[2026 Latest] Top 20 Discounts and Services Using Disability Certificates! Smart Ways to Utilize Them Explained

Are you unsure of how to make use of your disability certificate once you have it? Many people might feel this way.

In fact, many everyday services and items you use can be discounted or enhanced with a disability certificate.

This time, we will explain 20 selected discounts and services available with a disability certificate.

Some of the services might surprise you, making you think, "Can I use my disability certificate for this too?" So, please read until the end.

1. What is a Disability Certificate?

A disability certificate is a system that allows individuals with disabilities to receive various discounts and services aimed at promoting their active participation in society.

There are three types: Physical Disability Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, and Rehabilitation Certificate, commonly referred to collectively as disability certificates.

Individuals with disabilities may face higher economic burdens than those without, due to regular medical visits.

Additionally, they may encounter social barriers such as reduced opportunities to go out or unequal access to services.

To ensure that disabilities do not lead to increased economic burdens or loss of social participation opportunities, the government and local authorities have established systems, and private companies offer unique discount services in line with these systems, which is a characteristic of the disability certificate.

If you want to know how to obtain a disability certificate, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

2. Who is Eligible for Disability Discounts and Services?

Disability discounts are generally available to the person who holds the disability certificate.

To receive a disability discount, it is common to present the disability certificate.

In some cases, accompanying persons or caregivers may also be eligible for discounts.

Depending on the type of discount or service, eligibility may be limited to certain categories of disabilities, such as "physical disabilities" or "severe disabilities only".

However, some services may not be available depending on the grade of the disability, so caution is necessary.

When receiving discounts or services, make sure to confirm whether your type and grade of disability are eligible.

3. 20 Discounts and Services Available with a Disability Certificate

Here, we explain the contents of discounts and services available with a disability certificate, focusing on the types and grades of disabilities that qualify.

Please note that the discount rates and service contents may slightly vary depending on the company or business.

3-1. Tax Reductions

With a disability certificate, you can receive reductions on the following taxes.

• Income Tax
• Resident Tax
• Inheritance Tax
• Non-taxable benefits under the Mental and Physical Disability Support System
• Non-taxable Gift Tax
• Non-taxable interest on small savings
• Automobile Tax

Additionally, family members supporting a person with a disability may also be eligible for tax exemptions.

For information on the requirements for being a dependent while receiving disability pension, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

3-2. Medical Expense Assistance System

Depending on the grade of the disability certificate, you may be eligible for partial assistance with medical expenses under the "Severe Disability Medical Expense Assistance System".

The eligible grades and types of certificates vary by municipality, but in Himeji City, for example, those holding any of the following certificates are eligible.

• Physical Disability Certificate Grade 1 or 2
• Rehabilitation Certificate A Rating
• Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate Grade 1

Additionally, being enrolled in medical insurance and having a household income within the income limit are conditions.

Reference: Assistance for Medical Expenses for Severe Disabilities and Elderly Severe Disabilities｜Himeji City

Even without a certificate, there is a system called "Self-Reliance Support Medical Care" where medical expenses are generally 10% of the cost, so please refer to this article as well.

Reference:

3-3. Employment Support Services

To utilize employment transition support services that assist people with disabilities in finding jobs, a "Disability Welfare Service Recipient Certificate" is required.

The issuance of this certificate requires having a disability certificate, receiving self-reliance support medical care, or a doctor's diagnosis.

The grade of the disability certificate does not matter as long as you possess it.

In other words, a disability certificate can be considered one of the passports to receiving employment support services.

Additionally, you can apply for jobs under disability employment, allowing you to find job opportunities that suit your disability.

Ayumi also provides information about employment support systems for people with disabilities, so please refer to it.

Reference Category: Disability Employment/Employment Support

3-4. Discounts on JR and Private Railway Fares

Railway operators, including JR, offer disability discounts.

The eligible disability certificates are those with "Passenger Railway Company Passenger Fare Reduction Column" marked as Type 1 or Type 2.

The discount rate is often half, following JR's 50%, and season tickets are also eligible.

Here are some private railways operating in Tokyo that offer disability discounts.

• Odakyu Line
• Tokyo Metro
• Keio Electric Railway
• Keisei Electric Railway, etc.

Recently, the introduction of Suica for people with disabilities has made it smoother to pass through ticket gates.

Reference: Guide to Suica for People with Disabilities｜JR East

Ayumi also publishes articles about traveling on the Shinkansen, so please refer to them as well.

Reference:

3-5. Discounts on Airfares

Major domestic airlines ANA and JAL offer disability discounts.

The discount rate varies depending on the class of the seat, ranging from 25% to 50%.

The discount applies to those aged 12 and over who hold any of the following certificates, regardless of grade.

• Physical Disability Certificate
• War Injury Certificate
• Rehabilitation Certificate
• Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate

Additionally, one caregiver aged 12 or over flying on the same flight is also eligible.

