My son (16) and I (38), from Vancouver Canada, both Autistic are going to be staying in Kyoto this summer for two months, in Nishikyo ward. I have sensory sensitivity to loud/sudden noises, but we’ve got decent communication skills and are weather tolerant. I’m only about JLPT N4 but I’m studying hard. This is a very broad question, but if anyone here is Autistic and is in or has stayed in Kyoto, I’d like to know any recommendations or suggestions you may have. For example, did you feel like it was safe to be visibly autistic when out and about, or did you feel pressured to mask your traits, like stimming, low/no eye contact etc. Were there any places that you thought autistic people in particular would appreciate or prefer to avoid? We’ll probably do a lot of our exploring on foot at night when it’s calmer/less crowded, and we’ll have access to bicycles too. We can tolerate occasional day trips by train if they’re not excessively noisy. Lived experience appreciated.
by HeidiHzs