Cherry Blossom tour for the mobility impaired

5 comments

1. I would recommend Kyoto for both of those things. The cherry blossoms are blooming EVERYWHERE in the city and through the whole country at some time. Places like the Imperial Palace are very spacious too so you would be able to move easily. Also, you can appreciate so many of the arts in Kyoto. I’m not sure specifically which ones you are interested in but the geisha and kabuki performances are in Gion and very close together. Bunraku can be seen at the National Theatre in Osaka which is one hour away by train.

2. I’d guess that travel between attractions would be your biggest challenge and that travel by taxi would be the most convenient travel mode (although it can be a little pricey).

   This website has some good general info and some useful links at the end:
   [https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2301.html](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2301.html)

3. I think your biggest obstacle might be the flight in to and out of Japan. 10+ hour flight is so taxing to the body.

   Once you are in Japan, you will be mostly fine. There are a lot of elderly in Japan and things are built considering them. But you may face a problem if you suddenly need a medical care or other help that are not related to tourism, due to the language barrier.

   I think I would recommend you Kyoto. Kyoto is relatively small and a lot of tourist attractions are close to each other. [Philosopher’s path](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3906.html) is one of more well known sakura spot.

4. Kyoto and Osaka would make more sense all things considered.

   Although I would suggest Kyoto Botanical Garden, Kyoto Gyoen, Toji temple, Arashiyama, or even Ninnaji or Maruyama Park rather than Philosopher’s Path for people who are mobility impaired. If OP wants to enjoy Hanami at his own pace; Kema Sakuranomiya Park or Osaka-jo in Osaka also should work.

   For the performing arts: eg. National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka or Kyoto Kanze Noh Theatre should work.

5. Best to arrange a private taxi tour in Kyoto. There are even wheelchair accessible cabs/tours you can find if you do some googling but it sounds like you just need a regular cab. By reserving a private tour you can set your route and not have to worry about queueing up in taxi lines during the busy Sakura season in Kyoto.

   – [Mk Cabs: Private Tour ](https://www.mktaxi-japan.com/single-post/2017/03/31/more-kyoto-for-less-time-private-car-tour-airport-transfer-service-mk-taxi-private-tour)
   – [Japan Accessible Tourism Center ](https://www.japan-accessible.com/tour/tour.htm)
   – [Accessible Japan ](https://www.accessible-japan.com)
   – [Wheelchair Accessible Sites in Kyoto ](https://www.accessible-japan.com/wheelchair-accessible-travel-destinations-and-tourist-attractions-in-kyoto/)