The discount is limited to domestic flights, and currently, it does not apply to international flights, so be cautious.

Besides JAL and ANA, the following LCCs (Low-Cost Carriers) also offer disability discounts.

• Skymark
• Solaseed Air
• Star Flyer
• AIR DO
• Fuji Dream Airlines

Each airline also offers services such as boarding support for those with physical disabilities and free wheelchair storage, allowing for a comfortable air travel experience.

Reference: Discount Usage Guide｜JAL
Reference: About Disability Discount Fares (Domestic Flights)｜ANA

3-6. Discounts on Bus and Taxi Fares

Many bus companies offer a 50% discount on fares with a disability certificate.

For example, Hankyu Highway Bus offers a half-price discount on all routes for those holding a "Physical Disability Certificate" or "Rehabilitation Certificate".

Those holding a "Physical Disability Certificate" or "Rehabilitation Certificate" with the passenger railway company fare reduction column marked as "Type 1" or "Type 2" can receive a 50% discount on regular fares (rounded to the nearest 10 yen).
For "Type 1" holders, one caregiver (limited to the same flight and section) also receives a 50% discount.
* The same applies when presenting a "Mirairo ID".
Source: Discounts for People with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities｜JR Bus Kanto Co., Ltd.

Additionally, those holding a Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate may receive a discount on limited routes, but only for themselves.

When using a taxi, a 10% discount is generally available with a Physical Disability Certificate or Rehabilitation Certificate, but the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate may not be eligible depending on the taxi company, so confirm before boarding.

Ayumi also publishes articles about welfare taxis, so please refer to them as well.

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3-7. Discounts on Highway Tolls

Highway toll discounts offer a disability discount of up to 50% per vehicle.

The eligible certificate types are Physical Disability and Rehabilitation Certificates, with the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate being ineligible.

To receive the discount, prior vehicle registration and application are required, so please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Additionally, regarding automobiles, disability discounts are available for obtaining a driver's license and gasoline costs, so why not expand your range of activities by car while making good use of them?

Reference:

3-8. Discounts on Ferry Fares

Shipping companies offer discounts of 50% to 60% with a disability certificate.

For example, the Pacific Ferry, which connects 1,330 km between Tomakomai, Sendai, and Nagoya, offers a 50% discount on the basic fare for those holding a disability certificate, regardless of grade.

Additionally, one caregiver also receives a 50% discount, making it quite affordable to enjoy a sea voyage.

Depending on the type of ship, barrier-free rooms may be available for reservation, so it is recommended to inquire in advance.

Reference: Guide to Various Discounts｜Pacific Ferry Co., Ltd.

3-9. Discounts on Accommodation Fees

Unfortunately, there are very few companies offering disability discounts on accommodation fees.

This is because whether or not to offer a disability discount is at the discretion of the business operator, and if the financial situation is tight, they may not have the capacity to introduce discounts.

However, "Kyukamura", operated by the National Park Resort Villages Association, offers disability discounts.

Kyukamura is a hotel chain located in 35 locations nationwide, serving as resort areas in natural environments such as national parks.

It was established in 1961 under the supervision of the Minister of the Environment and was privatized in 2004.

The disability discount at Kyukamura provides a discount of 1,650 yen per night per person.

For detailed information on eligible disability certificates and other discount details, please visit the Kyukamura website.

Reference: Disability and Barrier-Free｜National Park Resort Villages Association

Ayumi also provides information about barrier-free inns and hotels, so please refer to this category as well.

Reference Category: Travel/Tourism

3-10. Discounts on Theme Park Admission

Disability certificates can be used not only for daily discounts but also in the "leisure" sector, such as theme parks.

For example, at Tokyo Disneyland, discounts are available regardless of the grade or type of disability if you have a certificate.

The discount is approximately 20% off the regular price, and the price varies depending on the day of admission.

• Adult ¥6,500 - ¥8,700
• Junior ¥5,300 - ¥7,200
• Child ¥3,800 - ¥4,400

Reference: 1-Day Passport (For People with Disabilities)｜Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

Additionally, one accompanying person can purchase at the same price as the person with a disability.

Ayumi also publishes articles about attractions and other information at Tokyo Disney Resort, so please refer to them.

Reference:

Next, here are the details of the disability discount at Universal Studios Japan.

Reference: Universal Studios Japan｜Let's Go with a Disability Certificate! - Nationwide Edition

General prices fluctuate depending on the day of visit, but disability discounts are sold at a fixed price regardless of the day.

Note that there is no disability discount for seniors aged 65 and over.

Universal Studios Japan also applies the discount to the person with a disability and one accompanying person.

For barrier-free information, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Additionally, at Immersive Fort Tokyo, which opened in 2024, while there is no discount for the person with a disability, there is a discount for accompanying persons.

