Hi everyone, (mods let me know if I need to change anything in here or take this down)
I use a wheelchair full time and I’m traveling to Japan with my girlfriend for the first 2 weeks in February. I have some specific questions that I haven’t been able to find a straight answer to, along with being open to any advice/general suggestions.
First, I should say I’ve traveled a lot, I’m from America and only speak English (sadly), and my girlfriend is normal (i.e. she could help me with stuff like getting up curbs, etc.) Also, idk if it helps, but my SCI is T11, I have full core control, and my Instagram is wheelchairDNA (in case seeing me can help with the advice because I’m very capable of doing stuff in a wheelchair that might otherwise be written off).
Questions are:
1. If I’m out in the city and have to use the bathroom, can I go into most buildings and be allowed to use the bathroom AND it’ll be big enough?
1.1 If not, what are the best/most occurring places to go to for a good chance of a larger/private bathroom? Such as pharmacies, McDonald’s??
2. When using the transit, is it easy to find the elevators / is there signage?
3. Are there any well-known places/attractions/etc. that are NOT accessible?? (Tokyo/Kyoto)
4. Likewise is there anything that IS accessible (like, known to be very accessible)?
5. When using the train going Tokyo <-> Kyoto, we plan to use the JR rail pass, we plan to go to Kyoto the day after we land. Can I just get on? Or is there some process with the wheelchair?
6. In Italy & Greece, lots of museums are free for me and who I’m with (or reduced cost + I went to the front of the line for Michelangelo & the Colosseum), is there anything like this in Japan? Money isn’t an issue, just curious.
7. From what I’ve seen, in a lot of places they will have you take off your shoes and put on slippers. How does this work with a wheelchair without being disrespectful since the wheels can’t put on slippers?
8. Is there any extra advice that could help?
Also, a general question that could be ignored, but I couldn’t find the answer (please link to an answer if it exists)
9. Is it better to get Yen here from my bank in America or should I use an ATM in Japan? My bank is Charles Schwab
Thank you in advance for any help with any questions!!!
by SafariSoGoodi