Twisted Ankle Before Traveling to Japan? A Comfortable 14-Day Japan Tour in a Wheelchair

In the spring of 2024, I received an email from the UK, from the Williams family - husband David, a financial analyst, wife Claire, a primary school teacher, and their 7-year-old daughter Emily.

They planned to travel to Japan in July, going west from Tokyo and experiencing the splendor of Mount Fuji, the ancient charm of Kyoto, the friendly deer of Nara, and the anime paradise of Osaka (Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto - Uji - Nara - Hiroshima - Osaka). However, just a week before their departure, Claire unfortunately twisted her ankle while jogging, and the doctor advised her to use crutches for at least three weeks.

Extra Arrangements for a Wheelchair and Private Vehicle

When David called anxiously, I could hear his worry - they didn't want to cancel their trip but were genuinely concerned that Claire's limited mobility would impact her experience. I understood their feelings. Difficulty walking during travel naturally causes anxiety, but we at Asia Odyssey Travel, with decades of experience in Japan, had a solution!

I quickly reassured them and, within a day, coordinated with suppliers to arrange an additional private vehicle to assist with transportation and ensure their travel was more comfortable. We also secured a wheelchair for their entire trip. As the rental company required them to return the wheelchair after a certain city, I also quickly contacted hotels in each destination of their itinerary to confirm if they could provide a wheelchair for continuous use over two weeks.

I proactively prepared photos of accessible routes at various Japanese attractions and sent them to Claire, allowing her to worry less about each stop along the way and feel more confident.

Their four days in Tokyo, smoothly visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market, and other sites, delighted them. Every evening after the day's itinerary, I would receive enthusiastic feedback from Claire: "Thank you for being so considerate. The wheelchair and private vehicle are very comfortable."

Entering the main hall of Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple, moving between floors near the massive crowds of Shibuya Crossing, freely sampling sashimi, sushi, or seafood rice bowls at Tsukiji Fish Market - my "accessibility photo collection" clearly helped her, and the local guide was also very responsible in using the private vehicle to move between attractions.

I was so pleased that their Japan tour had a wonderful start!

Realizing Traditional Ryokan and Private Onsen Experience

They had always dreamed of staying in an authentic Japanese ryokan and experiencing tatami mats, paper sliding doors, and the inn's onsen (hot spring bath). However, traditional ryokans often require removing shoes and sitting on the floor, which could be inconvenient for someone with limited mobility.

I specifically found an onsen ryokan in Hakone with excellent accessibility facilities. The room had Western-style beds, the bathroom had handrails, and there was even a private outdoor onsen, allowing Claire to enjoy soaking without worrying about the inconveniences of a public bath.

That evening, David sent a photo - Emily was wearing a yukata and sitting on a wooden stool by the onsen, soaking her feet, while Claire leaned against the edge of the pool, smiling as she gazed at the distant mountain silhouettes. David said, "This was a relaxing day."

Making Every Effort to Achieve Original Itinerary

According to the original plan, they wanted to ascend to the 5th station of Mount Fuji at an altitude of 2350 meters to admire the mountain, but considering Claire's foot injury and fear of heights, we went to Oshino Hakkai at the foot of the mountain instead. The clear ponds reflected Mount Fuji beautifully, Emily crouched by the water counting koi carp, and Claire sat in her wheelchair, chatting with the elderly lady selling herb rice cakes using gestures, even receiving a bag of handmade plum candies before they left.

In Kyoto, even with the throngs of people at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they successfully completed their visit. Emily mimicked the monks by gently sweeping fallen leaves with a broom, while Claire sat on the veranda, quietly admiring the scenery. They also enjoyed exploring the Japanese markets in their free time, buying various snacks – takoyaki, matcha dango, tamagoyaki – and setting up a mini family party at a nearby teahouse. Emily's scrunched-up nose when she tasted wasabi for the first time made Claire burst out laughing.

Their final stop was Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. I contacted the park in advance to confirm wheelchair accessibility and suitable rides for Emily. Although Claire couldn't go on the thrilling rides, she sat in front of Hogwarts Castle, watching her daughter wave her wand, her eyes full of contentment.

At the airport on their return journey, Emily hugged a Pikachu plushie bought at Universal Studios, while Claire handed me a handwritten postcard with a photo of their family in front of Mount Fuji.

David wrote: "We were extremely happy with the planning/booking stage. We had lots of demands for what we wanted to cover and, for the most part, we got what we wanted. In particular, my wife injured her foot a week before travel which significantly reduced her mobility. We had feared that we might have to cancel but Abby came through with organising additional private vehicles and guides plus access to a wheelchair. Without this, I am not sure we could have done the trip. We truly appreciate the effort to make these accommodations at such short notice."

A few months later, I received their Christmas card - the photo showed a ukiyo-e print they bought in Kyoto hanging on their living room wall, and a small Nara deer figurine on the coffee table.

True travel customization involves not just arranging attractions but also understanding each family's needs, turning unexpected events into another beautiful possibility. Whether it's admiring Mount Fuji from a wheelchair, enjoying a private onsen, or visiting places they initially thought were "impossible" but ultimately became cherished memories - the warmth of the details is the most interesting part of our Asia Odyssey Travel trips.