If you have any of the following disability certificates, one accompanying person can enter for free with a 1-day pass (regardless of adult or child).

• Physical Disability Certificate
• Rehabilitation Certificate
• Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate
• Atomic Bomb Survivor Certificate
• War Injury Certificate
• Specific Medical Expense (Designated Incurable Disease) Recipient Certificate

Here, an accompanying person refers to someone who is mentally and physically healthy and an adult.

The "one accompanying person free" applies only to the 1-day pass, and is not applicable to paid attraction tickets or other tickets.

People with a disability certificate should purchase their own 1-day pass and present the original disability certificate to the staff at the entrance on the day.

Accompanying persons do not need to purchase a 1-day pass but must enter together with the person holding the disability certificate.

Reference: Frequently Asked Questions｜IMMERSIVE FORT TOKYO｜Katana Immersive LLC

For more detailed information about Immersive Fort Tokyo, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

3-11. Discounts on Sports Facilities and Spectating

In municipal sports facilities, presenting a disability certificate may result in discounted usage fees.

For example, at "Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium" in Shibuya, Tokyo, the usage fee and parking fee are free with a disability certificate.

Reference: Usage Guide｜Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium

Additionally, when watching sports events such as "Yokohama FC" or "Shimizu S-Pulse", disability discounts apply, and special wheelchair seats can be reserved as a feature.

Reference: Wheelchair Seats and Disability Discount Sales｜Yokohama FC
Reference: Watching for People with Disabilities｜S-Pulse Co., Ltd.

3-12. Discounts at Museums

Exhibitions at museums and galleries can also be viewed at a discount with a disability certificate.

At the "Tokyo National Museum" in Ueno, Tokyo, admission is free for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Additionally, barrier-free information is provided within the museum, allowing for a worry-free visit even with a wheelchair.

Reference: Barrier-Free Information and Barrier-Free Map｜Tokyo National Museum

Since exhibition contents may vary by season, it might be enjoyable to regularly check for exhibitions of interest.

3-13. Discounts at Movie Theaters

Disability discounts at movie theaters often apply if you have a certificate, regardless of grade.

For example, at "TOHO Cinemas" nationwide, presenting a disability certificate reduces the regular adult fee for the person and one caregiver to 1,000 yen.

Additionally, TOHO Cinemas allows the use of the Mirairo ID disability certificate app.

Reference: What Disability Certificates Qualify for Discounts?｜TOHO Cinemas Co., Ltd.

3-14. Discounts on Karaoke Fees

Some karaoke chain stores offer discounts if you present a disability certificate, regardless of grade.

At Big Echo, presenting a certificate provides a 50% discount on room fees until July 31, 2024. From August 1, 2024, the total amount, including room and food charges, will be discounted by 30%.

Additionally, at Jankara, senior rates apply, and discounts are extended to up to two caregivers at the same price.

At Round One, presenting a certificate allows usage at member prices.

Reference: Disability Certificate Special Discount｜Karaoke Big Echo
Reference: About Store Use｜Jankara
Reference: Frequently Asked Questions｜Round One

3-15. Discounts on Water Bills

Eligibility for water bill discounts varies by municipality and the type of disability certificate.

For example, in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, the eligible disability certificates are as follows.

• Physical Disability Certificate Grade 1 or 2
• Rehabilitation Certificate "A"
• Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate Grade 1
• People holding both a Physical Disability Certificate Grade 3 and a Rehabilitation Certificate "B1"

Reference: Reduction of Water and Sewerage Usage Fees｜Nishinomiya City

Water bill discounts generally apply to those holding relatively severe disability certificates.

The reduction amount varies depending on the diameter of the water meter, so it is necessary to inquire with the water and sewerage department.

3-16. Discounts and Services at Post Offices

For certain postal items designated by the post office, shipping fees may be free or reduced.

For example, Braille postal items and specific recorded items for visually impaired persons, classified as fourth-class postal items, are free up to a weight of 3 kg.

Additionally, there is a service called "Blue Bird Postcard Free Distribution", where 20 postcards are distributed free of charge to people with severe intellectual or physical disabilities every April to May.

Reference: Blue Bird Postcard Free Distribution｜Japan Post

3-17. Discounts on Mobile Phone Bills

The three major carriers, docomo, au, and SoftBank, offer discounts on mobile phone bills with a disability certificate.

Additionally, administrative fees for contracts and device changes are often waived.

The discount amount varies depending on the plan and contract details, so check at the service counter.

3-18. NHK Reception Fee Reduction

NHK offers full or half exemptions of broadcast reception fees based on the "Japan Broadcasting Corporation Broadcast Reception Fee Exemption Standards".

The specific exemption criteria are as follows.

