
Tokyo's restaurant scene is exceptional—but many of the best spots are in older buildings with narrow doorways, stairs to the entrance, or seating on raised tatami platforms. Even restaurants that appear accessible from the street might have restrooms down a flight of stairs or tight spaces between tables.
Chain restaurants and hotel dining tend to be more accessible, but they're not where you'll find the most authentic local experiences.
How a private guide helps: A guide pre-vets restaurants for accessibility. They confirm doorway widths, check for steps, and ensure restrooms are accessible. They also know which restaurants have flexible seating arrangements and staff who are accommodating to guests with mobility needs.
Satoshi, our lead guide at Hinomaru One, has relationships with restaurant owners across Tokyo and can arrange seating in advance when needed.
Public Restrooms Are Limited
Tokyo has public restrooms in most train stations, parks, and shopping areas—but not all are accessible. Older facilities may have narrow stalls, no grab bars, or entrances that require navigating steps. Newer facilities are generally well-designed, but they're not always easy to locate when you need them.
How a private guide helps: A guide plans routes with accessible restroom locations in mind. They know which stations, parks, and department stores have the best facilities and can time breaks accordingly.
We approach accessibility as a core part of tour planning—not an afterthought. Here's how we make Tokyo more navigable for travelers with mobility concerns:
1. Accessibility Planning Starts Before You Book
When you reach out to us, we ask about your specific mobility needs: Are you using a wheelchair, walker, or cane? Do you have limitations on walking distance or standing time? Are there specific concerns about stairs, uneven terrain, or restroom access?
Our concierge team uses this information to design an itinerary that works for you—not a generic route with accessibility added on later.
2. Routes Are Pre-Scouted and Confirmed
We don't guess. Before your tour, we confirm:
Which train stations have elevator access and where those elevators are located
Which exits to use at each station
Sidewalk conditions in planned neighborhoods
Accessibility of temples, shrines, and other attractions
Restaurant access, including doorways, seating, and restrooms
If something doesn't work, we adjust the itinerary before your tour begins.
3. Guides Are Trained to Navigate Accessibility Challenges
Satoshi and our team have extensive experience guiding travelers with mobility concerns. They know how to:
Navigate crowded train stations efficiently
Identify accessible routes in real time
Adjust pacing based on your energy level
Handle unexpected obstacles (like a broken elevator or closed route)
As one guest, Leilani B., shared: "Our daughter is in a wheelchair and Satoshi went out of his way to accommodate her needs." That level of attention isn't accidental—it's the result of experience and intentional planning.
4. Itineraries Are Flexible and Unrushed
We don't pack your day with back-to-back stops. Accessibility requires buffer time—for navigating stations, taking breaks, and adjusting routes if needed. Our itineraries prioritize depth over volume, so you're not constantly rushing to the next location.
If you need to rest, we build that into the day. If a route turns out to be more challenging than expected, we pivot to an alternative without making you feel like you're inconveniencing anyone.
5. Centralized Support Means Nothing Gets Forgotten
Our concierge team tracks all accessibility details centrally—dietary restrictions, mobility aids, preferred pacing, restroom needs. This information is documented and shared with your guide before the tour starts, so you're not explaining your needs multiple times or hoping details don't get lost.
6. We Communicate Honestly About Limitations
We won't promise that every location in Tokyo is accessible—because it's not true. But we'll tell you upfront which locations work, which don't, and what alternatives exist. If a specific site you want to visit isn't accessible, we'll explain why and suggest comparable options that are.
Transparency is better than disappointment.
Here's an example of how we might structure a day for a traveler using a wheelchair:
Morning: Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple
Start at Asakusa Station (elevator access confirmed)
Walk through Nakamise Street (wide, flat, manageable crowds early in the morning)
Visit Sensō-ji Temple (main hall is accessible; we skip the steep side areas)
Explore the outer market streets (pre-scouted for sidewalk width and accessibility)
Midday: Lunch in Kagurazaka
Take accessible train route to Iidabashi Station
Walk through Kagurazaka's wider main streets (avoiding the narrow hillside alleys)
Lunch at a vetted restaurant with step-free entrance and accessible restroom
Afternoon: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
Visit Meiji Shrine (gravel paths require extra time, but main areas are navigable with assistance)
Explore Omotesando (wide, modern sidewalks with excellent accessibility)
Afternoon break at a café with accessible seating
Evening: Shibuya
Experience Shibuya Crossing from an accessible vantage point (we avoid the crowded street-level chaos)
Explore Shibuya's accessible shopping areas
End the day at a restaurant with confirmed wheelchair access
Throughout the day, we use only accessible train stations, build in rest breaks, and adjust pacing based on your energy level.
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
Tokyo is generally accommodating of wheelchairs, but not all streets and buildings are wide enough for larger mobility devices. If you're using a wheelchair, let us know the dimensions so we can plan accordingly.
Limited Walking Distance
If you can walk short distances but not several miles per day, we design routes with minimal walking and strategic use of taxis when needed. Tokyo's taxis are affordable and accessible (though not all are wheelchair-accessible, so we arrange those in advance if necessary).
Seating and Rest Breaks
We plan itineraries with frequent opportunities to sit—cafés, park benches, rest areas in shopping centers. You're never stuck walking for hours without a break.
Companion Support
If you're traveling with a companion who's managing mobility aids or providing assistance, we adjust pacing to accommodate both of you.
Tokyo is an incredible city—but it shouldn't require Herculean effort to experience it if you have mobility concerns. The difference between a stressful trip and an enjoyable one often comes down to whether someone has done the advance work to ensure routes are accessible, backup plans exist, and your needs are taken seriously.
We built Hinomaru One with the belief that thoughtful planning and local expertise can make Tokyo accessible to far more travelers than most people realize. It's not about eliminating every challenge—it's about navigating them with confidence and care.
Tokyo's accessibility is improving, but it's still uneven enough that independent navigation can be exhausting for travelers with mobility concerns. A private guide with experience in accessibility planning doesn't just make the logistics easier—they give you the freedom to focus on the experience itself rather than constantly problem-solving.
If you have mobility concerns and want to experience Tokyo without the stress, reach out to us. We'll ask the right questions, plan routes that work, and ensure your day is about discovery—not obstacles.
