Tokyo, Japan

ℹ️ Information below is based on publicly available sources. Always confirm details directly with your airline and airport before travel.

Tokyo is served by two main airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both have good accessibility, with step-free routes, accessible toilets and passenger assistance available.

Request passenger assistance when booking your flight and confirm before departure. Japanese airport staff are generally attentive and helpful.

Immigration and customs at Japanese airports can be thorough. Allow extra time and inform your airline if you need assistance through this process.

Both airports have quiet areas and rest spaces. Haneda is generally considered less overwhelming than Narita due to its closer proximity to the city and smaller scale.

ℹ️ Transport information is subject to change. Check the Tokyo Metro and JR East websites for current accessibility details.

Tokyo has an extensive and highly accessible public transport network. Most metro and JR train stations have lifts, tactile guidance paths and accessible toilets.

The Narita Express (N'EX) and Limousine Bus connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo. The Keikyu and Tokyo Monorail connect Haneda. All services have accessible options.

Tokyo's train network can be extremely busy during rush hours (7–9am and 5–8pm). Travelling outside these times is strongly recommended for neurodivergent travellers.

Taxis in Tokyo are accessible and metered. The driver will not expect a tip. Ride-hailing apps have limited availability compared to other major cities.

ℹ️ Always contact your accommodation directly to confirm specific accessibility features before booking.

Tokyo has a wide range of accessible accommodation. Large international hotels generally have accessible rooms with Western-style bathrooms. Traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) may have limited accessibility — check carefully before booking.

Japanese hotel rooms tend to be smaller than Western equivalents. If space is important for your needs, check room dimensions when booking.

Tokyo can be very noisy in central areas. Request a room on a higher floor or away from street level if noise sensitivity is a concern.

ℹ️ Accessibility at individual attractions varies. Contact venues directly or check their websites for current information.

Many of Tokyo's major attractions — including the Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — have accessible facilities. Check individual venue websites for details.

Tokyo's parks and gardens offer calmer, quieter spaces away from the city's intensity. Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park and Hamarikyu Gardens are all accessible and relatively peaceful.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea have dedicated accessibility programmes. Contact the parks in advance for information on their Guest Assistance services.

Many museums and cultural sites have English-language information and accessible facilities. The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno is a good starting point.

ℹ️ Japan's approach to disability and neurodiversity differs from the UK. The information below reflects general guidance for international visitors.

Japan has strong physical accessibility infrastructure but awareness of hidden disabilities and neurodiversity among the general public is less developed than in the UK.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is not yet widely recognised in Japan. Carrying a simple written card explaining your needs in Japanese can be very helpful — translation apps can assist with this.

Japanese culture places a high value on order, quiet and consideration for others — which can make public spaces calmer than in many Western cities. However, the sheer scale and density of Tokyo can still be overwhelming.

Communication can be challenging — English is not as widely spoken as in some other major cities. Prepare communication cards and download a translation app before travel.

Check the FCDO travel advice for Japan at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan before you travel.

Japan has strict rules on certain medications — some common UK medications (including certain ADHD medications and some painkillers) are controlled or prohibited. Check with the Japanese Embassy before travel.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Healthcare in Japan is good but expensive for uninsured visitors.

The emergency number in Japan is 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance/fire).

Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before travel if you plan to travel beyond Tokyo — it offers significant savings on long-distance trains.