[Full Exemption]
If any of the household members has a disability certificate and all household members are exempt from municipal tax

[Half Exemption]
If the household head and reception contract holder meet any of the following criteria:

• Visual or hearing impairment (holders of a Physical Disability Certificate)
• Severe disabilities

Reference: I Want to Know About Reception Fee Exemption Based on Disability｜NHK

The definition of severe disabilities includes holders of a Physical Disability Certificate Grade 1 or 2, those with a Rehabilitation Certificate indicating severe judgment, and those with a Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate Grade 1.

The exemption application involves obtaining "certification" or "confirmation" from your local government and sending the necessary documents to NHK.

3-19. Discounts on Delivery Services

Cooperative societies (co-ops) offer discounts or free delivery fees with a disability certificate.

In addition to food, some services deliver bento boxes.

Businesses offering disability discounts on delivery services include the following.

• Co-op
• Palsystem
• Radish Boya

The target is households with family members holding a disability certificate.

However, delivery areas and discount rates vary by business, so be sure to confirm before ordering.

Reference: For People with Disabilities｜Japan Consumer Cooperative Union
Reference: Palsystem Fees and Reduction System｜Palsystem Tokyo Consumer Cooperative
Reference: Radish Smile Support｜Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd.

3-20. Discounts on Cleaning Fees

"Usachan Cleaning", which operates over 495 stores mainly in eastern Japan as of January 2024, offers a 20% discount on cleaning fees with a disability certificate.

When using the service, present the disability certificate before the reception.

Note that special items such as shirts, futons, and carpets are excluded, so be cautious.

Reference: Guide to Cleaning Fee Discounts with Disability Certificate Presentation｜Royal Network Co., Ltd.

By utilizing a disability certificate, you can access many services. Among Ayumi's associates and collaborators, there are people with disabilities.

They often express that "having a certificate allowed me to travel, which I had given up on" and "reduced economic anxiety enabled me to take on new challenges", making it a valuable tool.

4. Three Points for Utilizing a Disability Certificate

Here are three points to make the most of your disability certificate.

• Make your disability certificate even more convenient by digitizing it! (Mirairo ID)
• What are the convenient sites for finding disability discounts?
• Ultimately, whether to utilize a disability certificate is up to the individual

Let's delve into these points in detail.

4-1. Digitize Your Disability Certificate for Added Convenience!

Released by Mirairo Inc. on July 1, 2019, "Mirairo ID" is an app that allows you to digitize your disability certificate.

Reference: Mirairo ID｜Mirairo Inc.

By registering your disability certificate information in the app and presenting it, you can receive disability discounts at affiliated companies and transportation facilities.

Mirairo ID also includes features for finding places where the app can be used and purchasing online tickets at discounted prices.

As of July 2024, Mirairo ID is usable at 4,010 businesses, so if you have a disability certificate, be sure to take advantage of it.

Ayumi also publishes articles explaining the convenient use of Mirairo ID, so please refer to the following articles.

Reference:

4-2. Introducing Convenient Sites for Finding Disability Discounts

"Let's Go with a Disability Certificate!" is a site that compiles places and discount information where a disability certificate can be used.

As of July 2024, approximately 17,200 pieces of information are compiled nationwide, and you can search for facilities by the 47 prefectures.

The sister site, "Barrier-Free Information - Nationwide Edition", aggregates and publishes barrier-free information nationwide for people with physical disabilities and the elderly.

Another site worth mentioning is the discount information site "Sotoiko" with a Disability Certificate GO!

This site allows you to search for disability discounts by keyword and provides detailed information on tax reductions and exemptions available with a disability certificate.

Both sites are operated with the aim of supporting the outings and social life of people with disabilities.

Reference: Let's Go with a Disability Certificate! - Nationwide Edition｜General Incorporated Association Shishin
Reference: Barrier-Free Information - Nationwide Edition｜General Incorporated Association Shishin
Reference: Disability Certificate GO! Discount Information Site "Sotoiko"｜F&P Corporation

4-3. Whether to Utilize a Disability Certificate is Up to the Individual

Ultimately, whether to obtain a disability certificate or receive discounts and services is up to the individual's discretion.

For example, if there are circumstances or situations where you do not want to present a disability certificate, you will not receive a discount, but it is not a problem if you choose not to present it.

Additionally, while a disability certificate is necessary for disability employment, you can also apply for general employment.

In this way, whether or not to utilize a disability certificate is left to the individual's discretion, so refer to the discounts and services introduced here and present it in appropriate situations to make the most of it.

If you feel like going out or traveling using a disability certificate, why not visit the stores recommended by Ayumi?

Reference: List of Ayumi Recommended Stores

5. Conclusion

This time, we have explained the discounts and services available with a disability certificate.

Discounts and services with a disability certificate are essential systems for promoting the social participation of people with disabilities.

They not only reduce economic burdens but also have the potential to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

The author hopes that more companies will allow the use of disability certificates in the future.